It is mourning in America.
The nation woke up to a funeral for what could have been or should have been, a novena for the deceased, a rosario for the living whose souls must flicker on.
‘We should have all lit a candle yesterday,” my mom said, disappointed in the election results. My Latino friends will understand.
Friends and family have taken to social media to deliver a post-election outpouring of emotion, following the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. It’s a day like only – and thankfully – a few others: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy or Martin Luther King Jr.; the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers; Hurricane Charley, followed by Frances, Ivan and Jeanne in 2004 in Florida.
Always Remember
You’ll never forget where you were and what you were doing when struck by the news or event.
“I will remember what today feels like for the rest of my life,” wrote a friend on Facebook.
Facebook and other social media have been an endless trail of tears, recriminations, even a fighting word or two among foes.
Following are some expressions of grief from the “Legacy” book of this election. The authors shall remain nameless.
Aching Hearts in America
“A mis hermanos y hermanas en Puerto Rico. Se los dije,” wrote one Facebook friend. “Los Estados Unidos está más racista que nunca.” (My brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, I told you so. The United States is more racist than ever.)
“Me duele el corazón ante la realidad de lo que puede ser!” wrote another. (My heart hurts as I face the reality of what could happen.)
A male friend wrote flatly, “I hate Florida.”
A female posted a prescription for getting through the day, starting with “1 dose of eating your feelings, preferably pizza…”
Alternate Reality
The economist Robert Reich penned this, “Waking up this morning in an altered universe, trying to avoid despair, as I’m sure many of you are.”
“It still doesn’t feel real, and you can see it on people’s faces everywhere,” wrote a journalist.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed reading everyone’s posts about waking up today and trying to make sense of it all,” wrote female friend.
Some people still longed for Bernie Sanders. “Democrats lost because the Democratic party could not ever fathom, resisted, hated having Bernie represent them.”
A Democratic operative stated, “Blasting ‘My President is Black‘ until further notice,” referring to the song by the rapper Young Jeezy that includes this line: “Just cause you got opinions, does that make you a politician?”
One friend posted a meme of the Statue of Liberty with her hands covering her face in shame. Another a meme of Trump grabbing Lady Liberty by the crotch.
And stating the obvious, “Over the course of the last 24 hours we have gone from exhaustion to exhilaration to despair.”
How Do I Tell the Kids?
But the most touching posts focused on the effect on children or how parents would explain the election results to their kids.
“Testing at my daughters school was canceled…kids too distraught,” wrote a mom.
“I rebuke the so called in-bound president for instilling fear in my kids,” stated a mom.
And finally, this: “How can I tell my daughter that if she is a nice person and works hard she will succeed????”
Watch for more election analysis on Orlando Latino.
˜˜Maria Padilla, Editor
