Trump as President: Here’s how we get through this

(Before It's News)

I never thought I’d have to write this. The election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, has been devastating. He’s spent months threatening immigrants, women, people of colour, Muslims and the differently-abled community, among many others. This election will be hard news to process for a long time.

There are many people around the United States today who are terrified for their safety and their future. Our hearts go out to you. Our first priority is to reinforce and re-commit ourselves to protecting and loving one another. Now, more than ever, we need to be here for each other. 

And we will continue to work with you and our many partners to fight for a country and a world where everyone feels respected, valued and safe.

Hillary Clinton’s loss does not erase the value of the progressive movement in the US.

Current figures show that she actually won the popular vote. This means that almost 50 million Americans, and perhaps many more who either couldn’t or didn’t vote, believed in something better. Fear may have won this election, but hope, action and perseverance can overcome.

So I want to make a promise to you: Greenpeace USA is not going anywhere, and we are committed to continue building a movement that fights for environmental, social, racial and economic justice. We are going to get through this — together. 

 There’s no question, Donald Trump’s climate denial is staggering.

Not only does he consider it a hoax, he wants to shut down the US Environmental Protection Agency, “cancel” the Paris Climate Agreement, stop funding clean energy research and “drill, baby, drill.” But US election results don’t change the science or the reality of climate change, so we will need to double down on finding solutions both in the United Statesand with allies around the world.

The climate movement is a global one. We are a broad community bound by courage, action and optimism. If we join together, we can make our plans for a just transition to a renewable energy society possible even with a man who actively opposes progress for the human race in the White House.

If you feel like you want to start today — and I’ve been amazed by the number of people that have already asked how they can help — here are some ideas:

• Check in on your neighbours and friends, ask how they are doing, how you can support them
• Write up a list of what skills you can contribute to the movement
• Help make the most of Obama’s presidency: Take action to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline.
• Attend an organising training
• Make a donation to an organisation or cause you care about
• Get in touch with your local Greenpeace office or use Greenpeace’s Greenwire platform to find and connect with other activists in your community and organise with them (also great if you need to find support from like-minded people!)

Together, we are stronger than Donald Trump will ever be.

Annie Leonard is the Executive Director of Greenpeace USA

A version of this blog was originally posted by Greenpeace USA

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