In defence of Donald Trump voters

Us so-called uneducated, bigoted, ignorant, racist, misogynist and “deplorables” are weary of politics as usual. Of course we voted for Donald Trump.

I have tried to keep my mouth shut but having lived in the US for all of my life, and having followed the daily news on all the stations, it is hard to stay quiet.

So I would like to say in defence of us Trump voters, us so-called uneducated, bigoted, ignorant, racist, misogynist and deplorable voters: we were able to see beyond liberal news “facts” about the US election.

Reporting was not impartial; instead it was heavily slanted to fit the plan of the democratic machine. Other countries (like Australia) heard only negative Trump reports and positive Clinton stories.

Americans are weary of politics as usual, favours paid back to special interest groups, vision that does not extend beyond Washington DC and cronyism. There is a huge swath of Middle America where there is little employment hope. Factories have closed, jobs have gone overseas and small businesses are struggling. Healthcare, for many of us, is unaffordable and costs continued to skyrocket.

Yet working middle Americans pay the bulk of the taxes.

The people pledge allegiance to Donald Trump. (Pic: Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP)

We are a nation of immigrants and we owe our success to our diversity. My extended family includes two African-American sons-in-law, a Hispanic son-in-law, an Australian son-in-law, and a Jewish son-in-law. We have three Hispanic-American grandchildren, seven African-American grandchildren, an Australian-American grandchild and a grandchild of unknown ancestry.

We have gay and lesbian family members and friends. My partner and I have college degrees and an advanced degree. No one I know is a misogynist. I am not unique among working middle-class Americans.

We are opposed to illegal immigration. We do not have secure borders, as do certain island nations. Our national security has been tragically breached repeatedly since 9/11. Closing our borders to illegal immigration is a responsible position.

Being free to voice our opinions publicly is a privilege we enjoy. Peaceful protests and marches are completely acceptable and have been a part of American history. Riots that are violent with people destroying property and injuring others is criminal and should not be tolerated.

This election “tragedy” — as perceived by those outside the US — may be due to lack of accurate information rather than political spin.

Was either candidate perfect? Absolutely not! Both are flawed.

But only one can bring about the change we have been crying out for.

We are concerned about national security, border security, illegal immigration, having affordable health care and growing American businesses and jobs. We prefer smaller government with individual states making decisions on matters specific to that state because each state is unique.

A new direction is needed for America. No more politics as usual.

Proud deplorable, Gail Gingrich, 76, lives in Delaware, USA and works as a nurse anaesthetist