You can’t have it both ways

The electoral process for me has been as an observer. I have a green card and have lived in L.A, N.Y and Minnesota, and am married to an American. So I have watched this election from the sidelines, a spectator knowing I won’t be able to play, but had so much fun watching the game. When the campaigning began, I was so entertained. So were you. I couldn’t believe the comebacks that Donald Trump came up with, his incredible confidence and his beautiful family. I felt as thought Real Housewives of New York had come to life! The cattiness, the jokes, the glamor and the promises of change, why turn on Netflix or HBO? The newspapers and journalists had a field day. The shock value of the campaign was just too good. I was watching The Good Wife and Wolf of Wall Street all rolled into one: money, power, foul language and lies. I had never been one to follow politics, but now I was hooked. History in the making, I watched the presidential debates unfold with dismay.

As the months went on, less entertaining and more nail biting. When Trump was actually elected, the newspapers and t.v channels reflected utter disbelief. All the democrats, many of my friends drinking in sorrow, protesting and lamenting. What will we tell our children? The New York Times headlines a “stunning upset.” But I have to ask, why is everyone so shocked? Apparently Kim Kardashian is one of the most followed people on Instagram, so is it surprising then to have so many people follow Trump and then also vote for him? How can we criticize a candidate who has been crass, when one of our biggest female celebrities purges and objectifies herself at every opportunity?

Let’s be honest with ourselves, we don’t really care for virtues, strength in character or refinement. Formalities are just not important. We can pretend that it’s what’s on the inside that matters, and money is not important but the homeless people in L.A are still in the thousands, on the streets. And we still don’t have proper paid maternity leave.

Trump is a reflection of who we are. Three marriages later, his flaws and his mistakes, his cant manner, his lifestyle. It is an unfortunate club, but we are all in it together. Let’s not be so self righteous and act holier than thou. Don’t feign surprise that this happened. We lost our civility a long time ago. We live in a society where dogs are more entitled than children, the gym takes precedence or processed foods (whichever is your modus operandi). Money is sacred and G-d is on the back burner.

And now for better or worse, we have President Elect Trump, loud and boisterous representing us, the people. The majority voted for him. That is the beauty of a democracy. Is he an embarrassment to the country, to the sacred constitution and our founding fathers? Perhaps, but he reflects the worst and best of ALL of us. The upside is the reality show continues…