My son.
As leader of his high school’s Democrat Club, my son Jacob Hutt was asked to share his thoughts after yesterday’s election results at a school assembly today.
With his permission, I am now sharing them with you.
“I have to be true to myself and say I am saddened by the results of the national election.
However, to those who share my views, it’s ok to be sad but it is more important that you take this time for self-reflection and to heal wounds. Where you perceive an injustice, challenge it. But take this opportunity to understand why this happened, why half the country voted this way. Whether you feel that some of the words and actions of the President-elect were horrifying, irredeemable, your neighbor valued these concerns less than what they saw as an injustice against them, a need to be rectified. Step outside your bubble and reach out to those who you haven’t truly had a conversation with. To make lasting change, you need to make an effort as a collective group to understand why the other side felt so angry, why they felt they were being excluded from the system. And remember that it was only a few days ago that you prayed that should we win, the other side will be able to concede gracefully and stand together with us for unity.
To those who supported the President-Elect, congratulations on your victory. Your voice has been heard. But please have compassion for those who now find themselves feeling like they no longer have a place in this country. Please understand that they see this result as an election calling for the suppression of their identity. It is your job to reassure them that despite your differing convictions, this is a country for everyone. You cannot effectively govern without half the nation behind you.
To all, Trump is the President-elect. But, no matter which side you see it from, half the country is not evil. And neither side can be so easily summed up as absent minded bigotry or hatred. We are all people. We are all Americans. We are all members of this community. And we will work through the divide. In the spirit of teamwork, reach beyond your lane, speak with those you disagree with, look inside yourselves, and ask how you can help others. Let us be a model community for the nation as a whole. “
Jacob Hutt, Class of 2017
Jacob articulates what I am feeling way better than I can.
How are you feeling after this election?
Jacob I commend you on your eloquent speech! I’m optimistic about our country’s future knowing you represent the next generation of young people! Have you ever considered going into politics? Whatever you do I believe you will successful, because you have great insight into what really matters! All the best to you and your family!
P.S. I love your mom’s show!
I’m fine…trump won
Jacob sounds like a very intelligent young man, I know he will make a change in the world when he has his turn, President Jacob Hutt , rolls off the tongue beautifully. He has all the traits, smart, handsome, thoughtful, just what America needs! Congratulations on raising such a wonderful young man!
Wow. I am so impressed by his speech. We all can learn a lot from him.
Wowwwww! Amazing words! You must be sooo proud of young young gentle man!
Very well said! All day I have been drafting (in my mind) some sarcastic way to let the other side know how wrong I thought the election results were. The way Jacob has articulated this is definitely the more mature way to respond! We must all take the high road.
Well said. AS they say, “from the mouths of babe’s come wisdom”. YOU should be proud Jenny!
I actually have a tear in my eye. Well said! I agree and I am inspired by your written word. Thank you.
Hopeful for unity and justice for all!
Jacob for president!! What a great young man you and your husband raised!!
Well said Jacob. I wish more adults were as mature as you are.
Thoughtful, intelligent and wise beyond his years words from a young man who has a bright future ahead….Jacob Hutt, may you continue to live your passion…
This is beautifully written. As a former English major at the University of Michigan and journalist, I secretly hope that Jacob goes into media, but whatever this young man does I know he will make an impact on the world around him on a profound way. He already is. Thank you for providing solace to your fellow classmates and fellow dems. Sincerely, a fan in NJ
Well said .
I will say I don’t get the “protests” When Obama won, Republicans were sad, but by and large they moved on. I am hoping that most Clinton supporters are embarrassed by the “protests”.
When Obama was elected I was hoping that he would be the greatest President ever. Before that I hoped that Bush would be the Greatest President ever.
Neither worked out that way.
Now I and hopefully all of America, hopes that Trump will be the Greatest President ever.