A few years ago, I attended a party for the annual rival football game between my school, Michigan State University, and the other Big Ten in our state, University of Michigan. The Battle of the Paul Bunyan Trophy began in 1898, a long history of rivalry.
There were jello shots.
When a team scored a touchdown, we had to drink the color shot representing that team. Blue for Michigan, green for MSU. I dislike jello and was not looking forward to a green or blue tongue but embraced the spirit of the party.
One reveler refused to take a blue shot when Michigan scored. An MSU alumnus, he acted like the opposing team was his personal enemy.
Allow this to fully register. It was a party; yet this guy had a tantrum and refused to participate when Michigan scored.
Last Saturday, the teams competed again in the annual game. My neighbors are staunch Michigan fans. They are alumni, as is their daughter. These fans are so passionate; the smell of grilling brats and other delicacies wafts through the air on Saturdays. My dog Izzie knows when it's game time and pulls me down the sidewalk, following her nose.
As a full-fledged Spartan, I support all the Michigan games during the season, except this one.
We made a friendly bet. Whoever won, the opponents had to wear the winners' colors, ergo green and white versus maize and blue.
My school won. Not wanting to shame my friends, I gave them an out, stating that if they were uncomfortable, I would understand. They were great sports and agreed to uphold their end of the bargain.
I’m sharing these two opposing reactions with you because I see a direct correlation of how Americans are responding to the most recent election results.
This country lacks the collegiality required for a peaceful transfer of power.
The spirit of the constitution has failed to inspire allegiance among our citizens.
I have never heard such vile, racist commercials as those from Mike Rogers, who lost by seven points.
The ad in which Vivek Ramsawamy attacked Amy Acton will be noted as the moment that ended his political prospects.
Our country chose diversity: Native Americans, an unprecedented number of women, and the first Muslim senator, here in Michigan.
Since last Tuesday, I have read horrible, bigoted posts about Abdul El-Sayed, the senator-elect.
The onslaught of lies running through social media is heart-breaking. Death threats and fear-mongering exaggerations. We will be required to wear hijabs or burkas by this time next year.
Boomers may recall JFK being taken to task during his campaign. As our first Catholic president, his alliances were questioned, just like Abdul’s. Would JFK put the Pope ahead of the Constitution? Of course not, nor will Abdul El-Sayed put his Muslim faith before our constitution-but he was still asked that question repeatedly.
Fear that Sharia law will overtake Christianity is ridiculous. This is one man, in one state. Yet the memes and lies are gaining traction. I am shocked by the posts from people I considered friends.
They seem to have forgotten basic courtesy and respect for our differences.
This is an opportunity for us to reclaim what has been lost due to the destructive hate the White House has perpetuated. For two years, the Republicans could have stopped the cruel and illegal acts. They did not.
Imagine billionaires convincing you that healthcare and living wages promote communism.
The polls have purged the enablers. America has spoken. We don't need to seek retribution. Instead, it’s time for accountability and getting this country back to work for the people.
It’s time to earn our allies' respect, feed our poor, tax the wealthy, lower our food costs. Hell, becoming friends with our Canadian neighbors again.
I am feeling hope for the first time in years.
Maize and Blue or Green and White, we are all people trying to survive and live in peace. I want a future without extreme maga characters lying about the dangers of Islam. Let’s find common ground, and those that are spoiling it must accept what we voted for: respect, peace and the right to live our lives as we choose.
Surely, this isn’t asking too much.
— Sally
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