Another Day to Reflect 1.20.2021

In 2008, I wrote a "blog" on facebook notes to articulate some of my thoughts about Obama's inauguration. (https://www.facebook.com/notes/770135083534400/). After what felt like the most divisive election of our lives (little did I know), I reflected on the historic day, the change in power, the imagery of the day, the strength of our country, our need for unity and the role the losing side plays in that, the adorable family that would occupy the White House, the clear impact all of it was having on friends of mine on the other side, gratitude to the service of the outgoing first family, and my promise to give the new administration the fairness in my scrutiny and assessment that I felt his predecessor never received. 

As I watched today's inauguration, I am struck by the differences to that day. The facemasks, the distancing, the scant crowd, the empty mall are all things that in and of themselves profoundly change the aesthetic and the atmosphere of this ceremony. But none of those things struck me as alien as the absence of the outgoing President and First Lady. His absence loomed larger than perhaps even his presence would have. The image of the Bushes and Obamas walking down to the helicopter together are burned into my memory from 2008. I now realize that image is not just tradition, but a comfort to the nation in transition. Today were all robbed of that. The events of the last few weeks have had a profound impact on me (as they likely have on all of us). I can't help but imagine how much better everything would be, had our leader done the right thing (conceded with dignity) rather than pursue the delusion that there was still a path to victory when all legal options had been exhausted. Today, more than just loss of an election, I feel a sort of grief and a sense of having been betrayed. As someone who supported and defended him for so long, this feels like a personal blow. No one person is bigger than our laws, our constitution, and our democratic process. Even with the mortal wound that he has given to his party and his followers in the last few weeks, I'm still shocked and disappointed he choose to break all decorum and tradition by snubbing the inauguration. But nothing is more important to him than his ego it seems. 

Still, as I watched the new president take his oath and give his speech, I have determined myself to be hopeful. I did not support him or vote for him. and I know that I will not agree with many/most of his policies, but here is what I hope for:

- The president sees that his greatest chance at going down in history as a great president is to focus on unity and healing. I have heard these words said, but the actions that will make them a reality will come at a price.  It will come at the expense of some of the desires of the most passionate and outspoken wing/base of his party.  It will require the restraint of a true patriot to put the good of the country over partisan agendas. And it will take the goodwill of those on both sides.  Biden is uniquely positioned to care very little about his political future, and put what is best for the country ahead of his ambitions (see Gerald Ford).

- The Bipartisan legislative process makes a comeback. Gridlock has made executive orders the preferred, easy path for presidents to enact their policies for far too long. But this over-reliance means one president can, with a stroke of a pen, undo much of the policies of his predecessor.  Gridlock has a place sometimes, but both sides need to remember that they are there to work together to make laws that benefit the country. I hope the president, who served so long in the Senate, will be committed to restoring that duty back to his rightful place and resist the temptation to govern through executive order as frequently as recent predecessors.

- As we continue to digest the horror of the capital siege,  I hope we do not overcorrect to the point of forfeiting our liberties. While I despise the misinformation of conspiracy theories, I despise even more censorship. We must resist the urge to "fix" the problem by restricting free speech. Instead, catch and punish the people who violate the law, and let that be the best deterrent to future insurrection.  That and speaking truth at every opportunity. We all have a role to play to champion reason and truth over conspiracy theories, lies and misinformation. As Thomas Jefferson said "Error of opinion can be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it." 

 - We stop dehumanizing those we disagree with. This has been happening for a long time, and it is tearing families and friendships apart. Lets re-learn how to disagree without hating each other. Stop canceling people (famous or not) that you don't agree with.  Stand up for free speech, even if you don't like it. Always speak truth, but with grace, not hate. 

Along with the things I'm hopeful for, there are many things I am thankful for.  I'm thankful for the bipartisan support of our former presidents and our former VP today. I'm thankful that they came together to show the power of our democracy is bigger than party. I'm thankful for the calls for unity and the grace I've seen many on the other side extend to me. I'm thankful that our constitutional republic has transferred power peacefully, albeit unconventionally, one again.  

President Biden is now my president, and he has my support, goodwill and prayers.  As I said with Obama, I promise to give him a fair chance and a fair assessment. I will continue stand up for my values and beliefs and will criticize things I think are wrong for our country as equally as I will praise the things I think are good for her.  I will respect him and his office, even when I disagree with him. I will not attack him personally, or let hate take root. This is the least I can do, as a citizen of the country my grandfather fought to defend. We are a nation that is divided and in many ways broken, and I can do very little to change that.  What I can do is not let it change me.