2016 was a politically charged year for most countries, where many people followed politics closer than they had in the last decade. Between mass shootings and elections, this year is one for the history books.
On June 12th 2016 Omar Matteen opened fire at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. The attack resulted in the death of 50 people, including Omar himself, who was shot by Orlando Police Department. The attack was the deadliest mass shooting by a single shooter, and the deadliest incident of violence against LGBT people. Though an act of hate, it brought attention to the hate crimes against LGBT people, gained much media support, and brought the community and it’s allies closer.
On March 22nd 2016, the former mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, passed away at the age of forty six after an 18 month long battle with cancer. His loved ones described him as a “dedicated man of the people” who “spent his life serving the citizens of Toronto”. After multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and a surgery, Ford told reporters “I’m just lucky to be alive today and I’m just lucky to get another chance at life…At least I have a chance”. The people of Toronto remember Rob Ford as a great mayor, and a genuine good hearted person.
Possibly the most followed event of 2016 was the U.S presidential election. Donald J. Trump was elected was elected the 45th president of the United States. During the election, Trump’s initial focus was bringing attention to the immigration reform, planning to build a wall between Mexico and the United States, and “although it can hurt families”, will demand the deportation of 11 million undocumented immigrants.
In a poll between Republicans and Democrats, 76% of Democrats voted to tighten the gun control laws, while 59% of Republicans oppose new restrictions. After the terrorist attacks in Paris, the parties split over whether to allow Syrian refugees into the United States.
63% of Democrats support the entrance of Syrian refugees into the U.S while 68% of Republicans voted against it.Politicians such as Jeb Bush and Ted Cruz expressed support in allowing exclusively Christian refugees.
Between political disputes in the United States and Europe, we don’t know what 2017 will bring.