We now are entering year two of Donald Trump’s presidency. The early pessimistic speculation about his corruptive nature, depth of racial animus, and level of covetousness have all been proven valid. There is no need to wonder where Donald Trump stands when it comes to people of color, or any other “diverse” or “vulnerable” population. He is exactly who he appeared to be during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Throughout his first year in office, the Trump administration staff has changed very publicly on a regular basis, followed by or due to some form of controversy. Random Twitter rants, often containing petty, false, and at times dangerous posts, have replaced formal presidential press conferences. When Donald Trump does speak before audiences, his message is typically sprinkled with discriminatory points based in white supremacist ideology. Time and time again, he has made it clear who he is. There is no need to wonder. Yet he is not the problem; he is the symptom of the 39%. And it is this 39% that offers more insight into where the United States of America is as a nation, than the latest insult slung by the person currently occupying the White House.

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. ~Dr. Maya Angelou

Two days into his presidency, the website fivethirtyeight.com began tracking Donald Trump’s approval and disapproval ratings daily, even comparing the numbers to Presidents going back to Harry Truman (1945-1953). Since May 2017, an unwavering 39% of Americans have approved of the job Donald Trump has done, even in the face of notable controversies, gaffs, and tragedies. And although the current president’s approval rating is well below the previous 12 during their first year, it suggests a sizable segment of the U.S. population is willing to trade decency and justice for hate and greed. As we enter the second year of this administration, it is crucial we understand this 39% is the true opposition to #TheResistance. Considering this, let’s all agree to leave reactionary responses to Donald Trump’s irrationality in his first year of office.

During this second year, it is time to develop proactive strategies and execute from every angle. We are at a pivotal crossroad in history, and distinctive lines have been drawn in stone between justice and injustice. We have pushed past the point of proving the presence of inequality and oppression. Those who have chosen a side, have done so with full knowledge of what is at stake; and those who are on the fence have chosen the side of injustice by default.

If the Obama presidency taught us anything, it is that all administrations come to an end. It is imperative those within #TheResistance formulate plans that work for us, in preparation for what is coming next. Choosing candidates that represent progressive ideals, supporting businesses/organizations committed to justice, and raising the next generation with a sense of reverence are all necessary strategies in this movement. Donald Trump and the 39% are a litmus test of where we are as a country. Now take stock and act accordingly.

As Tupac Shakur stated, “You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could’ve, would’ve happened… or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move the fuck on.” In this second year of Trump’s presidency, let’s do the latter, and direct the future towards the end we desire.