Were there racist and sexist elements at play? Yes, much more than previously known or realized. But, those things didn't win this election. The majority of Trump people wanted change, and they got pushed into his camp after years of no positive or progressive or profitable alternative in sight. I went and covered the Trump rally in Asheville, and there was ugliness, viciousness and pure anger on both sides — most of it misguided. 

And if you really sit down and look at what both sides wanted, you’ll see there are more commonalities than differences. Folks want jobs, security, affordable health care and education, and a place to do and be whatever they want to be — Democrat, Republican or Independent.

All these things people are freaking out about (sexism, racism, homophobia, fear, evangelicalism, anger) have been key traits of our country at numerous crossroads over the last 240 years. The difference? Through all that, we still have made enormous societal and economical change, and all for the better. No matter who wins, our country was founded on change and compromise. We're on the precipice of that exact change we have the right to vote for, and ultimately elect into office. No matter who wins, the sky will not fall. The sun will rise tomorrow. We have checks and balances, and also the will as a people to come together.

Know your history. Know the basis of politics. Change and large shifts happen time and time again, for good or ill, for both parties. What remains is we as a people and a country have never given up in hopes of a better tomorrow for all Americans. Work together in your own communities. As they say — think globally, act locally.

OK, Republicans. You won. You won “bigly.” The ball is in your court, just like it has been in the Democrats’ court before. The tilt of power sways once again. Trump won. The people spoke. The system wasn’t rigged. Neither candidate was the best of what we as a country had to offer. But, the election is over, a winner declared. Now, let’s work together and not forget that each and every one of us is an American at the end of the day.

In my heart of hearts, I hold out hope for a better tomorrow, for I (and you, and all of us) have seen those better tomorrows, just like we’ve seen those dark days, too. As in anything in life, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to what you want, need and fight for, and what you ultimately get. But, what matters most is how you react to either outcome — the true test of character and integrity.

And so, as I awoke the Wednesday morning, I noticed the sunshine streaming into my bedroom window. A moment later, I remembered what transpired the previous night. It was a surreal feeling to think of this next, unknown chapter in American history. But, I slowly got out of bed, noticed more grey hairs in the bathroom mirror, brushed my teeth, spit into the sink, washed my face, got dressed and headed out my front door.

The world right off my front porch was still there. My old, rusty musty pickup truck still started up. I threw the vehicle into drive and merged into traffic on nearby Russ Avenue. Seeing as it has been such a long and grueling Election Night, and with a welcoming blue sky above, I headed for my one place in downtown Waynesville of solitude and understanding — Waffle House.

I grabbed my usual seat at the counter of the establishment. The coffee tasted the same, and so did the meat and eggs, hash browns smothered. The conversations were the same, with the servers — like clockwork — showing others pictures of their kids and grandkids amid talk about the weather, college football and the recent wildfires in Western North Carolina. But, what was different was the tone in the air. It was much more quiet than normal. Everyone within earshot, everyone across the country (win or lose) is exhausted.

This election cycle brought out the worst in us as a nation. It also brought out the undying passion and determination to make real and tangible change, and all for the better. That change isn’t who will sit in the Oval Office. It’s the day-to-day actions and movements that aim to include all walks of life into this great big circle of humanity we’re all part of.

The internal fire for freedom and equality in this country didn't go out. On the contrary, it just got a whole lot brighter, regardless of your politics. We're Americans. We don't stop fighting for just causes. Keep on keepin' on, y'all. This is truth — politically, historically, and spiritually.

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

Hot picks

1 Mountain Faith will perform “Sounds of Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

2 The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host PMA (reggae/rock) at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18.

3 Storyteller Donald Davis will be performing material from his latest book Cripple Joe: Stories from my Daddy at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, in the Sam Queen Auditorium in the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

4 No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host The Punknecks and Russ T. Nutz (outlaw country) at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18.

5 The 15th annual “Stecoah Arts & Crafts Drive About Tour” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 25-26 in Bryson City, Stecoah and Robbinsville.