Some Americans are happy Donald Trump' was elected to the White House. But some are not. In fact they are seething. And they are acting out in counterproductive ways.
There is a movement to get rid of the Electoral College since Hillary Clinton is well ahead in the popular vote-no matter what you saw to the contrary online-while Trump handily won the electoral. But that's a nonstarter. The Electoral College is there for a reason and it's highly unlikely Americans will question the wisdom of the Founding Fathers in this case by amending the U.S. Constitution as would be required. There are even those who urge the electors to turn their backs on the system and elect Clinton anyway. Got some news for you: It's not going to happen. Nor should it. The integrity of our system is more important than any one election.
To most Trump supporters-and even some in Hillary's camp-it's all just sour grapes. They are pretty much right about that.
Thousands of those unhappy with the election have taken to the streets or gathered outside of buildings Trump owns. Most are just holding signs and chanting. But others
They have a right to express their views. Even to protest peacefully, though what these people think they're accomplishing is beyond me. But it makes no sense to do so by blocking streets, destroying property or engaging in any kind of violence. That's against everything this country stands for.
Oppose policies and programs. Speak out for or against issues. Circulate petitions and try to influence lawmakers. Go to court. That's real. These protests are nothing but show.
Basically, these folks are just confirming the right's stereotype that they are whiny, spoiled, entitled brats. It's not going to keep Trump from taking office. And it might turn off potential allies four years down the road.
I can imagine a lot of Trump supporters nodding in agreement. Well, don't pat yourselves on the back too heartily.
Many of you spent the last eight years trashing President Obama and his family. You raged and whined and took to name calling, making up false allegations and crafting bizarre conspiracies-anything you could do to try and undermine his presidency.
Now a lot of you are saying Trump won, get over it and give him a chance. I agree. But if you weren't saying that eight year ago, you really don't have much room to talk.
The Republicans in Congress were no better, by the way. Instead of trying to work with the president they adopted a strategy of just opposing everything he proposed. Democrats under President George W. Bush wrongly used the same strategy to some extent, though they didn't go all in like the GOP against Obama.
President Ronald Reagan-whom a lot of conservatives hold up as an icon-would have been disgusted. He believed in compromise for the greater good. He knew he had give up part of what he wanted in order to get the lion's share passed. And he was willing to do so because that's our system of government. He respected that.
Something else. Trump's foes may be out on the streets, but there were plenty of his supporters on social media talking about armed revolt should he lose the election-including some of my otherwise intelligent friends on Facebook.
You want to turn this country into a Banana Republic? Have an armed revolt and win. Because no matter what kind of government you install, some won't be happy. And they won't work within the system to effect change. They will take up arms. And if they win or lose, eventually another disgruntled group will do the same.
That's why those who wax nostalgic for the Civil War are clueless. The best thing to come out of that war is the South losing. It ensured we still have a United States of America, No telling where we would be if the South had won but you can bet we would not have evolved into the united superpower that defeated tyranny in World War I and World War II.
A bunch of yelling kids blocking the street is nothing compared to the prospect of Americans taking up arms against each other. And that's what it would come down to, because no matter how deeply you feel you are "saving" the county and the Constitution, there will be plenty of your friends, neighbors and even family on the other side. Most Americans don't agree with you and don't think you are what this country needs.
The way we save the Constitution is to follow the Constitution. There is an argument to be made that those in Washington don't always do that, but the Constitution provides for redress of grievances against the government. States, cities and individuals alike can take it to elected officials or the courts. But-and this is important-it does not guarantee you will win or be happy with the results.
Let me say that again: There is nothing in the Constitution so many of you claim to love that guarantees things will go your way. But in this country we work within the system the Founding Fathers set down, win or lose. If you decide to start shooting because you didn't get your way, then you aren't a patriot but an enemy of patriotism. And I don't care if you are on the right or left.
Both the left and the right claim to love America and respect the Constitution. But there are those on both sides willing to toss it aside and risk our liberty just so they can have their way.
That's not defending freedom. That's a sure way to destroy this nation.