Change Has Come

14 December 2017

Wednesday

Good afternoon Vizzion Seekers!

As I woke up yesterday morning, I realized that everyone from different backgrounds and other states were congratulating Alabama on a job well. They are congratulating us on change and another word that can be used is common sense. For the first time since the 1990’s we have an actual Democrat on the Alabama Senate by the name of Doug Jones. When I arrived at the voting polls yesterday, I certainly did not expect these results. I knew that it was possible due to the allegations Roy Moore has been facing, but at the same time…this is the state of Alabama. A state that is not very optimistic when it comes to change. Alabama is referred to as the “the bible belt” and known to be dedicated to what they call “pure morality” by not allowing gambling, a lottery, same sex marriage, or the opening of ABC stores on Sundays. A state where “dry counties” exist and a state where you would need to sign a waiver in a sex store that states you only purchase items for “scientific studies”. Roy Moore was the Republican candidate running against Doug Jones and he has been accused of sexual abuse against minors when he was in his 30’s. Several women have come forth sharing their stories of being groped and inappropriately touched by Moore on more than several occasions. He has made jaw dropping statements concerning the allegations. He never really stated that there was actual “wrong” in his actions but attempted to rationalize it. Not to mention that he claimed America was the “greatest” during slavery and that during that time we had more “direction”. His campaign was being endorsed by none other than Republican Donald Trump. They were pretty confident in their win and Trump stood behind him and his allegations during the entire campaign, but is now saying that his campaign was inadequate in helping him win the race. He minimized his funding and staff in a statement on national television and also claims the race isn’t over. Jones won the race with 49.92 percent of votes and Moore received 48.38 percent of the votes.



Photo Credits: CNN NEWS



Photo Credits: CNN NEWS



Photo Credits: CNN NEWS

Moore believes the race was “close” and has even demanded a recount. A candidate can request a recount, but they must pay for it on their own in order for it to happen. But it is unlikely that the outcome will change anything.

“Realize when the vote is this close –– that it’s not over.” Republican Roy Moore refuses to concede to Democrat Doug Jones, despite losing a close Alabama Senate race. -CBS News

There has been controversy surrounding the polls and Jones’ win, but what I can honestly say that what I am most proud of is the number of African-American votes and the support they have given Doug Jones, whom was also responsible for the prosecution of the Klan members involved in bombing the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham in 1977. Roy Moore has shown no interest in the African American population and as stated before, he spoke up about slavery not really being an issue but a greater part of the country’s history. The African-American voters percentage has not been this high during an election since Barack Obama ran for president. Even with that factor, it was still a close race and it was debated that he may not have been able to get enough votes from Republicans willing to cross over to Democrat due to the opposition of Roy Moore and actions.
Then it actually happened.
Displaying pride and expressing how grateful he is for the state of Alabama and their votes, Doug Jones victoriously walked out at 10:56 p.m. and addressed his campaign supporters. Tears filled my eyes as I realized that once again, we have made history by voting for a Democrat that wanted to personify unity and create a bigger voice and presence in the nation.


“This entire race has been about dignity and respect,” Jones said in his victory speech. “This campaign has been about the rule of law.”


Trump made sure to do his regular routine of tweeting a congrats to Doug Jones later that night on Twitter.

“Congratulations to Doug Jones on a hard fought victory. The write-in votes played a very big factor, but a win is a win. The people of Alabama are great, and the Republicans will have another shot at this seat in a very short period of time. It never ends!” -via Twitter

Doug Jones may not be as “open-minded” about certain policies and laws concerning issues such as gay rights as I would have liked a candidate to be, but he was a candidate that seemed to have our best interests in mind the most and doesn’t have a ruined reputation full of allegations about sexual assault surrounding him. Nobody can tell the truth just yet on whether Roy Moore actually committed the acts they are accusing him of, but everyone knows where there is smoke there is fire. Sexual harassment has become the biggest topic that is being discussed lately, especially involving politicians. And his comments on the issue made it no better. He surprisingly received a lot of votes from women, a lot more than expected with what he is facing. As far as recount, I sum it up to possibly being a sore loser and having higher expectations. The change and the hope that this election provided gave everyone a big breath of fresh air that we actually CAN come together for a greater cause.
I will be following and blogging on the aftermath of the election and whether there will actually be a recount paid for by Roy Moore. I wish him luck with that endeavor, but as far as I see it, we finally have a historic victory we can be proud of! Lets just hope that it can be kept up for a long term journey!

Solidify Your Life!!