OPINION- Doreen Costa: Troubled by response to Trump’s election win

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up as he speaks at campaign stop, Thursday, March 3, 2016, in Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

 

by Rep Doreen Costa

During this exciting time in our nation’s history, more than ever, I am proud to be an American, because on November 8th 2016, registered voters in our great country turned out in record numbers to decidedly elect Donald J Trump, the 45th President of the United States.

The hardworking taxpayers of all fifty states have spoken with a loud and resounding voice, telling all elected leaders in Washington, D.C. that their decision for change will be honored. That they in fact, want America to be great again.

Following this year’s Presidential election, what I see in response to President-elect Trump’s win is beyond troublesome. To witness protesters burn our beautiful American flag on live television, block traffic, break storefront glass on business owners, burn and flip cars, because their candidate lost, is disgusting and is certainly NOT the American way.

President Obama won his bid for the Presidency twice, but I never voted for him. When my vote fell short of carrying his opponent to the White House, I did not cry, ask for a hug, wear a safety pin or burn the American flag. What I did do, was peacefully accept that my candidate lost, and wished our new President, his family and our country the very best, as should any self-respecting American.

I would like to ask why? What will this accomplish? Protestors are hurting small business owners and the livelihood of hardworking families by destroying public and private property. Students are not going to class because they say they are too upset. I hope the professors are giving them a zero for skipping classes that day. Governor Gina M. Raimondo was seen hugging her staff because her and their choice of President was defeated. I believe, if you have to hug your staff because you or they didn’t get their way, then I suggest you replace them with more emotionally stable personnel. Even Providence’s Mayor Jorge Elorza has hinted at breaking the law, should the President set forth a mandate he doesn’t personally agree with. If the Mayor of our capitol city refuses to honor the federal or state law, I believe he should be arrested. I beg anyone engaging in such destructive and immoral behavior to STOP!

The election is over. We all woke up the next day, went to work, attended school and it was business as usual. Here is my suggestion to anyone disgruntled by the election results. Do something that invites goodness, kindness, compassion and gratitude into your or another’s personal experience. Thank a Veteran today and every day, hold the door open for the person behind you, pay it forward at your favorite coffee house by buying someone you don’t know a cup of coffee. There is so much we can do as a nation to bring our country and its citizens together, for one common good, to make our country great again. So let’s do it!

One last suggestion to my fellow Americans. Replace your safety pin with a U.S. flag pin to show respect for your country, its leaders and its citizens, rather than add to the demoralization of the greatest nation in the world.

Doreen M. Costa represents District 31, which includes Exeter and North Kingstown, since being elected in November 2010. In April 2014, she was appointed as the vice chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee.  She is also a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

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