Sometimes, it’s just exhausting how certain Democrats react. I’ve been a liberal my whole life—proud of it, actually. I don’t care if people call me “woke” or whatever, (1st generation) but the reaction to this election has been eye-opening, and not necessarily in a good way.

Before the results were even announced, so much of the media was convinced Trump would win, and it wasn’t without reason. People have real concerns about things like illegal immigration and freedom of speech, but the moment they voice them, they’re immediately labeled as something negative. And that’s just shutting people down. Instead of having a conversation, it creates division.

And here’s another thing—race. To me, we’re all human, plain and simple. Skin color doesn’t define kindness, honesty, or any character trait, and it certainly shouldn’t be what people judge you on. People are flawed and complex, no matter their race. But the frustration that I sense goes beyond that; it’s about everyone struggling through the same daily grind, barely making ends meet, just trying to get by.

Let’s also be honest about the economy. Was it great under Biden? Not really, but Trump kind of got lucky with the setup he inherited from Obama. He stepped into a lot of progress that he didn’t build himself. He got to play diplomat and meet leaders, but somehow it only left us more divided.

But now that the election’s over, it seems like some people have forgotten what democracy is really about. In a democracy, you get to pick your leader, and this time, a lot of Americans chose Trump. They may not agree with everything he says, but they still think he’s the right person for the job. And yeah, it’s disappointing—I wanted to see Kamala take office, too. But democracy means respecting that choice, even when it’s not the one we hoped for.

And please, don’t just shut people down because they think differently. It’s like we’re creating this bubble of fear and then blaming others for being “stupid.” Excuse me, but people come from different backgrounds and experiences. If you don’t like the results, go vote again in four years. Stop showing up at people’s doors trying to convince them right now. It’s all online anyway—look at Trump! He went on huge podcasts, Kamala went on Call Her Daddy (which, yes, is famous), but maybe it’s time to take this stuff a bit more seriously, you know?

To my fellow Democrats and liberals, I get that this is tough. Be sad, be frustrated, but don’t let it take over. Eventually, we have to move forward. I hate seeing families torn apart over politics; it’s painful, and it doesn’t help anyone. We’re all human, and respecting other viewpoints, even if we disagree, is essential.

And if all this is controversial, that’s fine. This is how I feel, and I’m okay with people disagreeing.