I grew up in a very patriotic home. Every morning my father would put the flag up on a large pole that he cemented in our front yard. Dad was a police officer who believed in our country and following law and order. However, out of all my family members, my mother was by far one of the most patriotic on both sides of the family. She always believed that the United States was the best country on earth. My mom was a naturalized citizen. She was born in Poland and lived with her parents and sisters in a small farming village.  

One day in the late 1930’s, Russian soldiers burst into their home and with guns pointed, told them to leave.  They left with nothing but the clothes on their back, were put on train cars and sent to a camp in Siberia where they faced brutal living conditions. It was there that one of my mother’s sisters and father (my grandfather), died at the hands of Russian soldiers under Stalin’s regime.

My mother’s family was finally liberated from the Siberian camp and taken as refugees to various countries in the middle east. My mom’s mother (my grandmother) died in Lebanon. My mother suffered through many diseases and almost died before coming to the United States. Her account of how she eventually got here is yet another story to tell, but suffice to say that she became a citizen, learned the language and customs and even became a registered nurse.

My mother loved this country and her freedom. She never set foot again in Poland, or even Europe. She was afraid of leaving the safety of the United States.  

During Trump’s first presidency when my mom was still alive, she was taken aback by the president’s demeanor and actions. She could not understand how the people of this nation ever put such a man in power. She would always say that Trump was dangerous.

Fast forward to present day. I know if my mother were still alive not only would she be appalled by the actions of President Trump, but she would be very scared for this country, as am I.

I implore those of you who voted for Trump and still believe in him, to please take the time to unbiasedly watch any of the many history documentaries on TV about how Hitler was able to rise to power and take control of a nation, and almost the world. They are all very eye-opening. Just so you know, in my first presidential election I voted for Ronald Reagan, so I am not anti-Republican. I vote for the person who will uphold the constitution of the United States and keep our democracy. Unfortunately, Mr. Trump has shown us that he believes he and the executive branch of government have sole power to do whatever they want to achieve their plans.

Please people, wake up. See what is happening in our country before Trump and his people take over our country and we no longer have our democracy, our dignity, or even our allies, who he continues to alienate.

My mother never felt safe to go back to visit her birth country. I don’t want to feel unsafe living in mine.