Donald Trump will be our 45th United States President. Less than one month ago, such a statement would have been dismissed with incredulous laughter. Never before has a result been so shattering to American certitude; never again will we discount an underdog. This is no longer a joke, and this certainly is no dream; Trump will serve as commander and chief of the most powerful military in the world, determine the fate of our country’s reputation when he meets with foreign leaders, and elect government officials who will preside with him over America for the next four years. People worldwide sit stunned in despondent silence. Chaos ensues in the streets. Others emerge from their closets dressed in red caps and toting Trump signs. A single …show more content…
question burns in the mind of the cognizant world: how did the lifelong businessman, the reality TV star, the infamous preacher of intolerance, of all 324,964,000 U.S. citizens, come to lead a world-power established on the foundation of liberty? What Happened? Simply put, The Electoral College. According to The Wall Street Journal, Hillary Clinton now leads Trump by more than two million popular votes. Had the election been solely determined by this factor, Clinton would have easily earned the job. Unfortunately for Democrats, however, people actually vote for electors, not directly their choice for president. In a process (not a place) known as the electoral college, each state is worth a fixed number of points, called electoral votes, that are representative of its population. For example, if popular vote determined a candidate most popular in California, said candidate would earn 55 electoral votes. Meanwhile, if the same candidate also received the most popular votes in Wyoming, a state significantly smaller than California in population, he or she would obtain only three electoral votes. Out of 538 U.S. Electors, 270 electoral votes are required to win an election. In the case of the 2016 Election, Clinton won by a landslide in the most populated states. However, because the point-value of each state is fixed, the margin of victory by which a candidate wins in the current U.S. electoral system is completely irrelevant. Clinton could win by one vote in California, or she could win by eight million, and in either scenario she’d earn the same value of 55 electoral votes because of the Electoral College’s winner-takes-all structure. Trump won because he narrowly earned the electoral votes of decidedly more states than Clinton. Understanding this, many begin to wonder what factors convinced traditionally Democratic states to sway slightly in the direction of Donald Trump. According to CNN Journalist and historian Stephanie Coontz, one answer may lie within the white working class of the midwest: “The last time around, these voters comprised more than one third of the Americans who voted for Obama,” adding that “polls consistently show they oppose free trade, mistrust corporations and banks, and oppose cutting Medicare or Social Security,” all traditionally Democratic policies. Such a sudden shift in party loyalty may be a result of desperation. Since 1979, the wages of average working class jobs have declined approximately 30%. Stability and comfort once provided by such jobs for individuals deprived of significant educational opportunities is now virtually non-existent. Coontz speculates that Clinton’s decision to label Trump a bully rather than address the working class may have torpedoed her chances at presidency. She writes, “Throughout history, people with few educational or economic resources and little power have often looked to authoritarian, ruthless people to stand up for them. As one of Trump’s female supporters explained to a reporter, Trump is the kind of bully you get to beat up the people who have bullied you.” Trump’s Plans Unfortunately, for the majority of Californians, desperation leads to acts of selfishness. While the future for middle America may appear mildly improved, the western outlook, thanks to the newfound success of our President-Elect, has darkened. Aside from the shared anxiety of an increasingly divisive nation and the disturbing vindication of racist and sexist tendencies, 11 million illegal immigrants and their children are apprehensive about deportation, an issue mentioned several times on Trump’s list of first 100 day promises. When questioned about Trump’s illegal immigration policy, CV senior Giselle G. had this to say: “People who came here to give their kids a better life are gonna get deported. What’s going to happen to their kids who were born here? They can’t just stay here alone. They’re gonna have to leave with their parents and abandon all they’ve ever known, or otherwise be put in a foster home.” Giselle was quiet for a moment before adding, as an afterthought, “Trump has really divided our country. He plays on our fears and turns us against each other.” In addition to immigration “reforms”, other notable items excerpted from the President-Elect’s first 100 day plan as published on npr.org are as follows: Middle Class Tax Relief And Simplification Act. An economic plan designed to grow the economy 4% per year and create at least 25 million new jobs through massive tax reduction and simplification, in combination with trade reform, regulatory relief, and lifting the restrictions on American energy. The largest tax reductions are for the middle class. A middle-class family with 2 children will get a 35% tax cut. The current number of brackets will be reduced from 7 to 3, and tax forms will likewise be greatly simplified. The business rate will be lowered from 35 to 15 percent, and the trillions of dollars of American corporate money overseas can now be brought back at a 10 percent rate. School Choice And Education Opportunity Act. Redirects education dollars to give parents the right to send their kid to the public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home school of their choice. Ends common core, brings education supervision to local communities. It expands vocational and technical education, and make 2 and 4-year college more affordable. Repeal and Replace Obamacare Act. Fully repeals Obamacare and replaces it with Health Savings Accounts, the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines, and lets states manage Medicaid funds. Reforms will also include cutting the red tape at the FDA: there are over 4,000 drugs awaiting approval, and we especially want to speed the approval of life-saving medications. End Illegal Immigration Act. Fully-funds the construction of a wall on our southern border with the full understanding that the country Mexico will be reimbursing the United States for the full cost of such wall; establishes a 2-year mandatory minimum federal prison sentence for illegally re-entering the U.S. after a previous deportation, and a 5-year mandatory minimum for illegally re-entering for those with felony convictions, multiple misdemeanor convictions or two or more prior deportations; also reforms visa rules to enhance penalties for overstaying and to ensure open jobs are offered to American workers first. Restoring Community Safety Act. Reduces surging crime, drugs and violence by creating a Task Force On Violent Crime and increasing funding for programs that train and assist local police; increases resources for federal law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors to dismantle criminal gangs and put violent offenders behind bars. Protests Disagree with the justness of the American political process, the above plan, or the attributes of our soon-to-be national leader?
