Honestly?

I've taken a stand to represent the marginalized in the Portland area -- the hungry children, the runaway teens, the victims of sexual predators, the homeless, the hardworking-but-illegal immigrants, the sexually different, the non-Christian, the brave people who live with integrity outside of the main stream. So it's important that I stay positive, that I focus on the job at hand, that I express hope and courage and faith in the basic decency of humanity.

But honestly? I'm discouraged this morning. I know some people voted for Trump because they believe he will do a good job leading our country, but I also know a lot of people voted for him because they believe the many lies expressed in this campaign, and that hurts. I'm discouraged that a public servant of 30 years, the most qualified candidate we've seen in a century or more, a woman who has worked for equality and fairness her entire adult life, fell victim to dramatic rhetoric, mob mentality, and a blatant disregard for truth.

The sun came up this morning. The sun will rise again tomorrow. I'm thankful that our forefathers designed a system of government that divides power and includes checks and balances. America will carry on. But honestly, I'm terribly disappointed we let this opportunity slip through our fingers -- the opportunity to elect an extremely qualified candidate, to make history with our first woman president, to place decency and respect over personal glory, to continue a democratic trend that provides opportunity and support to those who need it most. 

Honestly, though, I also have to remember that America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. That we are free to make mistakes as well as to succeed. Honestly, I'm encouraged by Trump's acceptance speech that contained no judgment, no racial slurs or disrespect toward any group, no lies, no drama. His speech last night was the first responsible thing I've seen him do. 

Honestly, I still have hope, courage, and faith in the basic decency of humanity. We still have the freedom to care.