The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect the views of the Magpie staff. 

Out of spite from the 2024-2025 election, Ellen DeGeneres promptly decided to “escape” the United States for a quiet and peaceful life in the United Kingdom.

While that is not entirely bad, and she has the right to do so, it’s still a fairly dangerous thing. As a first-generation immigrant, I am privileged to live here in this country. America hasn’t always been my home, but I am happy to say I love it here.

It’s a dangerous thing because, as Americans, we fail to complete our civil duties when we decide to ignore the problem. DeGeneres is only a mere example of reality. It does not matter if you are red or blue. If you see there is an issue in our country, do something about it. The moment you believe you don’t have a voice is the moment you lose it.

Instead of running away from the problem, we need to acknowledge its existence. We need to find ways to get involved. 

I don’t believe Donald Trump will destroy democracy, but hey, that’s just me. If you think that, it’s a valid opinion. You have a right to have that opinion. 

Quitting and deciding to leave the country is not the answer. I believe America is one of the best countries in the entire world. Our freedom of speech exists for a reason. 

William Faulkner, a famous writer, stated, “We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.”

How can we practice freedom if we decide to move to the United Kingdom? If you don’t like the policies of Trump, which there are some I dislike, ask yourself a very important question. What can I do to ensure freedom thrives?

“The fact is, with every friendship you make and every bond of trust you establish, you are shaping the image of America projected to the rest of the world,” Michelle Obama said.