The fight may not be over.According to the New York Magazine, major protests are still well underway, and possibly even growing. Over 100,000 people have already planned to partake in a march on Washington, DC on January 21. Dana R. Fisher, a Maryland University sociologist, however, makes one thing abundantly clear: marching alone is not enough. If you’re looking to do more than just blow off anger, if you want to make an impactful change and effectively exercise your right to speak in an institution supposedly created by and for the people, then you must think deeper. In an interview with columnist Jesse Singal, Fisher advised: “It has to involve targeting the people in the Congress who are potentially sympathetic, but also likely causing disruptions. “It’s been a long time since we had the progressive movements engage in things like boycotts and sit-ins that have been effective. But I think those kinds of tactics need to be embraced along with peaceful marches. And I do think there’s going to be a place for civil disobedience, and I think that given the reality of the [predominantly Republican] Congress we’re about to see coming in, that’s the only way to get
attention.” In his article “Why Some Protests Succeed While Others Fail”, Singal expands on Fisher’s advice, emphasizing: “It will be vital for [the protestors] to activate people — to get them to continue chipping in their time and energy once they return home from wherever they came. Because Trump has aroused outrage that cuts across so many different areas — everything from reproductive rights to the environment to foreign policy to police reform.” Regardless of method, the most important thing to possess when protesting is a peaceful disposition. Displaying intolerance for a group you dislike because of their intolerance is highly hypocritical. Realize that the only enemy is ignorance, born from fear of the unfamiliar. Strive to learn and understand, and to in turn, enlighten. Tearing somebody else down won’t make you any bigger. Humans, although affected differently, all share the same emotions. In the end the choice is ours: we can live in fear and hate, or we overcome, learn, and love.
“The idea of a march on Washington seized the imagination of A. Philip Randolph, president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.” (Takaki,
When I entered the hall where the famous civil rights leader was going to speak, the crowd filing in reminded me more of a church congregation than of a university campus audience. The general mood had an air of formality about it and many people were dressed up for the occasion. Conversations were going on around me but in quiet, almost respectful tones as everyone located their seats. The surroundings at Smith Memorial Hall helped to set this formal mood, too, because the hall could be mistaken for a church with organ pipes in the background and flower arrangements set up on the podium. Unfortunately, any expectations that I had about Julian Bond giving a high-powered, energetic speech about the exciting days of the civil rights movement were fading fast even before the event got started, and I braced myself for a boring Friday night.
Filene refutes the point by explaining that those two values existed amongst the population as a whole and thus do not in any way distinguish progressives from anybody else. Filene further states that a heterogeneous fragmentation within the basic belief system of the progressives also contributed to its clear lack of continuity. Next, Filene attacks the irregular membership patterns of the progressive movement. He does capitulate that Hofstadter was correct in his evaluation of the profile of the average progressive, who was described as a uniformly middle class WASP.
Filene wrote “An Obituary for “The Progressive Movement”” in direct response to Hofstadter and other historians that there was never a Progressive ‘Movement.’ He argues that most historian are too caught up in defining Progressivism that they do not consider what it means for something to be a movement. He states that a social movement is a group acting to cause change or to stop change. Filene argues that there was never a movement, that society and progressives were too fractured to act as one group.
He mentions the very recent violence that occurred in Selma, Alabama; where African Americans were attacked by police while preparing to march to Montgomery to protest voting rights discrimination. Without mentioning this violent event that occurred a week prior, there would not be much timeliness to his argument, and it wouldn’t have been as effective. The timeliness of his argument gave the speech a lot more meaning, and it heightened the emotions of many who heard the address. He is appealing to the emotions of many American people, both Congressmen and ordinary citizens, to encourage them to support his cause. He reminds us of all of the Americans around the world that are risking their lives for our freedom. He refers to them as “guardians of our liberty.” He also address the problem as the whole nation should be concerned not just the north, the south, or the African American
Pollerd, Jake. "State Versus the Individual: Civil Disobedience in Brave New World." In Bloom, Harold, ed. Civil Disobedience, Bloom's Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea House, 2009. Bloom's Literary Reference Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com/acti velink2.asp?ItemID=WE54&SID=&iPin=BLTCD008&SingleRecord=True (accessed March 25, 2011).
