Celebrating Halloween in Japan when we still thought the possibility of a Trump Presidency was a joke (yes, Kim is a cupcake)

We’ll be fine

After the election results, Kim asked me:

Is everything going to be ok?

I responded:

Yes Kim, you and I will be fine.

We’ll be fine because we’re not Muslim, African American, gay, transgender, undocumented workers, or living in poverty. Like many of my close friends, we’re Asian American, have a good job, solid income, and live in a bubble called California.

We will be fine, but what about the millions of Americans that are afraid, are persecuted, and are now the victims of discrimination or hate crimes because the President-elect ran on a platform of hatred and fear.

It’s time for me to represent my family, my future child, and demonstrate to our government and our President-elect that we will not tolerate racism, bigotry, or sexism.

This is why I have decided to travel to Washington DC for the presidential inauguration on January 20 to participate in a peaceful protest.

Let me be very clear: I accept that Trump will be our next president. I hope that he is very successful in bringing prosperity and equality to all Americans.

However, Trump must feel our resolve to stand up and fight for equality and economic opportunity for all Americans, which is why I believe it is important to make the peaceful protest on inauguration day the biggest protest America has ever seen.

Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.
— Horace Mann

I have never served in the military and only donated a few hundred dollars to Planned Parenthood and PETA. It’s time for me to think beyond my personal wellbeing and think about the wellbeing of all Americans.

My child will know that on inauguration day, I stood up in peaceful protest against bigotry, racism, and sexism.

Where will you be?

This is an open invitation for you to join me. Plenty of my friends have voiced their opinion in the echo-chamber that is Facebook — no one hears your complaints except your friends on Facebook that share the same sentiments as you.

If you’re truly angry, if you truly want to make a difference, then I invite you to join me in peaceful protest on January 20.

See you there ✊

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.

- MARTIN NIEMÖLLER