I Watched The Inauguration
The morning of January 20th I was set on not watching the inauguration of Cheeto Trump. I don't respect the man, and I'm not happy that he will be the face of the country I belong to, so I figured why bother? I've rationalized this entire process as a blatant insult to my intelligence, ethics, and mental health.
But, to my surprise, I tuned in any way.
I came to terms with the fact that no matter what my personal feelings are, this is happening. I am living in this moment in history and I cannot ignore it. Even if I had decided to opt out and not watch, you guys would've flooded my Instagram and Facebook feed, so I figured it'd just make more sense to watch it live and discern everything for myself. Before I heavily get into this, I have to note, I thought it was hilarious that Mr. Cheeto began his morning at church considering how unholy he's gone about everything. Like really bro? Did you think we'd magically forget all the shit you've done over the course of your life?
I mean that's neither here nor there, but I just found it funny (and also pretty scary).
Look, guys, American ass people put this guy in power. It is what it is, and this morning we all had to swallow a hard pill and forcefully understand that our personal opinions are not reflective of everyone. I, Cat Lantigua, have interpreted so many statements as the exact opposite of everything I stand for as a human being and member of American society. But, again, that's just the way I rationalize things (maybe some of you do too) but others don't function the same way; especially when they've felt neglected. Some people voted for this dude because they wanted to see taxes go down, are strong opposers of abortion, or have simply been living in the hell holes of many towns in this nation and truly believe this guy will make their lives better...etc.
BUT
At the end of the day, he is the new POTUS. And I had to quickly come to the realization that I cannot simply be present for the good shit. I have to be present for the shit I don't like too. This is adulting.
It's a part of being an active citizen of this country.
WITH THAT BEING SAID. THAT INAUGURATION SPEECH WAS FRIGHTENING AND FULL OF SHIT.
LET ME TELL YOU WHY.
1. Trump: "The oath of office I take today is an oath of allegiance to all Americans". Me: Wrong. We already know you don't represent all of us and you've made it clear that you don't care to. You're lying. Don't play yourself.
2. Trump: "Today we are not merely transferring power from one administration to another, or from one party to another -- but we are transferring power from Washington, D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People." Me: That's a lie. He's appointing his friends left and right. The people he's nominated have never and will never experience the realities of most Americans (DeVos? REALLY?) so?? Someone, please advise?
3. Trump:"From this day forward, a new vision will govern our land. From this moment on, it's going to be America First." Me: Well Mr. Cheeto, based on my experience people around the world already think we're bullies, so exactly how much more can we make this about ourselves without getting into more shit?
4. Trump: I will fight for you with every breath in my body -- and I will never, ever let you down. Me: Wrong. You already let me down when you admitted to grabbing women by their p*ussies, disrespecting the Latino community, disrespecting POC, infringing on the rights of women etc...
5. Trump: We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity. Me: Wrong. Your Twitter fingers get to crackin' whenever someone opposes you, so you're already being a hypocrite. Again, only talk about things you've demonstrated up until now, which we all know is not this.
6. Trump: Together, We will make America strong again.We will make wealthy again.We will make America proud again.We will make America safe again. Me: This is assuming we're already not this. People from all over the world give up everything to get to this country, and that wouldn't be the case unless these factors were assumed to be true.
Honestly, I can continue on and on but you get the point.
I watched the inauguration speech, but it was by all means not reassuring and made me feel frightened. Trump sounded so angry and aggressive. He pouted the entire time he was up on stage. I couldn't help but think, "is this what the next 4 years are going to be like"? At every press conference am I going to have to witness his charade and condescending approach? If so, that'll only make situations even worse. We don't need the President of the United States acting like this.
This is not unity. This is not bringing an end to division. This is not it. No.
I can confidently say that progressive millennials don't stand for this. Yes, there are issues that need to addressed.
But not like this.
So as of this day, January 20th, let's promise each other that we will actually fight for each other. For each others betterment, happiness, health, and safety. But let's do it the way it should've always been done. Without infringing the rights of each other. Without classifying whose worthy of support via class or race. Without disrespecting the peaceful existence of our neighbors. We can promise each other that, but assuming Trump will is asking to be hurt. We actually run things, not him.
Let's start acting like it.