From The Editor’s Desk: Keeping the Faith

A republic, if you can keep it. 

As I write this, it’s well past 2:30 a.m. and well, you probably know what happened. So, what now? I think first, as was suggested rather astutely by The Phoenix’s deputy sports editor, the goal should be to keep as level a head as possible. 

Whether or not your preferred candidate came out on top, it’s important we treat those around us with respect and carry on with civility. While we may not always agree with one another, if it’s a republic we hope to keep, all sides mustn’t castigate and demonize their fellow citizens.

Despite this, I’m struggling to keep my head anywhere near ground level. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified right now. We have just elected a man who has expressed his affinity for dictatorship — one who incited a violent insurrection seeking to interrupt the peaceful transfer of power — and who’s now set to assume the oval office. 

I’m scared, first as a son of a mother, but also as an advocate for equality and the enfranchisement of all. Despite the results tonight, there remains within my shattered psyche a small but important amalgam of hope. 

The U.S. is unique in that it was the first modern nation to be founded not around a shared identity or geographic locality, but instead an idea — everyone is created equal. 

It’s an understatement to call this a flawed country. But, just as we as citizens have a right to vote for our government officials, we have the right to organize and demonstrate against the actions of those same officials. 

While doing so may bring an added layer of unease in the wake of the president-elect’s repeated suggestions about how he will handle “the enemy within,” activists and advocates for justice can’t be deterred. Democracy isn’t a given, and despite it all, right now can’t be the time to check out and resign ourselves and our collective agency.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. But in these trying times it’s important we take care of ourselves, try to keep a level head and stay civically engaged. 

Deep in my heart, I do believe we shall overcome some day.