On this holiday, a wish for unity
Stop the riots, now.
Two weeks ago the American citizens had the chance to elect a new president. According to the American regulations and laws, the winner was Donald Trump.
A few days later, Americans celebrated Veterans Day. Most Germans, especially conservatives, are still very grateful that these fine American men and women liberated Germany from an evil dictator and that democracy was brought back to their country. These Americans taught us that in a democracy you accept the outcome of a lawful election — period.
My question is: Why do some Americans today do exactly the opposite of what the brave U.S. veterans fought and died for? Why don’t they accept the results of the 2016 election?
Even worse, why are they violent against the police, against other people’s property, and against people who “dare” to have a different opinion?
Today, America will celebrate Thanksgiving. Wouldn’t this special day be a marvelous opportunity for all leaders of the complete political spectrum to call for unity, for stopping the violence and for a peaceful holiday?
I wish all Americans a “very happy and united Thanksgiving.”
Greg Fassbender
Bradenton/Ratingen, Germany
This story was originally published November 23, 2016 at 12:30 PM with the headline "On this holiday, a wish for unity."