A Letter to Little Man

My dear little one,

I am so sorry! I am sorry that America has let us down and that the worst side of us has prevailed. We were warned of the dangers and saw it time and time again, yet individual concerns rose above those of the nation, the people, and values.  We have lost our moral compass.

I am terrified for what the next four years will be like when already the new President has made it clear that:

• Women don’t deserve the right to their own bodies and need to be punished
• Women don’t matter if they don’t have children
• The LGTBQIA community is offensive
• It’s okay to make fun of those with disabilities
• Anyone with a skin tone other than white is an intruder and should be sent home
• Those who speak out against us need to be punished
• Physical and verbal violence is not only accepted, but encouraged
• Lying, cheating, and fraud is okay
• Thinking you’re above everyone else is okay
• Education isn’t important
• Verbal and sexual misconduct are okay
• Idolizing those who had destroyed nations and their people is okay
• Fear and control are the way to motivate people

I had hopes that you would spend the next four years feeling safe and proud to be an American. I’m not sure that will happen with the new administration.

But my promise to you is this:

• I will continue to teach you right from wrong.
• I will continue to teach you that all lives are important.
• I will continue to teach you that everyone deserves a voice.
• I will continue to teach you that your body is your body.
• I will continue to teach you to respect others.
• I will continue to teach you to fight with respect and dignity.
• I will continue to teach you that we move mountains together.
• I will continue to teach you that your value and self worth is not determined by the thoughts and actions of others.
• I will continue to teach you that your brown skin is beautiful.
• I will continue to teach you that none of us stand alone and so we must lend a hand to those who need it.
• I will continue to teach you to fight for what you believe in.
• I will continue to teach you that despite American history and dark days, we can come back stronger.

Never give up hope, little one. It’s not always easy but we will get there.