I don’t want to hear the phrase “America is better than this” ever again. I refuse to listen to tales of America’s best nature.

I crave transparency. I demand an acknowledgment of who we truly are as a nation, and make no mistake about it: We are a nation that has elected – and willingly chosen – one of the most cruel, unscrupulous, and blatantly self-serving political leaders of our time. Again.

We’ve just voted for a convicted criminal who has made bullying commonplace, spread hatred widely, and repeatedly shown that he views laws as unimportant and personal gain as sacred. Despite overwhelming warning signals – from indictments for attempting to overturn the 2020 election to the support of dictators from hostile nations – a majority of voters opted for the individual who symbolizes the worst aspects of humanity.

So spare me the cries of “This isn’t who we are!” Here’s the tough truth for those of us who are reasonable and compassionate: This is precisely who we are.

America has opted for mass deportations and chaos

We are a nation that endorses the mass deportation of immigrants, a promise that Trump has made and will certainly fulfill. When families are forcibly separated, communities are raided by federal agents, and people who have settled and contributed to the community – some for decades – are confined to detention centers, it is the voters who have sanctioned such actions.

If legal citizens become casualties in this turmoil, that is the voters’ decision.

When a reckless billionaire, like Elon Musk, is appointed to dismantle federal institutions, that will be what America selected.

When the Department of Education is eliminated and our educational system falls under the influence of far-right radicals and religious extremists, that will result from the choice made by American voters.

When Trump’s tariffs escalate costs for consumers, it won’t be because of the many economists warning about the consequences. It will be the reality that the majority of Americans opted for, even after witnessing the economy thriving under the Biden-Harris administration.

As stated by The New York Times on Oct. 30: “Consumers are spending. Inflation is decreasing. And the U.S. economy is stronger than ever.”

Trump will escape accountability and weaponize the DOJ against his opponents

When Trump evades accountability for his legal troubles – undermining the rule of law that his party once claimed to uphold – that will be the outcome the people desired. When he weaponizes the U.S. Department of Justice against his supposed adversaries, and takes aggressive action against Democrats and others with harmful motives while calling upon the military to suppress any dissent, don’t complain about that being un-American. It’s now part of the American fabric, as it’s precisely what a significant portion of the populace opted for.

I’ve heard enough excuses – I don’t want to listen to anyone saying they didn’t realize how grim the situation could become. I don’t want to hear how skyrocketing grocery prices led you to believe voting for Trump wouldn’t be detrimental. I don’t want to hear about skipping the 2024 election because you found both candidates unappealing.

The significance of this election was unmistakably evident, and the message was loud and clear. Vice President Kamala Harris conducted one of the most intelligent campaigns I’ve witnessed. She engaged with a wide range of voters, welcoming everyone into her campaign. With her background as a former prosecutor, U.S. senator, and vice president, her qualifications far exceed anything Trump could aspire to.

Let’s be honest, America. We chose Trump – again.

Yet, America decided to support a man who haphazardly joked about wanting to be a dictator for just a day. This is the same individual who criticizes our allies while embracing our adversaries. The voters opted for a man adjudicated as a rapist, someone who serves as a poor role model, and who often expresses incoherent and hateful views that have driven a wedge between Americans like never before.

The decision was made. Trump emerged victorious. In this outcome, cruelty has triumphed. Bullying has prevailed.

This is the reality of America today. We reflect Trump, and we must accept all the shameful, painful, and embarrassing actions he takes. We can no longer claim we are “better than this,” as we forfeited that right the moment the election results were announced.