This Election Will Define This Generation — For Better Or Worse

A lot is riding on this election. Instability is almost guaranteed to follow.

You’ve probably heard a lot in recent weeks about how important this election is. It is contentious, polarizing, omnipresent and chaotic. The stakes are high.

For one: Donald Trump represents the most significant threat to the function of our democracy since perhaps the Civil War. His rhetoric indicating that he may not accept the election result is completely unprecedented. There are scary methods, including the courts, that he may use to retain power at all costs. He will have guaranteed support from an unflappable base and spineless Republicans.

The unrest that could be generated on and after election day is concerning. While a lot of people have already voted by mail, the polls will be active and crowded, and there may be voter intimidation efforts — hence the “stand by and stand back” quote from Trump —with white supremacist terrorist groups potentially active.

We also know that this country has been in a protesting mood the last few months. If Trump wins or the election is in doubt, major streets could be packed. Anti-Trump protests occurred in big numbers after 2016; just imagine what could happen this year, in an even more vitriolic election and in the midst of a major racial reckoning.