Americans voice fear, hope ahead of Trump presidency

Americans across the political spectrum view the inauguration of Donald Trump, their 45th president, with wildly different expectations — from excitement and elation to despondency and dread. Here are some of their thoughts: positive progress in terms of racial, ethnic and gender equality, away from taking responsibility for the future of humanity, animals and our environment.

“I no longer believe that most of my fellow Americans hold these beliefs and values.” That whole thing with the election and Russia was so bizarre. Frankly, I am even more worried now that he is about to take office. I don’t know what to expect.”

“I’m not looking for Trump to do anything. I just want him to open up the floodgates of opportunity. I don’t want some bureaucrat to tell me who to hire, how much I have to pay them.

“The only thing I want any president to do is to secure our freedoms … press freedom, free expression, individuality, the freedom to earn, to work your tail off and to keep as much of what you’ve earned yourself.”

“We need a security plan for this country. We can’t allow any more terror attacks like Fort Lauderdale. Each time it strikes closer to our homes. We need to identify who is attacking us. And they haven’t done that yet because they are so worried about insulting any one group — about political correctness. They have not taken this seriously.

“I know he will be the least popular president in the country’s history — and I understand that. I have never blindly followed him, but I think he deserves a chance.”

“I’m kind of scared, a little. Not as scared as I was when he first got elected, because right after that there were so many hate crimes. I feel like it has settled down a bit.

“I’d like to think that he has minorities in his mind, because we are the foundations of this country … I’m hoping the hate rhetoric is going to be less, that he gives a platform for minorities in the country.”