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The aftermath of the 2020 presidential election

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The aftermath of the 2020 presidential election - The Hot Mess Press

This year’s presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most divisive in recent history. Both sides are very emotionally involved in the election’s outcome. Some people are concerned about extreme reactions from the “losing” side after the election is over. Recent events that include riots, property damage, and violent protests lend credibility to this concern. The aftermath of the 2020 presidential election is unpredictable. There have been plenty of volatile elections in the past where nothing serious happened after the winner was revealed. But, could this year be different? What could really happen on November 4th and the weeks after?

Don’t engage with antagonists

There will be a “losing” side in the 2020 election and they won’t be happy.  If you’re satisfied with the chosen president, don’t gloat. On the other hand, if you’re devastated by the results, it’s best not to engage with those on the “winning” side. If you find yourself getting upset by post-election social media posts, take a break. In fact, it’s always a good idea to take a break from social media any time it’s causing you stress or unhappiness. Political arguments can get heated quickly. While most people are reasonable and won’t resort to violence, recent events have shown us that there are some irrational people out there. Heated arguments, especially political ones, don’t change minds. It’s best to avoid these interactions.

Apocalyptic preparations?

I just read an article about people stocking up on guns and toilet paper in preparation for post-election violence. People are looking for ways to protect their families which has led to higher gun sales. Plus, the pandemic has caused people to worry about running out of basic food and supplies. While it never hurts to be prepared for emergencies, this story got me thinking. The political climate in the US right now is pretty crazy. We are at the point where disagreements equal hate. No one can have a rational conversation anymore without accusations. People make assumptions, often incorrect ones, based on the candidate you support. The mainstream media does nothing but post one-sided stories to fuel the fire. The average American is understandably struggling with preparing for a semi-apocalyptic situation.

Should you prepare for large-scale violence?

Some of the theories I’ve read on post-election violence involve anarchy, civil war, and complete shutdowns of government services. I prefer to err on the side of being cautious but hopeful. After the initial shock from the “losing” side, I think we can recover. But, we can still prepare for emergencies. If you live in a rural area, the chances of seeing extreme violence are much less. Urban dwellers should be more concerned. This is especially true if you live in a city that has already seen violence and unrest. Be aware of what’s going on in your area. Avoid conflict and stay away from volatile areas when possible.

So far in 2020, we have dealt with a pandemic, insane wildfires in the west, political unrest, violence, and food shortages. November brings election time where emotions are running high on both sides. The aftermath of the 2020 presidential election could be minor or it could be a little more serious. Some people have taken it so far as to stock up on home protection gear and emergency supplies. But is all this preparation necessary? It never hurts to be prepared for a disaster of any type. At this point, we should hope for a peaceful transition where the “losing” side can agree to disagree and move forward. But, as we’ve seen so far in 2020, nearly anything is possible.

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