[EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a Letter to the Editor, written and submitted by verified resident. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of South King Media, nor its staff.]

Why we must remain united.

The results of the US Presidential election as we were all expecting would leave half the country with a feeling of deep resentment if not increased hatred against the other half.

This reaction is human, but it is based on false logic. 

We cling to this false logic at our own peril. Following our emotions instead of our reason will destroy our country.

There is a division – but it’s not between us – it’s just us, it’s human. The truth is that within every human being is our better nature and our worse. Our worse nature tends toward greed and pride; it feeds on lies justifying the things we want for our selfish selves. The better side overcomes division, sees the humanity in others.

Why did many Americans vote for Donald Trump? Because they want a better economy, first of all. They want secure jobs, good salaries for their families to thrive, and they want morality to prevail. They want a better America they can be proud of.

Those aren’t bad reasons. These aren’t bad people.

The enemy is lies. 

Donald Trump is not a new phenomenon. There are leaders like him all over the world, and millions of followers too. 

The enemy is the “me first at all costs” philosophy. And if lies will get me there, great.

There are lies spreading that these people should hate those people, that these people are bad and those people are good, that Americans are better than other people and we should put ourselves first. That the other guy is out to get you.

There are lies spreading that “me first at all costs” will make a better economy, a better world.

Let’s not fall for these lies. Please. Let’s make common cause among ourselves. 

So many who voted for Donald Trump voted for him for the first time. We have a choice: we can either see that we all want the same thing – better lives – and try to work together for that, or, we can buy the lies and think “those people are evil and idiots, our people are good and moral.”

It’s a huge, uphill battle, to make common cause. Are we up for it? 

Let’s do it. Let’s show that Americans are still a strong, beautifully diverse, enterprising people, up to any task.

Ukrainians, Russians, the whole former Soviet Union can tell you what it’s like when lies prevail, when Stalin all the way up to Putin told you that you are the enemy if you don’t submit your will totally to the all-powerful State. The Jewish people can tell you what they know about Hitler and the lies that prevailed – that they were the enemy, that they were the reason for economic misery. 

The enemy is not the other guy. 

The enemy are the lies that we buy.

Don’t buy it.

– Irene Danysh
Burien/Ukraine

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