Song of the day:
Video of the day:
It’s finally here. Inauguration Day. The day our new President and Vice President officially take office. The day we see a Black woman step into the second highest office in the land, the highest position a woman has ever held. The day the current occupant of the White House has to go.
It doesn’t mean things are going to magically change or automatically be perfect. It doesn’t mean that we’re going to agree with every single thing this administration does. But it does mean that for the first time in four years the administration will care about all people, about science, and about making this country better for every person, no matter their gender, color, or economic situation. It means welcoming the most diverse administration and cabinet in our history, with more women and people of color than ever before, as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It looks like America. And oh yeah, Mr. Biden will be bringing two gorgeous dogs along, which is a huge plus in my book.
Mr. Biden has already set the tone for his presidency by being part of the memorial for the more than 400,000 lives lost from COVID-19. Watching him and Kamala Harris speak about others, not themselves, was refreshing. The fact that this is the first time we’ve had a national moment of reflection for these individuals is shocking. But maybe waiting until this week was right. Maybe it’s more meaningful knowing the incoming administration is actually going to work to get us through this pandemic. If you haven’t yet seen the moments I encourage you to take the time. Seeing the lights in the reflecting pool was incredibly moving.
When Mr. Biden spoke earlier in the day before leaving Delaware, his remarks were short but meaningful. They were honest and emotional and real. I can hardly wait to hear his inaugural address.
If this last four years has taught me anything it’s that I’d been far too complacent with regard to politics. I hadn’t dug in deep enough. I hadn’t listened much to the candidates. I hadn’t financially supported the candidates or written voting postcards or done much of anything except vote. I’d never spoken up or written anything about politics. And believe me, I’m not any kind of expert, but I am paying more attention now. I follow the issues more. I follow politicians at various levels. I ask questions and I read and I listen. I do what I can to make things better.
Today we begin to heal. We begin to move forward. We begin to exhale. But we can’t stop what we’ve been doing. We must continue to fight for equality. We must continue to speak up when we see racism. We must continue to educate ourselves on the issues, on the candidates. We must not become complacent.
But for a few minutes today, let’s exhale and celebrate the history that’s being made. Let’s cheer for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Let’s rejoice that they believe in science and Black Lives Matter and Love is Love is Love.
Oh Happy Day indeed!