History is not a predictive science, so as a historian I can’t claim to have a crystal ball. But everything that I have learned from a lifetime of studying history tells me that we have just voted our democracy out of existence. Events will reveal the truth. I have never wanted to be proven wrong more in my life.
It is difficult to know what will be constructive to say in the face of this. To all of my friends, family, colleagues and students, whomever you voted for, I am thinking of you with love ❤️. Do not despair. Where there is life there is hope.
We face trying times ahead. We have given enormous power to a man who has proven that he has absolutely no scruples and is capable of recklessly gratuitous and intensely malicious, even horrific cruelty. There is no doubt that he will use his power destructively. The only real question is how much cruelty and destruction his supporters will tolerate (or demand).
How should we who oppose Trump respond? Firstly, we must respond PEACEFULLY. Violence is never the answer. Anger is understandable, even perhaps appropriate, but we must be nonviolent in expressing our outrage.
Secondly, we must remain engaged. The rule of law will be under assault. We have to actively use the freedom we have to keep the freedom to which we have a right. We have to stand by and protect one another, taking special care to defend those who are most vulnerable.
To my compatriots who voted for Trump, I wish I could congratulate you. I believe you have made a terrible mistake, and that we will all pay for it. I hope I am wrong, but the onus is on you to prove me so. I am committed to remaining peaceful and nonviolent. Are you? I will absolutely respect the rights and dignity of everyone who lives in this country. Will you? I dearly hope so, but like the old saw goes, “seeing is believing.”
