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It’s interesting how some have attempted to apply the mathematics Transitive Property of Equality (If a=b and b=c, then a =c) to the character of individuals. Some have assigned labels to broad swaths of Americans based on who they voted for. You (a) voted for (b). (b) has made comments that makes that a (c) person. Therefore, you (a) must be (c).
I have friends who run the gamut of political, economic, and social philosophy. You know what I love about them? They are the same people who read to their kids at night. They coach little league and teach kids to be gracious in both victory and defeat. They work hard to provide for their families. They volunteer their time to help others. They have given up “careers” to follow their dreams. They laugh at the sometimes absurdity of life and don’t take themselves too seriously. They are lifelong learners. They have strong beliefs and have the strength of character to allow others to champion their own strong beliefs because it adds value to the overall knowledge pool. They don’t live their life in fear. They welcome challenges and overcome them rather than blaming others.
The same qualities that I love about my good friends doesn’t change based on who they voted for in the last election or the elections before that. To identify and label them through the narrow lens of an election or someone else’s behavior does them a disservice and would imply dishonesty and hypocrisy in my own character.
Applying the transitive property of equality to individual character is an exercise of the lazy. If this is you based on the last election: “THEY are evil. THEY are all racists. THEY are all xenophobes. THEY are all liars. THEY are haters. THEY are the problem”, I have news for you. THEY is YOU.
Your good friends and neighbors haven’t become monsters who all of a sudden perpetuate intolerance and hate because of who they voted for in an election. Perhaps though, you have.
The Gumption 