Today I am ashamed of my country and I am ashamed to be an American. I apologize to all those young women and little girls out there who will not get equal pay for their knowledge and skills. I apologize to every one who is different, who has a physical disability like Little Buddy, or a disability that is not as obvious. I want to tell you that you deserve a President that fights for you not mocks you. I apologize to all minorities and to those who have a different religious belief, you deserve to be treated better. I apologize to any and everyone who loves someone of the same sex, or feels they were born in the wrong body, your life is going to be more difficult if that is even possible. I apologize to the environment, you are about to take a huge hit that you will never be able to comeback from. I apologize to every woman who has been touched or treated inappropriately, I am one of those people and I find this horrific. I apologize to those hard workers in this land that deserve a decent minimum wage, I know many of you are single mothers trying to support your children. You must be devastated. I apologize to the millions of people who will now lose their healthcare. It may not have been a perfect system but at least there was a way to get those who need it the healthcare they deserve. I apologize to the world, believe me when I say that all Americans are not like this, yet this is who you are going to think we are. Some of us want equal rights for all. Some of us think that Washington needs to change but believe this is not the answer. I am not proud of my country, rather feel sickened that people voted and thought all of this and much, much more is okay. I am sickened by the standards we are setting and those that our children and their children will have to live with.
I picked up Little Buddy this morning and apologized to him for the world he is going to live in. A world that Americans think is okay.
I picked up Little Buddy this morning and apologized to him for the world he is going to live in. A world that Americans think is okay.
I feel so sick this morning...
ReplyDeleteI mourn our country with you.
Oh Meredith, you were the first person I thought of when I turned on the radio and heard the result this morning because I had avidly read your previous post on American politics. I am really sorry about the devastating news. From over the pond... Jo xxxxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI hear the pain in every word you've written Meredith! But Americans like you give us all hope still x
ReplyDeleteOur stature in the world has been irreparably diminished. We are now the embodiment of the cliche "The Ugly American." Our country has taken a massive step backward and downward now, and as a woman, especially, I could not be more disheartened.
ReplyDeleteHe dishonours me and the Office.
He is the PT Barnum of politics, and he played so, so many like fools.
I'm still in shock and hoping he doesn't turn out to be as bad as he sounds.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written, sister. I share your feelings this morning. We must do everything we can to repudiate this man and work for love and peace and all that is good.
ReplyDeleteI love you.
I have no words to describe how devastated I am this morning. Your words are so true. How do we explain this to our children? I can't even explain this to myself. I am praying for our country!
ReplyDeleteI am proud to be an American citizen today and would never be ashamed of my country. the average working class have gone to the polls-or as we were named deplorables-I am not a deplorable person I love my country and am proud to live in a country that is free and has a voice
ReplyDeleteEverything you said. I'm so shocked and dismayed that hate won. Hopefully, things won't get as bad as we fear.
ReplyDeleteDevastating news from across the pond, I am so sorry Meredith. I was saddened to wake up to the news that one of the most powerful and influential democracies is going to be led by a man driven by his own interests only, at the cost of millions. Wishing you strength and determination for the time ahead. xxx
ReplyDeleteI was shocked when I woke up and checked my phone this morning, it is very sad news for many people. We feel it here strongly in Canada as well. I. as many wanted Hillary to become president.
ReplyDeleteLisa
I too thought of you and Little Buddy when I heard the news this morning. Sending you a hug and hoping and praying it will not be as bad as you think. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked too, nearly every American I know and that includes my English cousin who has lived in Oregon with her American husband for over 35 years were against this man, how on Earth did he win?. xx
ReplyDeleteAmerica doesn't know what it has done, electing a reality show star as the president. Unfortunately we will all suffer from this calamity.
ReplyDeleteI hear you Meredith. Please give Little Buddy an extra hug for me.
ReplyDeleteThe rudeness, the name-calling, the mocking, the racism, the misogyny--and it isn't like one can believe that people believe in his economic plan BECAUSE HE DOESN'T HAVE ONE. He never had to produce his tax records, bragged about not paying taxes, mocked his opponents, belittled everyone who questioned him, so the ONLY thing that his campaign was about was hate. And I am embarrassed to find so many people are capable of voting for that. Shame on us.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I feel this morning. Ashamed. I couldn't even write a post about it today. I had to delete the hopeful one I wrote after I voted yesterday and put up some pap to keep from going over the edge. When I was a college student I was grabbed by a man from behind in a dark parking lot who had bad intentions. I fought him off but I feel this morning the way I felt the morning after that happened. Violated.
