Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  On Wednesday morning following the November 8, 2016 presidential election, a man stood on Hwy. 119 heading into Nederland from the south and greeted the oncoming traffic, jumping up and down and waving an American flag.

He was not greeted by a joyful barrage of honking horns. In fact, most of the vehicles in that time niche drove past him, staring straight ahead, still in a state of shock. Nederland, Boulder County and the state of Colorado residents are predominantly Democratic and their reaction to Tuesday's election was disbelief, shock and sorrow. Many of them said they were afraid of what Donald Trump's victory will mean to them, afraid of his campaign promises to build a wall, to end abortion and to send immigrants back to the war-torn countries they fled from.

People were afraid that the man known for his temper, for his abuse of power, for his contempt of women, will do something reactionary that could be destructive, even disastrous, to the American people he has been hired to serve.

Many local residents were stunned at Trump's election, trying to get their heads around the fact that what they thought never could happen, did happen; and although Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, Trump succeeded in luring the major swing states to his side.

Grim, feeling betrayed and filled with anxiety, Nederland's Democrats could only shake their heads and wonder how this election had gotten away from them. Few people anticipated a Republic win.

As Ned's senior citizens strolled into the Nederland Community Center for their weekly lunch, their usual exuberant conversation was hushed. Some of the women dressed in black, mourning the electoral decision; some wore pink or red in support of Clinton.

An informal survey of the seniors revealed that 10 people were devastated, one was ecstatic and the rest were silent, not wanting to reveal how they felt about the election. The seniors say that they have voted in elections for many decades and they have never before seen such a volatile reaction to the results.

Protests popped up in the larger cities, including Los Angeles and New York. Some of the protests became violent and people were hurt and arrested. Others voiced their concerns non-aggressively, but loud with outrage that Trump, as well as a majority of Republicans, were chosen by the populace, a heretofore sleeping force of working class men and women in rural areas of the south and midwest.

The protests went on over the weekend and into this past work week.

Ned's seniors weren't out protesting, but they were certainly grumbling during their Wednesday lunch.

Here are their comments:

Ressa Smith said, "You know how your parents have always told you that just about anyone could become president of the United States? They were right.

"I am mourning the loss of intelligence in the world; but I will mourn and get over it. I will not allow myself to wallow in mourning. I just didn't know there was so much stupidity in the population."

Former Nederland Mayor Marty Cheshes said, "I am just thankful I'm not overseas as a diplomat…I would be too ashamed as an American. It is a sad day."

Norm Link said, "Trump is going to undue everything that Obama did. My daughter has told me she is worried about health care and what is going to happen." Link and others at his table said they might join the resistance that is forming all over the country.

Jane Mayo, in reaction to the election results, says, "We have met the enemy and it is us. I am dressed all in black because I am in complete mourning. I am speechless and have been having nightmares about Trump in the White House. I am really upset, but then, being upset means I care."

The only happy person, the one with smile of victory on his face, was Jim Elder, former president of the Nederland Area Seniors. "It felt wonderful when I got up this morning. The sun was still shining and the bugs were still alive. I am, however, surprised, considering the press we had and with all the communists and socialists. Looking at Trump's pictures on television, he seems relaxed instead of mad. Those of us who supported Trump supported what he said, I just wish it had been said by somebody else."

Justine Irwin said, "I'm just glad it's over, but this country has a way of sorting itself out. And after all, this country was not founded by gentlemen."

Roland Siebold chuckled and quoted Winston Churchill who said, "'It's just one damn thing after another.' My first reaction is to move to Canada, to Yellow Knife in the Northwestern territory." He said that some people just need hugs and then it will be alright."

Wearing a pink outfit to help herself feel better and to show support for Clinton, Pam Sherman said she was going to put a smile on her face. "I feel like we've abandoned the America we know to someone who is infantile, who has no control, who will do the ultimate danger with the whim of the moment. It is a sad day for everyone and I am including those who voted for him. It was a misplaced vote."

Al Nelson, says, "It is very sad and I am disappointed in the national election results, but thanks to our voters, we won in Colorado. I have never seen protests like those that happened after this election, but given the divided nature of the country, it is not surprising. Trump is the poster child for narcissistic personality.

He kept saying that the election would be rigged, but he probably knew something about it all year long.

"It is hard to believe, hard to imagine, that that many people in our country bought into this. I guess it's a case of people wanting simple solutions and they saw in him someone who promised the changes they bought into."

Both Trump and Clinton have spoken to the nation and both have been cordial to each other, dropping the name-calling and the vicious verbal attacks that defined their debates with each other during their campaigns. People say it was the ugliest year of campaigning they have ever seen.

Be vigilant, residents are telling each other. Stay involved, informed and communicate with each other. The persistent, snarling television ads may be over, but a new era of change and reform has just begun.

(Published in the November 17, 2016 print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)