Whatever the movement had accomplished, the most paramount tasks still lay ahead. We will not give up; we will continue to fight. We realize this is a never-ending struggle, yet we surge on, with hope and pride. For one day "we shall overcome."
Examining Trump’s rhetoric and past actions, it becomes clear that Trump’s ability to be the leader of America, especially in today’s already heated world climate, becomes questionable. When even the members of his own party refuse to endorse him and claim that he is not qualified to run a country, the general public needs to sit back and question his integrity. In Trump’s past, he has proven to be an insensitive, racist, greedy business man. Why would he prove to be any different once elected to office?
Before the debate began, I knew what to expect for the most part from both candidates, Donald Trump would bring his intensity and Hillary Clinton would show her political knowledge. I was very much on the side of Clinton before, during, and after the debate. Therefore, I will be slightly biased towards Donald Trump. Nevertheless, it is crucial for politicians to use persuasive techniques to enhance their speech to a wide audience, in this case the American people. Trump and Clinton differ tremendously in terms of what they believe is right for the United States. However, both candidates used persuasive techniques in the debate to try to influence the public of their legitimacy to be President of the United States. In the debate Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the 45th president and currently still our president. He is a well educated and wealthy man that had become the president of the United States. Donald Trump has been in office for awhile now and there has been a lot of hate or love for him. Based on his opinions and what he does as the presidents gives people their thoughts on Donald Trump. As a president he makes a lot of bold moves and does act out. He is a president that speaks his mind and has no remorse sometimes. Donald Trump fan base is huge. He is a very popular man on social media and in general. What makes him the popular man that he is today is based of his actions. Donald Trump's base of supporter is massive and continues to grow based off of what he does in office. Donald Trump is just outrageous and really speaks his mind when it
Activism is the practice of taking action in support or opposition of a cause or controversial issue (Activism). Millions March NYC is a New York City based activist coalition combatting the issues of police brutality, institutionalized racism, and an examination of the New York Police Department in order to ensure a better treatment of all New Yorkers, primarily focusing on the lives of members of vulnerable populations, particularly black lives. This is a coalition of young activists from various racial backgrounds who are demanding for the justice of the victims of police violence and police brutality. Right now, they are one of the many faces of activism in New York City and the surrounding areas. In the wake of recent cases
Homelessness is a condition of people without a regular residence. People who are homeless are usually unable to acquire and maintain regular, safe, secure, and adequate housing. Homeless people constitute a demographically diverse population, and the situation is a critical problem in United States. The homeless are known as “the wondering poor”, “sturdy beggars”, and “vagrants”. This condition often occurs due to poverty, but this is only one of many reasons a person can be homeless. In addition to poverty, homelessness occurs as a result of drugs, mental illness, disasters such as hurricanes, or even domestic abuse. It is not a criminal activity.
When people first stepped foot on American soil as pilgrims, and eventually established a great nation, it was known as the land of the free. Now, when you look at America, it is considered to be a nation of immigrants. Today, in 2014, we have Americans that are mad with immigrants trying to get into this country, as they are taking our jobs away from us. On the other hand, you have those Americans who yearn for their far off families and friends to come to America from other countries to pursue a better life and utilize the opportunities America offers which their current locations cannot. Why should we let these people into the country without forcing them to first go through all the proper legal actions? It’s great that
That is a well- known fact. His tenacity and impeccable negotiating skills are by far what has propelled him through various business ventures thus far. Some see this as a plus dealing with foreign leaders, being a general who will stick to his guns, never wavering on his beliefs. A Pitbull in a suit so to speak, who is not going to back down. That whole “You aren’t going to run over US, our president won’t let you” type of mentality provides many of his supporter’s security. Trump holds nothing back. His filter is nonexistent. Spewing venom that most people wouldn’t dare to approach. He is relentless and cunning. Though he has no ideology whatsoever, his fearless doggedness has appealed to many with pent up frustration and anger with no particular place to put it. Except in that little voting booth. Power was finally
Rhetoric, or the art of persuasion as defined by Aristotle, remains one of the most useful skills to master in life. It not only proves to be useful when formally writing an argument of some sort, but rhetoric also permeates the daily lives of every human being in his/ her communication skills, vocabulary, decision making, and much more. When specifically delivering a message as a fitting response to a rhetorical opportunity through speaking, writing, or some other means of broadcast, the speaker almost always keeps a rhetorical audience in mind to influence or change. For James M. Perrin, his fitting response “Children in Poverty” responded to the op-ed column “Progress in the War on Poverty”, written by Nicholas Kristof. The New York Times published both pieces in their newspaper and website. The rhetor’s argument consisted of the assertion that too many children currently suffer in the face of poverty and that budget cuts to federal support systems harm the potential for these children to succeed in life.