ReplyDeleteHaving been through something similar in the UK I feel very sorry for anyone going through this. The rise of the hard right is no fun to live through.
ReplyDeleteWell said. I'm still in too much shock to say much. But I agree with every word you said. The ramifications of what is going to happen to our country makes me sick to my stomach. To elect someone that mocked and shamed almost every demographic is beyond belief. He has emboldened people that think women are there for the grabbing.. imagine a cabinet of Gingrich, Guliani, Christie and Palin? Imagine the new Supreme Court nominees? Imagine a woman in trouble having to sit in front a panel of 12 angry old men to beg for help in her personal crisis? Those are the thoughts going through my head.. and it's not heartening. Buckle up, we're in for a bumpy ride. Hugs, TK
ReplyDeleteA lot of us in the U.K. are extremely upset for all the Americans like yourself who did not vote for this horrible man.. We all have to keep fighting for a fairer world.
ReplyDeletePeople all over the world are mourning with you and still picking our jaws off the floor. The ramifications for Asia-Pacific could be profound. On the other hand, as Barack Obama said,the machine of government is bigger than one person. My blind hope is to have faith that Trump's extreme ideas will be defeated or at the very least moderated by forces bigger than him. A new world order created by American policy changes may provide opportunities for other nations to grow while Trump puts up walls, tariffs and cuts international trade deals. I feel for you Meredith as we would be feeling the same way. I still keep thinking, as my radio confirms the news, that I must be still dreaming! This can't really be happening? ???
ReplyDeleteSad, sad day for America and the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of you and have cried and cried.
I'm getting up there in age and I doubt I will ever feel as I once did before last night.
Sad and mourning....
A very very dark day for the whole world.
ReplyDeleteIs he going to Dallas anytime soon ? ? ?
Meredith, I'm so sorry, as you know. It's a dark day indeed. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe it happened. There is no need for you to apologize. Any person who lives outside of the US, but has travelled there and spent time with the wonderful, warm, welcoming people that make up the majority of the citizenry knows that what happened last night is not representative of many, many Americans. Give Little Buddy a hug, and try to remember that the good news in four years you get to vote again.
ReplyDeleteI am scared and sad at the same time!!
ReplyDeleteLike Jo, I thought of you and your family Meredith when I heard the news this morning. Reading your words tonight brings a lump to my throat and my thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
ReplyDeleteBIg big hugs. Im praying for us all
I could not agree with you more. My heart is heavy and fearful of what is to come.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly unbelievable! We can only hope that he doesn't turn out to be as bad.
ReplyDeleteYou've nailed it, Meredith. One thing that sticks in my mind is that he made statements and promises but never revealed a plan. Let's see. He may create his own demise.
ReplyDeleteJane
Amen.
ReplyDeleteAh Meredith, you were on my mind yesterday, hugs to you all. Remember you are making a difference by bringing up your boys up to be kind, respectful and considerate. That my dear will help make a difference in the future. Take care poppet x
ReplyDeleteThe more I read the more I feel sorry for all Americans I know you are not all like that but unfortunately the ones who like that were thrones who voted I just hope you are going to be allowed to continue to speak out without fear because I feel you won't be able to and your constitutional rights will be taken from you over the next couple of years take care of your family and show them how the world should be if all mother's do this thing's will come right love
ReplyDeleteThe pain of this nightmare is almost beyond endurance; there isn't any way to get away from this awful reality. How anyone could think this crude, vile despicable man (?) could change anything for the better is more than a mystery, it is the twisted evil in human souls. those who truly want good things need the comfort of kindred spirits. So grateful for people like you and your family including Claudia and Don. Dianne
ReplyDeleteFeeling for you and your family Meredith and my dear friends in California. There are many loving people in America as there are here in the UK. My belief is always that light will overcome darkness eventually.
ReplyDeleteYou are not the one who should be apologizing. I know that you have a big heart and are a wonderful caring person. My thoughts are with you. XXX
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful post made me cry and in a strange way, I'm grateful the tears are finally flowing because I'd been feeling too sick to cry. I still cannot believe it!
