An Open Letter to Donald Trump
We both want what’s best for the country, but the problem is deciding what that means.
By Mattie Winowitch, Waynesburg University
Dear President Trump,
You don’t know me, and if I’m being totally honest with myself, you probably never will.
Here are the basics: I’m a college student who, in the next four years, will be graduating, finding a job and potentially starting my adult life. Pretty important stuff, don’t ya think?
Anyway, you should know upfront that while I am a liberal millennial *gasp*, I actually did go out and vote this past November. *HEAVY GASP*
However, I did not vote for you, which brings me to my next point.
I don’t hate you, Trump. I was always taught that hate is a dangerous word that should only be used in dire circumstances. Although I do think you’re absurd, crude and unqualified for your position as Commander-in-Chief, I don’t hate you.
In fact, what I really hope to do is learn to like you. Heck, maybe I’ll even grow to support you. Why? Because at the end of the day, you’re my president, whether I want to admit it or not. But, if you’re going to be my president, as well as the president for every other person in America, we are going to need some ground rules.
First, you need to be honest with yourself. You have obviously grown up in a very privileged environment. Your conceited disposition might not be your fault, Mr. President, but it is quite evident in every damn thing you do and say. I can semi-tolerate you constantly saying that you’re “the best” or “the greatest” if you actually are the best or the greatest. You’re already the president. People obviously already know you’re good enough, so there’s really no need to remind them of this on a daily basis.
You also need to be honest with others. Release your tax returns. Your refusal to show the public your financial standing is the equivalent of Clinton destroying her e-mails, so if you want the public to trust you, you need to be honest. Show Americans who they voted for. It’s their right to know.
Next, you need to chill with the incessant tweeting. I’m not sure what your PR agents are saying to you. Hell, from the looks of things, you probably fired them after they told you to put your phone down. Your Twitter feed makes you look pompous and stupid, for lack of a better word. If you’re going to be representing this country, at least think before you send a tweet. Give it a few minutes. Walk away and come back. The “drafts” feature is perfect for this, so give it a try.
Once you learn to start putting your phone down, you might have some more time on your hands, time that might give you a chance to take a few public speaking lessons. Addressing crowds is an essential tool that (hopefully, you know this by now) is an integral part of being president. Unfortunately, you aren’t that great at it. While your simple speeches and repetitive (and might I add, distracting) hand motions have gotten you this far, you might want to consider a new approach.
You also might want to take time to examine some real issues in this country. A few days ago, you might have noticed some very large crowds in D.C. Your Twitter feed demonstrates that you are aware there was a Women’s March on January 21, but I am not completely sure that you know why there was a march. Here’s the deal: There are many, many people who are afraid of the future that you and your administration are going to create for them and their families. Issues of health care, freedom of speech, love, immigration, race and gender immediately come to my mind, but there are more.
These issues are real. They aren’t scary ghost stories that paranoid liberals tell their children at night. They are REAL, and there are real people already suffering from your ignorance. Please educate yourself (through a non-biased source) about our country. You have the power to either save America or utterly destroy it. Choose wisely. I, like everyone else in the world, hope that you choose the former.
You should know that America isn’t a business. It isn’t a reality TV show where the ratings go up when you do something inflammatory. Being president of the United States isn’t just a bullet on your resume. You have a very, very serious job, Mr. Trump. The scariest part is that you don’t really seem to be acting the part.
In order to be president, you kind of have to take on the role of a father. You must protect your sons and daughters and consider them in every decision. What if some of them are gay? Immigrants? Muslims? Women? Black? Are you going to abandon these children? Would you do that to your own blood?
The reality is that you and your family will never have to suffer like the majority. Sure, the argument stands that your family worked hard to get where they are today. That’s great. But are you aware that there are 8 men in the world whose combined wealth equals that of 3.6 billion people? That’s half of the world’s money. That’s inequality.
I want to live in a country where I will graduate and find a job. I want to live in a country where I will be respected for my gender, age and social status. I want to live in a country where my loved ones who own small businesses will be protected and respected. I want to live in a country where my LGBTQ+ friends and family members will have rights. I want to live in a country where racism and inequality live only in the history books. I want future generations to look back and thank us, not curse us like millennials do to those who came before them.
I want a president who not only shares these desires, but ensures that they are fulfilled. So what do you say, President Trump? Do you think you’re ready?
Sleep on it.
Sincerely,
Mattie Winowitch
Lots of I want the President to do this or that. What are you willing to do for yourself? For others you seem so concerned about? What have you done? I suggest reading the Constitution, again, to understand the President’s duties. They are not what you seem to think they are.
You are young, so very much in love with ideals. It’s nice to think all prejudice, hate, violence can be eliminated. History will teach you this is impossible.
There are many people who voted for Trump prescisely because they were fearful of where they believed this country was headed. They may understand your fears. Try listening to a few of them without judgment.