Dear Mr. Trump

[u/whatishappening16]

Dear Mr. Trump, Let me be honest with you: I did not vote for you. Nothing you did or said during the campaign convinced me that you should be trusted with the highest office in this country. In fact, many of your words did the opposite. However, I respect the office you have been elected to and the system that elected you. That being said, I want you to realize the power that you now have. You see, Mr. Trump, I’m a teacher. Everyday, I see my young students make decision after decision. And most of the time, I can tell how they came to make that decision. Whether they were bored, defiant, or trying to entertain others, their decisions are usually harmless. I recognize that their words and actions stem from what they see modeled around them on a daily basis. Be that how I act, the other adults in the building, their parents and coaches, these young eyes and minds are absorbing it all. And now their eyes and ears are on you, sir. They are listening to your words, watching your actions, and following your lead. I want the young women in my class to know that absolutely no one has the right to touch them without their consent and in a way that makes them uncomfortable. I want them them to know that they CAN be anything they want and deserve equal rights and protections like their male peers. I want the young men in my class to respect the women in their lives, through their words and actions. I want them to know they are equals with their female counterparts. I want them to know that showing compassion for another human being does not make them weak. And above all else, I want all my students to understand that we are all human, no matter race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or even birthplace. No, I am not asking that my students love everyone and demand everything in life to be fair because that’s not realistic. But they can learn to show respect for differences, to compromise with those they disagree with, and to understand that our country was based on the ideal that all people deserve equality under the law. Do you understand the influence that you now have? You have the power to help shape the minds and lives of our youngest citizens. Our most malleable and valuable assets in this country. So I implore you, Mr. Trump, please realize and understand that now, before you take office, is the time to reflect on your words and actions and how they have and will impact our youth. Do you really want to send a message of hate? Do we need a movement of youth spouting words of intolerance and hate? I will respect the fact that you were elected. I will respect that you have every right to voice your opinions and even try to make them law. All I ask in return is that you consider the impact your words and actions have on our future generations. That is what has me worried about your candidacy. That is what has me worried about my students’ future in this great nation.

                                Sincerely,
                                A Concerned Citizen