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you and yours,
Greetings from the Windy City
I have to say, we were shocked at the outcome xx
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm ashamed that you are an American too! Your political party may not win every election cycle, but we are a country made up of several different parties and we together make up America. I'm disgusted that you would say such a thing on display here for the rest of the world to read. Tell how ashamed you are to be an American to all the soldiers' mothers that have been killed in serving this country made up of Democrats AND Republicans. Get your shit together, Meredith. I hope you reconsider and delete this emotionally-based post. Or I hope you leave the country and revoke your citizenship. I'll help you pack. Pammy Sue
ReplyDeleteThe world is certainly a different place today.
ReplyDeleteIt was a shock. But the leaders of the rest of the world are being very careful with their words. They are saying that they will talk to the President's advisers. No President can act on his own in a democracy. I think even he realises he has to work for everyone. Things will be tough. But we can all get through this.
ReplyDeleteWelllllllll, I shouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole.
ReplyDeleteEven though we differ tremendously on our views politically, I like the heck out of you. I think you are smart, creative, and passionate about your family and what you believe in As am I. I don't even pretend to know enough about politics to debate anyone. But I firmly believe that our country needs change. I don't know if that change will occur with our president elect, whom I did indeed vote for, but for me, I saw him to be the better candidate for what I want in the America I so love. I don't agree with, or condone, a good deal of what he says, or what he has said way before he had political aspirations. He often foolishly speaks before thinking. It bothered me immensely when he was caught saying things about women. But after searching my heart, even the stupid things he says, didn't bother me nearly as much as the things that his opponent has done. That's just me. I am not a bigot, and I have compassion for all.
I want to feel safe, above all else, I want to be safe from terrorists. I want to watch my grandchildren grow up. None of us can predict the future. I wish we had much better choices to in our candidates. But we didn't. As American citizens, I feel it is our duty to give the President, current or otherwise, our utmost respect. And I would feel the exact same way, had Clinton been elected. It is time to come together, as people, not affiliated with one party or another, for the betterment of our country. It is my sincerest hope that this will happen in time. I know that I will always be proud to America home. It isn't perfect. But it is great! I am a proud American, even when our country is going through difficult times. Kind of like when our children were naughty. They didn't make me proud in those moments, but I always love them!
I have many friends who don't see eye to eye with me. They are, and always will, remain my friends. You included. I hope you feel the same way about me.
xo Kris
You've given me the words. So well put! I've spent the last two days crying and so frustrated and even angry that people in this country would so flippently put us all in this horrible position. I'm having trouble functioning I'm so worried for the next four years.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Pammy Sue would like me to help her pack? Because words like that aren't welcome here. Move along, Pammy Sue. Your hateful rhetoric belongs elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteIt is a travesty. People who call themselves Christians and voted for this worthless being will have to answer at some point. And those who are so worried about terrorists...... well, they just voted one into office. He is a terrorist to all of us. His sordid and cavalier way of speaking to and about women ~ to the horrific displays he has put on when speaking about immigrants and people with disabilities ~ are despicable. Those who did NOT vote at all should be ashamed. And they are the ones who wrap themselves in the flag. If men and women go to war to fight for our right to our democracy and the right to vote ~ the least we can do is actually cast a ballot. Maybe someone should tell people they might not be able to vote,,,, and perhaps they will think about voting like they do their beloved guns. Oh, Meredith, it is such a sad sad situation. You have had much to grieve over in the past couple of years. I feel like this is something that millions of us are grieving over together. Hug little Buddy for all of us.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, Meredith. Know that many many of us, your neighbours to the north, are saddened by the divide in your country and by the results of this election. I pray that a kinder, gentler spirit will prevail in the days to come.
ReplyDeleteWed.. Was one of the saddest day for American!
ReplyDeleteGoodness gracious! It's appalling the way some people choose to express themselves. Pammy Sue is the one who definitely should be ashamed. I've lived overseas for 22 years and we are the laughingstock of the world. We say we are the greatest country and yet we just elected someone who is clueless, has zero political or military experience in addition to having a very limited vocabulary. I'm convinced that Republicans didn't nominate him because they thought he'd make a good president. They nominated him because the only way they could win was to have a "celebrity" on their ballot. I'm very embarrassed that this is where we are at in 2016. And this is the first time in 22 years that I don't even want to admit that I'm American. I'd rather be labeled "human" or "world citizen" ... it is humanity, kindness, tolerance, compassion and empathy that makes us great and that man did not radiate any of those qualities throughout the entire campaign.
ReplyDelete