I understand that most of those in my Hispanic community are upset at the results of the presidential election, to say the least. It breaks my heart to see how divided our country has become. I felt compelled to voice my opinion about the future of our country. I write this with wholehearted respect for those who disagree with me. As President Obama iterated in his speech on Wednesday morning, “We’re not Democrats first, we’re not Republicans first. We are Americans first; we are patriots first.”

Ronald Reagan always referred to America as the “shining city on a hill.” I like to believe this is why my parents emigrated to this country from Mexico in 1986. We have long been the torchbearer of freedom for people around the world. Our founding principles of individual liberty, limited government, religious freedom and free enterprise have made us an exceptional nation. I’ve never felt oppressed in my life, and it has been a blessing to have been born and raised in this country. I care deeply about preserving those founding principles.

I was not a Donald Trump supporter during the Presidential primaries. I sought a strong and vibrant conservative movement that was optimistic, and I didn’t think Trump fit that. But after he received the nomination, it became clear to me his candidacy was much larger than Democrat and Republican. It was a movement that brought together Americans of all backgrounds and races (he won more Hispanic and Black votes than Romney’s 2012 bid) and restored unity at a time when many sought to burn the American flag and racial division seemed to be worse than at any point in recent memory.

I find it ironic that the same people who found it ridiculous when Trump refused to promise he would accept the results of the election at the last presidential debate are now refusing to accept the results of the election through rioting and by declaring Trump is not their president.

The presidential victory of Donald Trump is the direct result of an intolerant leftist ideology that is quick to label political opponents rather than engage in meaningful dialogue. Rhetoric was the story of this election. While Hillary Clinton called President-Elect Trump’s supporters “racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic,” etc., her opponent was talking to American voters about jobs, education, the restoration of American unity and a sense of patriotism. All the political pundits, late night talk show hosts, stand-up comedians, celebrities and fear-mongering Spanish talk show hosts who used their platforms to openly decry an entire segment of the American population simply because of their support for a presidential candidate helped Donald Trump get elected. In fact, I think they were more instrumental to his victory than his campaign staff. It turns out that if you call normal, freedom-loving, hardworking, everyday Americans racist enough times, they will refuse to support your preferred candidate.

That is not to say that racism does not exist. Unfortunately I’m not sure if America will ever be a post-racial society, but we can make strides towards that if we allow each other to exchange ideas rather than placing labels on those with whom we disagree and claiming unearned moral superiority. I think everyone can agree that legitimate acts of racism need to be called out and dealt with accordingly. However, it is deeply immoral to accuse someone else of being something without any evidence. Exaggerated political correctness perpetrated by the left will continue to lose elections for Democrats.

Lastly, I think we should all be open minded and give the president-elect a chance. While he may not have the most presidential personality, he was duly elected by the American people. I find it ironic that the same people who found it ridiculous when Trump refused to promise he would accept the results of the election at the last presidential debate are now refusing to accept the results of the election through rioting and by declaring Trump is not their president.

With a Republican Senate and House of Representatives, President Trump is going to be very closely overseen by Republican leadership. Speaker of The House Paul Ryan has openly said the mass deportation of 16 million immigrants could never pass Congress. Donald Trump also made it clear in his Arizona immigration speech that his priority is the removal of illegal immigrants with criminal records, not the hardworking men and women who are here with families. The fear-mongering notion that has been pushed the entire election cycle — that he wants to deport all Mexicans — is laughable, frustrating and untrue.

His tax plan, which will reduce taxes to levels not seen since the Reagan administration, will increase business investment which will then increase wages for Americans from all walks of life. His policies on Common Core will give more choices to families whose children are required to attend local failing schools. Conservatism is an ideology that applies equally to all Americans. I think he has a good shot at being a solid, uniting President. I thought his victory speech Tuesday night was pretty telling.

Our constitutional republic was founded on the very strong safeguards of coequal branches of government and a limited executive. Those who attempt to equate Trump with fascist dictators should read the “Federalist Papers.” A president is not a king, for he cannot act unilaterally. Those who pretend their “existence” is at risk by having a President Trump should remember he cannot do anything without the discretion of 535 members of Congress.

At the end of the day, our daily lives are in our own control. Our own individual life choices shape our lives. But I will continue to pray President Trump is successful, for a successful President Trump is a successful America. I would have done the same if Hillary or Bernie won the presidency. I hope American unity and prosperity is restored. More than anything else, I truly wish we could have a political discourse based on optimism and ideas rather than on fear and hatred.

God bless America.

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