Opinion: Biased justice system to blame for Trump win

I felt hopeful my fellow Gen X members would see value in Vice President Kamala Harris’ proposals. She ran a flawless campaign and changed the momentum in those first few weeks from stagnant to steamrolling.

Post-election, I am gravely disappointed with the people I grew up with. They did the opposite of what we said when we were younger and turned into the parents they worked so hard never to become. Statistics from the BBC found over 70% of people aged 48-65 voted for Donald Trump. In combination with Gen Z voters at 65%, it helped him win the Nov. 5 election.

I could delve into individual demographics and point fingers at groups the Harris campaign didn’t reach.

But the truth is — I blame our justice system. I am fully convinced that had Trump been treated like any other citizen and prosecuted appropriately by the state and federal Department of Justice for his numerous crimes, I would have had something else to write about.

The Justice Department granted Trump multiple extensions and exemptions, causing delays in prosecution that you or I could only dream about from a jail cell had we been in the same situation. The Supreme Court decision allowing Trump immunity for his official acts means there are zero guardrails — and that should be at least mildly terrifying, considering Trump is the first person to have such power.

With the election results, America slapped people of color in the face and showed her truest self.

But that discredits half of the population who voted the same way I did. President Joe Biden waited too long to step down, but I understand that being a fighter means quitting is not something that is easy or comfortable to do. I am a decorated combat veteran, and with that, I have a kind of sixth sense and perceive things in ways that others don’t. Something is amiss here. As someone who has been in a situation where live rounds are incoming, you know when it’s time to act. You know it’s time to do what’s necessary to survive.

Protect the rights you currently have

Prepare to leave. Complete the passport application paperwork now, for you and your family members. The cost is about $165 per person, unless you live in a border state, then you can get temporary passes for $35-$85 based on how long you plan on staying. Research a location where there are communities of American expatriates. From my research, Mexico has the lowest cost of living and the largest expatriate community of Americans.

I also suggest having physical access to cash and having a burner phone. Make sure you have a trusted group of friends, relatives and counterparts. As much as you want to love your family and friends, there will be people who completely agree with things that happen that are detrimental to your freedom.

It is imperative you have basic survival skills, including understanding how to move, make fire, purify water and what and how to cook.

Keep a bag ready. Fill it with clothing and shoes, road flares, lighters, rechargeable batteries, charger cords, flashlights, tools and more.

Organize

Petitions and protests are good. That’s what we were taught to do peacefully. But those tools are limited and will be even more limited during the coming administration.

This is the time to be responsibly armed within your legal rights. If you cannot legally carry a firearm, then take self-defense classes.

These people have been telling us who they are and what they want for eight years — believe them.

The Election and Black Men

Black men overwhelmingly voted for Harris, above other men in every category. The small gain made by Trump with young and Gen X Black male voters (while marginal) is problematic. I am not only blaming them for that failure. I’m also blaming us. It was our failure to educate our young Black men appropriately. It was our failure to teach them who and what they are. It was our failure to educate them about why we fought so diligently to get to where we are and why it was so critical to have a Black woman in a position of power at this time in our history.

This opinion column first appeared in the November Black Iowa Newspaper. The Black Iowa Newspaper returns in February 2025.

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