One executive order at a time

For the first time in my life, I'm considering leaving the country, selling all the stuff I have accumulated over the last few decades, and just going. I would move up to Canada, but I don't like the cold; Italy would be divine, but I think I should visit first. I'm not sure they would take an American.

I don't want to leave my people who live here—my girls, my aging parents—but I don't know if I can stay in a country where so many support what is happening in this administration. Online, I follow some Republicans and Democrats. Heated debates ensue in the comments. Some of it has been good for me. I have learned a lot. I have learned that some people in this country are hateful and mean-spirited, while others simply fail to connect the pieces. But it's all the things right there in front of you, clear as day, and people don't see. Over and over, he has shown you who he is. How are there those who are so blind? I am dumbfounded.

Right now, we are in a very poor position in the world because of Trump's policies. They are stripping everyone's rights one executive order at a time.

I am witnessing the erosion of hard-earned rights—rights that my mother's generation and those before her fought for in America. I find it difficult to face a Republican woman anymore. How can anyone support such hate? I understand no country is perfect, but this isn't the America I grew up in. Oppression and cruelty are not my values. I willingly pay taxes to support those in need. I wouldn't ignore a hungry child on the street; why would I do so with my policies? Heaven forbid if someone is a brown person.

We have isolated ourselves from an interdependent world. Make no mistake, we rely on other countries as much as they rely on us. Democracy is deteriorating. Fascism is on the rise. Billionaires are controlling our government like never before. If I don't stay and fight, what message am I sending to my children or the vulnerable populations being targeted? I am a woman, but I am white and privileged. Yet women's rights are already being restricted—the right to a doctor-patient relationship, but only for women. Men don't face this indignity. We must consider what we are sacrificing. Where are we headed?

The Tennessee legislature proposed a bill to prevent voting if a person's birth certificate and driver's license last names don't match, which could disenfranchise many married women. Women can't even access life-saving abortions in their own state, let alone any abortion. The government is trying to remove mifepristone from the market, claiming it's unsafe, though it's actually safer than Viagra. We're rapidly losing our rights. Soon, women might lose the right to vote.

The country is being sold to the highest bidder. Trump is now selling citizenship for five million dollars. That is only going to serve to gentrify all of America. We will be bought right out of our own country. He is trying to take over other countries such as Canada or Greenland. To make enemies out of our allies. It's insanity. Why does the Republican Party not see this?

We need to stand together. The masses are stronger than the individual. There are actions we can take. Ideally, vote now while you still can. Contact your representatives. Make your voice heard. The only way out of this situation is to elect a Democratic Congress. The Republican Party is currently unified and has higher numbers.

We may have to endure this. Or in my case, consider moving.