Editor’s Notes
By Marivir R. Montebon
The day after the US elections, Wednesday, was warm but gloomy. My first bus ride was unusually subdued, unlike the previous days when people were either too bubbly or mean-spirited. This morning, people from all races: Asian, Black, Latino, White, were in their lethargic selves. As usual, I was busy with Facebook but I noticed the silence.
A handful of friends are magnanimous over Donald Trump’s victory but most of my friends are still in shock.
Quo vadis, America?
I look forward to economic reforms that would bolster the degenerating middle class. That is my first concern.
Economic reforms must provide easy access of capital to small businesses and enterprises, especially women entrepreneurs.
During the last presidential debate sponsored by the FilAm Press Club of NY, I asked how will he stop capital flight, because that seems to be a major problem in the US. Business people would rather invest elsewhere because of the stringent labor and environmental laws here.
That’s the biggest challenge for any president – to make a good climate for well-paying jobs and businesses.
But I am wary of his anti-immigrant, racist, sexist attitude. America is a country ran by immigrants. That should be made clear. But in his first 100 days, Trump said he will stop the federal funding of sanctuary cities and will do the immediate removal (deportation) of undocumented immigrants.
The DACA and DAPA hopefuls may stand to lose in this process.
Trump’s demeanor would inspire the increase in annoying racist and sexist commentaries, from the streets and on a daily basis.
People must thus brace themselves up. I truly wish everyone subjected to these micro-aggressions would call out their aggressors immediately. As New York City Human Rights Commissioner Carmelyn Malalis had pointed out, call them out, so they would be cautious the next time.
The Trump presidency will presumably be a strong one because he has with him a Republican Senate and House.
President-elect Trump won because he made a case on the economy and institutionalized corruption. Meeting up to the challenge on the economy is huge.
And for the people, dealing with racism and sexism, more than ever, will become so painfully defined that it will have to be dealt with personally and collectively.
Postscript:
Right after my evening classes, my daughter and I met a mammoth crowd on 5th Avenue walking toward the Trump Tower. It was an indignation march against President-elect Trump. Majority of the marchers were young people, bearing placards that say, he is not my president. Before the day ended, we heard voices that say all is not well at all. Not at all.
