On November 5th, the people of the United States voted on who they believed would be best fit as the 47th president of the country. Between the two candidates with the largest backing, Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, a tense night for many different kinds of people from all kinds of political affiliations resulted in the final outcome: Donald Trump being elected to the highest national office for a second term.
Over the past month, an increasingly torn political climate has led to various different perspectives, especially in Chico and the larger Butte County. Natalia Andrade, a senior at Pleasant Valley High School, says that her and a lot of her loved ones are worried. She says that she’s “worried about the future of the nation”, and that she’s “having a hard time dealing with the fact that the majority of the country … voted for a felon whose party can have such bad intentions”. For Natalia, and many others feeling the same way, it’s a scary time. Many are worried that current rights could be further taken away in regards to rights for queer and trans people, access to abortion, and more.
However, the experience is different for many other people in the area. Alex Hasty, another senior at PV, didn’t go to bed until the election was called. He claims that the bias in media can create untrue ideas about candidates, and that “(Trump) isn’t a fascist, and (Harris) isn’t an idiot”, even though that can be the picture that is painted. To him, he doesn’t believe people should be worried about another Trump presidency, stating that “(his thing) is that Trump is the only president aside from Biden to go into his presidency supporting gay marriage”, and that the changes in abortion rights weren’t because of Trump, but rather that “he just returned it to the states to decide”. Hasty believes that another Trump presidency, although not perfect, is good news for America.
The unique political landscape, especially in what many call a “purple county” due to its blend of varying opinions, can lead to a lot of conflict and disagreement. Mrs. Burton, who teaches AP US Government and Politics as well as College Prep Government, says that something she “thinks people don’t really understand is that yes, you do have a first amendment right, but … California Ed code doesn’t allow your first amendment right to infringe on someone else’s existence”, and that while you do have the right to any opinion, an important part of coexisting on campus is not spreading or saying things that are harmful. She also notes that respect, an important part of facilitating unity during divide, “goes both ways … you can’t expect respect without giving it, and if you are purposely harming someone, that’s not showing respect. You can hold onto those things and have your beliefs, but at the same time, if you expect to be respected, you need to give respect in return”. Ultimately, the act of fostering a unified community within a school begins with taking the time to share space, be respectful, and listen.
Burton’s words serve as good advice during divided times such as in the aftermath of an election, and something to remember as we move forward.
RJM • Dec 10, 2024 at 1:23 pm
I really feel shame for this generation of voters who put that check mark for a Presidential candidate who is already a convicted Felon, withheld Federal documents from our archives and violated his Oath Of Office, by failing to use his powers to quell an attack on our Capital.
History will not be kind in it’s recording of the choice that the majority of voters made in this election cycle. Future generations will be amazed that this generation ignored the spirit of our Constitution and voted in a person who Constitutionally is not eligible for the office.