Since Donald Trump’s surprising victory on Election Day, protests have plagued urban cities all over the country. Flags have been burned. Freeways have been blocked.

But now is not the time to be engaging such extreme demonstrations. Rather, we, as U.S. citizens, should acknowledge the winner of the electoral college as part of our pride in our country and democratic system.

I have to say, I do not support Trump or the majority of his policies, yet these protests seem silly, foolish and impractical at best. This country is largely built upon democratic ideals and though not entirely a true democracy, we must come to terms, as citizens, with our country’s governing system.

Expressing disappointment and disapproval toward the election result is quite understandable. The actions of several groups of anti-Trump protesters are not. In Los Angeles alone, the 710, 10, and 101 freeways were blocked by aggressive protesters in the past month. Not only is this illegal, but it also paints protesters poorly in the already overwhelming post-election season. The outcome may be disappointing but it’s still something we must accept.

Yes, Trump won, fair and square, in fact, but he does not take office until January. What exactly are these anti-Trump protests rallying against? Such protests against the mere idea of a Trump presidency is absurd, especially after he’s already won the Oval Office.

We shouldn’t be protesting what’s to come, but what’s already in place. Give him a chance and protest when there are actual policies to protest. When legislation is passed that violates a group’s civil rights, then by all means protest.

More appropriate would have been for these protests to have occurred prior to Election Day, when they would have made a difference. Such large displays of activism surely would have influenced the outcome of the election, but protesting now won’t change anything as there isn’t anything to change.

It was best said by Hillary Clinton in her concession speech: “Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and a chance to lead.”

It may not have been the outcome some of us were looking for, but we must respect the system and its dependence on a peaceful transfer of power if we want to continue to preserve American ideals of equal rights and freedom.