I am afraid for my sister, the Sikh, the soul of this nation

I am afraid right now.

Not for myself so much; I am Caucasian, I am a male, I am heterosexual and, as of this moment, my health is not bad.

I am afraid for the ethnic and religious minorities our now president elect harangues on a regular basis.

For the Sikh man running a convenience store who wears a turban.

For the person of color walking down the street at night.

I am afraid for the women who are likely to be harmed in greater numbers now that a boy who considers sexual assault “locker room banter” is in the highest office.

Now that his appointment to that office validates those inclined to dark actions.

I am afraid for those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual community, who have finally been allowed to marry the person they love.

For the transgender community which already receives so much hate.

I am afraid for people like my sister, who suffers from (on some days) debilitating arthritis, who will no longer qualify for insurance when this boy follows through on his threatening promise to repeal Obamacare on “day one.”

I am afraid for what this election says about the soul of this nation.

I am afraid for the life of the republic.

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 4:18 PM with the headline "I am afraid for my sister, the Sikh, the soul of this nation."