Without realizing it, the Democrat’s may have handed Trump the election on a silver platter. Trump’s election solidifies the growing divide in our nation and its utter frustration with political correctness. Perhaps the only people surprised are those who live mainstream lives and are able to exist using tidy terms of political correctness to further entrench people in some of the most horrific circumstances this nation has ever faced ---homelessness.
Despite the myriad of sufferings of those without homes, the democrats in this regard played politics as usual. Our voices repeatedly ignored and shut out of any discussion. From mayors to the White House, the voices of the homeless have been politely subdued.
In the end, all of the tyrannical, misogynistic, etc.etc. voice of a despised candidate did not stop many of those who felt left out of the process from going to Trump.
Yes, his candidacy energized people who felt bigotry towards those who are different. Yet that was only a small part of the equation. While other candidates dodged the issue of veteran homelessness, Trump spoke about his concern for their suicide statistics. Like it or not, he appealed to the veterans who felt that Hilary’s handling of the Benghazi crisis left them little substance to relieve their concerns. In the end, veterans voted 2-1 for Trump.
If democrats had truly meant inclusion, the homeless crisis should have never slipped below the radar, thus offering an opportunity for a candidate with even a ray of hope to gain traction. Even with the bailout of Wall Street bankers, the homeless was not given serious consideration. Despite the Occupy Wall Street effort, the homeless remained an afterthought and were still left literally out in the cold.
What happens when the millions of people who are forced to live on the streets galvanize and throw their support behind a candidate? It means that it will not be business as usual. This election may have taught us that broken deadlines and empty promises will hold little sway in the face of true suffering.
Perhaps the people who will be most stunned are those who see his win as an opportunity to unleash the hatred and xenophobia they have felt towards people who are different from themselves. Though buoyed by his inflammatory campaign remarks, there is little evidence that their hopes will last. At least by his acceptance speech, Trump has shown an uncharacteristic humility and a willingness to work towards bringing the nation together.
If nothing else, this election has shown that in coming years, elected officials will need to fight for our votes by tackling the difficult issues that bring suffering to its citizens. No longer can they hide behind empty rhetoric. Trump has cut into the quick of our nation and unveiled an ugliness that many felt didn’t exist.
Through this whole upheaval, veteran homelessness has once again become a vital concern.. And with that there is hope that all homelessness may finally end in this nation. The elected officials who ignore this, may once again play into the hands of a sympathizing candidate who listens and dares to act.