My Thoughts on Inauguration Day

Yes, I am still mad that the man who ascended to the highest office in our country rose to power by promoting hate and violence, and exploiting the fears of Americans. Yes, I understand democracy and I do not question the fact that he won the presidency, so save your explanations. Yes, I am still mad that a demagogue and a textbook racist will lead our country. I am still mad and I will not get over it. 

I am worried that he lacks the decency to show respect to human rights activists, lacks the willpower to avoid twitter wars with celebrities, and lacks the humility to trust the experts who are there to support him. I am worried he will normalize xenophobia, which is real and dangerous. I am worried he will threaten the equality of women, which has come so far, but still has a ways to go. I am worried that with he has immediate capabilities of launching nuclear warfare. I am worried he will ruin the families of mixed citizenship households. I am worried that Dreamers, who are doing so much for their communities, are at risk of deportation if the rights afforded to them through DACA are revoked. I am worried his Vice President will single handedly demolish the rights of the LGBTQ community and promote legislature that treats them like second class citizens. I am worried that his ignorance of science will irreparably damage our efforts to combat climate change and preserve a big, beautiful world for my grandchildren. I am worried that he promises to repeal and replace the ACA simultaneously, to preserve every dollar of Medicare, and even to ensure healthcare for all, but nominates a Secretary of Health who antagonizes all these efforts.

You will criticize me for not being American enough to hail my president, but his disregard of diversity and justice jeopardizes all that I believe in. You will criticize me for being a spoiled millennial, but know that I have struggled and every day I witness the struggles of my patients whose obstacles might resemble your worst nightmare. You will criticize me for being a privileged liberal, but know that I recognize my privilege as a highly educated physician, but refuse to allow the privilege I have to become blind to the consequences for those who lack it- those who lack the privilege of being white, the privilege of being male, being straight, being US born, being educated, being free of disability and illness. You will criticize me for not giving him a chance. 

Well I considered his first chance an an opportunity to “drain the swamp.” And look where that has left us. Education has been plagued with inequality since the beginning of time and his actions thus far will further worsen the disparity. The poor, the underrepresented minorities, those who live rurally, the first generation students, those with disabilities- they will suffer the most. He has nominated someone who will recklessly manage what little funding our schools have! He has nominated someone who believes guns belong in school! He has nominated someone who is disgustingly under qualified. And therefore he has already started to fail. He is allowing this woman to risk the lives and future of our children, knowing well that the vulnerable will suffer most. To hell with that!

Education is fundamental. When it is lacking, health is in danger. When it is lacking, opportunities dwindle. When it is lacking, justice isn’t served. 

So Mr Trump, don’t you dare make promises to your billionaire friends at the expense of your constituents, because as president, your allegiance is to all Americans. Don't you dare prey on the poor. Don’t you dare gamble with the fate of our children. 

I will pray for you, but I will also hold you accountable. I will respect you, when you have earned it. You will be my president, but I will not be a slave to the fear and hate you spread. If you endorse injustices, I will fight and resist every step of the way. 

Sincerely,
Sevy Gurule
A Female, a Physician, and a Force that believes in equality for all and is prepared to fight for it.