I wish I could disagree with you the way others have. Unfortunately, this election has taught us that it is about race (if there was any doubt). A KKK endorsed candidate is on track to win 42-50% of the national vote. Not liking Clinton isn't an excuse. Trumps initial and enduring appeals were both to race, and I can't entertain any argument to the contrary, even from the tech crowd who love to argue otherwise ("Don't take him literally," says Thiel). Sadly, I have a lot of Trump voters in my family, but at least I already knew they were racists. It sucks worse for the people who are just finding out.
Racism is baked into the Constitution. All the 'originalists' out there (of which Trump professes to be even though he's demonstrated a lack of understanding of even the basic parts of the Constitution) are hearkening back to a time when a a black person was only 3/5 of a person (with no rights), and women rose to the level of personhood, but also with no rights. Slavery is America's original sin, and it's reflected in everything from voting rights to the Electoral College itself. What we've found out today is that the majority of the country is sick and tired of having to be PC when their true feelings are that America was, is, and will be for white men. I hope if there's a silver lining it's that some sunlight gets shed on this horrible issue. Our history of racism has a lasting legacy, and it's apparently not going anywhere anytime soon. Our history of misogyny is just as rampant, but even I thought it was mostly beaten back. Sadly, I was wrong. I'm very sad for our country right now. I'm watching Romney's former chief strategist lament his victory on PBS right now. That should tell everyone something.
...what can we even do at this point...I mean, moving forward, what do you think we can do? Because clearly what we've been doing isn't effective.
No matter what happens. No matter how you feel about the results, embrace this mentality with every neighbor. You can't lift others up if you don't reach your hand out for them to grab. Similarly, they can't lift you up if you keep your hand to yourself. :)You and I are super different, but can sit down and have a burrito. We can live next door to each other and bemoan the constant increases in CU tuition... I promise... regardless of the outcome of this election - you're valued and wanted around here. Stick around - I like you as a neighbor.