One Time Only: The 2024 Presidential Election and a Reflection on Political Division

It's been a few days since the news broke: Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States. To say I was shocked wouldn’t be accurate—I saw it coming. The Democratic ticket missed the mark by overlooking the real concerns of voters and focusing their policies on the wrong areas across the country. They largely ignored Trump as a serious contender, treating his campaign more as a joke than a legitimate rival.

Trump as a Brand, Not Just a Candidate

The thing is, Donald Trump is more than just a candidate; he’s become a brand for many of his supporters. His flag flies in the same way that supporters fly sports team flags and beer logos, almost like a lifestyle brand rather than a representation of leadership. “We the People” is turning into a slogan instead of a foundational ideal. It’s disappointing to see the three words that once united us used as a divisive rallying cry. At this point, we don’t need just a brand or a catchphrase—we need leadership that can bridge these divides.

Faith and Leadership

As I reflect on this outcome, I can’t help but turn to my faith, even though it’s not something I openly discuss. I grew up with the idea of being "the best Bible someone will ever read." It means living in a way that reflects kindness and compassion rather than preaching or quoting scripture. Now, more than ever, I hope and pray that Trump lives up to the expectations of his supporters—that his actions reflect the leader they believe him to be. Words are loud, but actions speak louder. He has a unique opportunity to shape his legacy in a positive way. Will he take it? This could be a second chance to change history and his legacy for the better, or it could be the worst sequel that the U.S. has ever seen.

The Choice Between Pro-Life and Women’s Rights

He could either eliminate women’s rights or recognize that some things are beyond an individual's control and are medically necessary. It’s incredibly important to understand that just because someone is pro-choice doesn’t mean they are pro-abortion. He could stay narrowly focused on being "pro-life" by supporting only fetuses and infants, or he could become truly pro-life and recognize that his tax codes, which are still in effect, have damaged many families, including ours, because the best benefits are reserved for the ultra-wealthy, while the financial lives of the so-called “middle class” are eroded.

The Reality of Daily Life During His First Term

On a personal level, we didn’t feel much improvement in our lives during his first term. Like with most presidents, daily routines stayed the same, but the temperature of the nation rose noticeably, causing stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Financially, the differences were stark. Reviewing our tax returns from 2017 to 2023, the contrast is undeniable: from 2016 to 2020, we owed money every year, adding up to a five-figure sum that hit our family incredibly hard. In the last few years, refunds have softened that blow, but they haven’t come close to recouping what we paid before.

Rising Costs and the True Source of Inflation

America is becoming an increasingly challenging place to live. Rising costs are often blamed on “inflation,” but this isn’t the whole picture. True inflation is a natural part of economic growth, but what we’re seeing now is largely a result of corporate greed. Companies know people will still buy milk at $4.99 instead of $2.79, so there’s no incentive to lower prices. On top of that, publicly traded companies create “ghost jobs”—posting open positions they have no intention of filling—giving a false impression of a thriving job market. This is the number 1 reason I have not found a new job, as, by my estimate, 80-90% of the jobs I’ve applied to were never truly available, but there’s simply no way to tell what’s real and what’s a “ghost job”.

The Disconnect Between Urban and Rural America

Living in New Jersey, I’ve always noticed that our experiences here differ from much of the rest of the country. Here, most of us have steady jobs, good salaries, and relatively comfortable lifestyles, but that’s not the reality for many Americans. Outside of metropolitan areas, mainly the east and west coasts, people face limited opportunities, lower wages, and fewer resources. Their political choices reflect their reality, often shaped by survival rather than aspiration due to the fact that they’re under-educated and often vulnerable to manipulation. To many, this election might feel like a last-ditch effort for change. It’s akin to a high school candidate promising to eliminate homework—it’s enticing to some, but unfeasible to others who see through it.

Disillusionment with Political Division in America

After this election, I took down our American flag—not out of a lack of patriotism, because I do love this country, but because I feel disillusioned by the political division I see in our “United” States. Friends, family, neighbors—people I thought I knew—have shown reactions toward their supposed loved ones filled with nothing more than visceral hate. I’ve been called things so vile that I won’t even repeat them here, and it has made me question the kind of society we’re building.

The Personal Cost of Politics

It’s difficult, because I’m the first to admit that I did not fully support Kamala Harris; I just believed that her example, especially for children, was far better than what Donald Trump offered. I disagree with any leader openly mocking others, using foul language, and lying, among many other things. It’s unsettling to see people take the time to comment on a Facebook post, when those same people couldn’t find the time to offer condolences to my family after we lost multiple loved ones. It disgusts me. We’re supposed to be better than that. We’re supposed to care about each other and wish each other well.

The Struggles of Running a Small Business During Tough Times

I’ve been running my small business, Falcon Design Studios, with little income—barely $500 a month—and with no support from those I once helped. In the past, I would go out of my way for recently unemployed friends, treating them to lunch, rewriting their resumes and bringing them directly to HR, and even setting up interviews. Now, in nearly 14 months of unemployment, those same friends have offered nothing. It’s a tough reality, but it’s why I’m determined to grow my business with a purpose: to create products and support organizations in ways that benefit our communities. Why not take $10 in profit and give back $2 to a local sports team, a school, or a cause that matters? Could I be selfish and keep all the profit for myself? Sure, but at the end of the day, that $2 could make a big difference for another organization and I want to make a different. I’m tired of a society where everyone’s looking out for themselves without realizing the impact of even small acts of kindness.

Moving Forward with Purpose and Finding Unity Amid the Divide

I don’t share this to pat myself on the back, but to highlight the frustration I feel with a culture that seems to have forgotten empathy. Family, friends, colleagues—those I’ve helped in the past have stayed silent. There are a few exceptions, and to them, I express my heartfelt gratitude (you know who you are). I ran into someone recently who, when I mentioned I was still job-hunting, responded with a dismissive “That sucks.” It’s disheartening.

As we move forward, I hope we can find ways to bridge these divides. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we do need to start seeing each other as fellow citizens, neighbors, and even friends again. It’s easy to get lost in the noise of politics and feel that our differences are insurmountable, but the heart of this country has always been its people and their willingness to come together when it matters most. My great-grandfather came to this country in 1920 with his dad and brother and loved this country to a level that most could not understand, but with what’s going on now, he would be absolutely disgusted, I have no doubt.

Focusing on What I Can Control

For me, this election serves as a reminder to focus on what I can control: my own actions, my business, and my community. If each of us took a moment to put aside our frustrations and to reach out to someone—whether a neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger—who might be struggling, maybe we could start to rebuild a sense of unity that goes beyond flags or slogans. The challenges we face are real, but so are the opportunities to make a difference.

At Falcon Design Studios, I’ll keep moving forward with that goal, hoping that kindness and understanding can lead to the change we all need.