inauguration day

For myself, and for many of my friends and family, today is going to be a very, very challenging day.  We are about to witness the inauguration of a man into the highest office one can hold, but it is a man that should not be there.  It is a man who proclaimed that it was ok to grab women by the pussy, ok to discriminate against muslims, ok to kick out millions of immigrants that have made America their home, ok to ignite a nuclear arms race, ok to discriminate, hate, assault, prey on women, ok to build a wall, ok to defund an organization that millions of women rely on for healthcare, ok to question years of science and facts regarding climate change, putting our planet and our future as humans in danger, ok use violence and fear to his advantage, and ok to treat anyone other than himself as a second class citizen.  Character aside, we are watching a man with no political experience enter this office.  A man with no clear policy.  A man that has declared bankruptcy in his own businesses, and cheated students and employees out of money.  A man that has taken advantage of everyone below him.  A man that has no regard for anyone other than himself.  He will now be running our country.

Now, more than ever, is a time to talk, fight, get involved.  I said this the day he got elected, and I will continue to say it.  Run for local office, donate to organizations you believe in, have conversations, educate yourself, and above all stand up for what you believe in and FIGHT.  We don't know what the next four years will bring, how can we?  We are in an unprecedented situation, and I truly, truly hope that my fears are proven to be wrong. But until they are proven wrong, it's time to stand up for the greater good. 

I write this from Paris, where I will be for the next week for work.  As disappointed as I was to not be able to attend the women's march on Washington, to not be in my beloved country amongst fellow Americans going through what I'm going through emotionally, I'm so lucky to be able to have these conversations with people other than Americans, people that still feel heartbroken, afraid, disappointed.  The feelings we are feeling are held by others around the world.  We are not alone in this, and the rest of the world is depending on us to stand up and fight. Fight for the US, and fight for the world. 

Today is going to be one of the most heartbreaking days I've ever lived.  I will watch, cry, fear, but I will also love, fight, embrace. I will stand up for what's right, because Donald Trump is not my president, and he never will be.

xx