Seriously, she can’t. Sure, many of you are thinking of the technical definitions and preparing to argue that the current recount endeavors might sway the electoral votes and she could become president. However, I’m here to tell you that despite this fact, she can’t actually win.

The primary reason Hillary Clinton can not win the presidency this way is because it would cause more disruption than being an actual solution. For instance, if Clinton were to win the presidential election this way it would make America appear to be even more unstable internationally. I know, holding on to hope that Hillary can become president and that the world will return to peace is appealing for many, but it’s simply not the case. The reality is that it’s a time for reckoning and the country has to face what may come with the current president-elect. However, that’s not completely a bad thing.

So many people are looking for a silver lining. Well, here it is. All over social media, and in airports, and walking down the streets, there are people saying “I didn’t think this was who America was.” Unless one has been voluntarily turning a blind eye to history, and modern events, I don’t understand the reaction.

Americans, at no point in our history, have we been a true democracy that treated all of its citizens equally; Trump winning the election is simply a reaffirmation. However, there is a silver lining. In fact, there are three:

1. Now that you’re aware that multiple -ISMS (racism, classism, sexism, ableism, etc.) and phobias (homophobia, Islamophobia, etc.) exist in America, you can do something to address them! I’ll even give you a starting place with organizations you can work with and donate to:
-Affinity Community Services: http://www.affinity95.org
-Planned Parenthood: http://www.plannedparenthood.org
-Center for Reproductive Rights: http://www.reproductiverights.org
-Natural Resources Defense Council: http://www.nrdc.org
-The International Refugee Assistance Project: http://www.refugeerights.org
-NAACP Legal Defense Fund: http://www.naacpldf.org
-The Trevor Project: http://www.thetrevorproject.org
-Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund: http://www.maldef.org
-Lambda Legal: http://www.lambdalegal.org
-Inner-city Muslin Action Network: http://www.imancentral.org

2. Folks are now aware of how the electoral college works and are questioning its relevance. A senator even wants to scrap it:
-https://www.yahoo.com/news/democratic-sen-boxer-plans-bill-to-scrap-electoral-college-195553153.html

3. The nation is becoming more socially and politically aware and involved. This is arguably​ the most important. The results of this can be major because a change in structure requires an understanding of how it works. My hope is that people will begin to pay attention to more than the Presidential elections and we will begin to see a shift in who is elected at all levels.

To be frank, I’m optimistic about the future of America. I’m aware that there will be some rough years ahead, but I have faith in the American people to fight against injustice wherever we find it, and in whatever form it takes. I have faith that we won’t make the mistakes of the past and that those who fight for justice will prevail. Because honestly, America can’t thrive if we do not.

Still, in need of a pick me up? Read this amazing piece of legislation passed in San Francisco, CA, in light of the Trump election here. It nearly brought me to tears twice.

-Ms. Malcolm Hughes