Broader thoughts on the 2016 presidential election, fear, and loathing in the U.S.A.

As a left-leaning, agnostic , libertarian-leaning pacifist who recognizes his own prejudices while trying to not judge people based on their religion, skin-pigmentation, disability, or consensual sexual orientation or gender identity, I am not happy with the results of our presidential election from last Tuesday.

From a more real-life view, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and some of my closest family face discrimination. From being profiled at the airport, to being denied birth control, to being denied fair pay, being harassed for peacefully practicing religion within the guideline of law, being called epithets of all sorts, etc...

I am sure that a foreign policy to which I am generally opposed and bigotry would persist regardless of who is in charge, but my biggest concern is how these negative aspects have found a large, if somewhat legitimized, mouthpiece.

Through every administration in our history, we've had policy and cultural phenomena that, even in part, have failed to live up to highest ideals. However, I like to think that the pluralist fabric of our country allows history to bend toward justice.

Regardless the election results, I hope we can advocate for equal respect under the law, find constructive outlets for both passion and frustration, and have empathy for our neighbors.