We are going to be okay. America is resilient, we are survivors. and we will survive these next four years. Get rest tonight, because tomorrow we get back up off the mat and we get back in the fight — not a fight of violence, but one of civic resistance and persistence. We use the mechanisms of democracy to better our Republic, to protect our youth, and to make sure we are prepared for whatever comes next.
To paraphrase Winston Churchill: Americans will always do the right thing after we have exhausted all other options…
Well, I’m exhausted. It’s time to get off our asses and do the right thing. There will be Senate and House seats up for a vote in 2026, and without leadership in Washington, without functional chambers of government, we take our political fight to the ballot via citizen referendum. We have options, we have power, and we are better than the results of this election.
America lost tonight, but there is a Hindu proverb that gives me peace in moments of turmoil, it roughly translates to: “Everything will be okay in the end, and if it isn’t okay, it isn’t the end.“
This isn’t the end… because in the end, we will win!
That battle begins again, today!
GUT CHECK: Many young people are scared. Many people in general are scared. We need to tone down the doom-saying, and remember that win or lose we have a responsibility as leaders to stay outwardly calm, project hope, inspire confidence, and sift through the chaos, turmoil, and anger within ourselves in order to provide the direction, reassurance, and stability required to turn the page.
The sky may feel like it has fallen, but in 4 weeks, 4 months, and 4 years, things will feel different, the situation will be different. Because life moves forward regardless of the events in any given moment. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
We must continue, and that means getting up off the ground, dusting ourselves off, and making sure that those who look to us to lead the charge see us get back on the horse and move forever forward…
TOXIC CONVERSATIONS: In times like these it is important to remember that you do not owe anyone a conversation, attention, debate, or explanation.
If an exchange online or in real life makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, or if you just don’t want to have it, you also don’t have to play the “last word“ game or even engage out of some sense of social norm.
Just shut it down. That‘s it. Simply say, “I’m not going there.” This says nothing about them; it makes it about you and your choice, your choice not to engage.
It also makes it clear that you know where “there“ is, you don’t need them to explain it, and you are not interested in hearing what they have to say.
Then disengage. Do not get angry, do not show emotion, and under no circumstances give them any additional attention by responding regardless of their attempts. Attention is what they are looking for, and if they do not get it, they will move on.
Do not give away your power. Do not let others have power over you. And do not feel an obligation to explain. Just shut it down, because YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO THERE!
Troy Russell Hargrove Stevenson is a former Executive Director of Garden State Equality and Freedom Oklahoma. He is currently Director of State Advocacy Campagns at The Trevor Project.
