Two Weeks Later

Today marked two weeks since insurrectionists and seditionists stormed the Nation's Capitol in an attempt to overthrow democracy and install their hero as a despot, or dictator, but certainly not the president. Not of the United States of America.  Had they succeeded then the concept of the United States would have ended.

For them, January 6, was their "high water mark," the farthest they would ever get to achieving their goals. Like the Confederacy after Gettysburg, they will have to slink away in a conflict of attrition, never fully defeated but subdued into the corners and fringes of America. 

Today marked the very best of American democracy; the peaceful transition of power from one leader to another. Despite the low point just weeks ago - and on the very steps where they stormed the Capitol - a new president took the oath of office under a bright blue sky.  You don't have to like him. you only need to appreciate that the concept of the United States of America continues in his ascendancy. 

The very best of America showed itself in the words of a 22 year old African American woman, who's eloquence and poise reaffirmed my hope in our future. Amanda Gorman, a young poet laureate spoke, in part: 

 

 

We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation rather than share it,

Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.

And this effort very nearly succeeded.

But while democracy can be periodically delayed,

It can never be permanently defeated.

In this truth, in this faith, we trust.

For while we have our eyes on the future,

history has its eyes on us.

 This is the era of just redemption

We feared at its inception

We did not feel prepared to be the heirs

of such a terrifying hour

but within it we found the power

to author a new chapter

To offer hope and laughter to ourselves

So while we once we asked,

how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?

Now we assert

How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?

We will not march back to what was

but move to what shall be

A country that is bruised but whole,

benevolent but bold,

fierce and free.

 

This is the America we need to be. This is the America we need to strive to be and rise to be.