Stunned… Sad that President-elect Trump was able to divide our nation with fear and anger and incite such dark energy!

What now? All I can do is what I can do…  I still choose to believe in optimism, still seek to support the values of compassion and healing that Trump trashed. 

 I will also try to listen more closely to those with fear and anger and try to help provide understanding, calm and support. I pray to God that the power of love with still prevail. 

I will not allow myself to give into resignation, even though today is harder than it was yesterday. My voice will also not be quiet. Trump may have won the White House, but he does not speak for me. 

At least it appears that Roy Cooper will be our NC Governor! Also the fact that Trump did not win in Tryon is a glimmer of hope! 

We may be divided, but the spirit of this nation is not conquered. My hope is that the checks and balances, especially Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court, will continue to protect this spirit against the darkest actions of a Trump presidency. 

Virgil Stucker, Tryon, N.C.