Today, the electoral college will more than likely affirm Donald Trump as the 45th occupant of the White House.  He will not, however, be MY president.  Why?  Because on Saturday, Mr. Trump decided people like me are not REAL Americans.  Therefore, my non-recognition of his executive authority is by his choice, not mine.

At his final “thank you tour” rally in Mobile, Alabama, Trump told the audience you are the true “patriots” and “We are really who love this country.”  (Source, Associated Press, December 17, 2016) In Trump world, I am a persona non grata.  I must admit this came as quite a surprise to someone with three degrees in political science, including courses in constitution law and a focus in American institutions, and 13 years in public service.  Throughout my educational experience and years in government, I thought I gained a pretty good understanding of what it meant to be an American.

Now I find myself trying to figure out what it means to be an UNREAL American, who by having rejected Trump’s candidacy, is not a patriot and does not really love my country.  Ironically, I find it much easier to articulate the tenets of my new status than my national standing pre-2016.

As an UNREAL American:

I believe United States sovereignty is critical to national stability.  This includes national elections.  But as a member of the global community, we often need to join with other nations to resolve issues which have no geographic boundaries such as climate change and terrorism.

I believe defense policy should be designed and implemented by civilians (e.g. Secretaries of State, Defense and Homeland Security) and military strategy by generals (i.e. the Joint Chiefs of Staff).

I believe it is unconscionable to accuse a political opponent of a crime (e.g. mishandling classified information) and then nominate someone for National Security Adviser (Michael Flynn) who inappropriately shared classified information with foreign military officers (Washington Post, December 12, 2016). Or consider someone for Secretary of State (David Petraeus) who was convicted of passing classified information to his mistress.

I have more faith in assessments by the United States intelligence community than the former head of the Soviet KGB.

I believe addressing current and future problems does not lie in time-worn solutions. American innovation is not just about new products and commerce.  It can also be harnessed to respond to social issues such as structural unemployment, poverty and education.

I believe hard working individuals deserve a living wage even if it costs me a few dollars more at the mall or a restaurant or on Amazon.

I continue to support the concept of an electoral college.  It is to elections what the filibuster is in the United States Senate.  It protects the rights of the minority from domination by the majority.  I understand the anger of voters in the South, Rust Belt and Plains States who believe national politics has been dominated by representatives from the two coasts.  And they may be right.  However, I believe it is a disservice to suggest valid economic concerns and hyped fears are caused by scapegoats such as immigrants and Muslims.

I do not believe climate change is a Chinese hoax as evidenced by today’s “red alert” during which Beijing authorities stopped production at 700 companies and restricted use of private cars in the country’s northern provinces. (ABC News)  I doubt China would cripple its own economy in response to a hoax.

I believe it is appropriate for anyone to wish anyone else “Merry Christmas” on December 25th.  For the other 61 days between Halloween and New Years Day, “Seasons Greetings” or “Happy Holidays” recognizes and honors the religious and cultural diversity guaranteed by the First Amendment.  “Happy Holidays” is not a battle cry in a manufactured “war against Christmas.”

I believe the fact 41.5 percent of eligible voters did not vote in the 2016 presidential election, for whatever reason, is an affront to those who have fought and died to protect our right to govern ourselves.

As the parent of a daughter who is a captain in the United State Air Force and who has been twice deployed, I have a newly found appreciation for those who serve which I sadly did not have during the Vietnam era.  Through our concern for her safety, I have learned Purple Hearts are earned, not just handed out, and that Gold Star families deserve to be honored and embraced.

I believe my fellow countrymen have a right to protect themselves and enjoy recreational hunting under the Second Amendment.  However, I also believe we should care as much about citizens owning “weapons of mass destruction” (i.e. semi-automatic weapons) as we do about WMDs by foreign adversaries.

I would rather have a president who concedes he has lust in his heart (Jimmy Carter) than one who believes he is entitled to grab a woman’s private parts without her permission.

You know what.  I’m starting to feel damn proud to be an UNREAL American.  And I’m pretty sure I am not alone.  Maybe it’s time to form an UNREAL American political party which reaches out to all current and future residents of the United States who sense they are not recognized as Americans in Trump world.  The experience could be, “UNREAL.”

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP