On this day, the 20th of January, 2021, we the People are reminded continuously of a tradition known as "The Peaceful Transition of Power".
But how did this come about and why?
We will today hear over and over that President Trump in some fashion, though his decision to not attend the inauguration of Joe Biden, is diminishing this tradition. But on the contrary, as this tradition of transition is grounded in an act on the date of March 4, 1801. On this date in our history, the then out going president John Adams would awake in the early hours on this day and leave Washington, D.C.. Choosing to not attend the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson.
The attending of the inauguration in no part indicates a peaceful transition of power. Just as in the history of old, so has it repeated itself in the actions of two political parties, both of which have brought our country to the brink of disaster. It is incumbent of actors on both sides to stand stead fast in their beliefs but to remove the mantels of hate and discord derived from personal ideologies and again look first to the care of this nation and the People, not to their own personal agendas. Thomas Jefferson in his inauguration speak provided us words to ponder:
“But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all republicans. We are all federalists.”
Thomas Jefferson First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801
Let us on this day not forget that with this transition of power, it is for the People of the People, or history will again repeat itself;
"Away with the idea of getting independence first, and looking for liberty afterwards... Our liberties, once lost, may be lost forever. "
While there are Republicans and Democrats, we should remember we are all Americans. We will not always agree with everything be it politics, how our children are taught, or what clothes someone chooses to wear, etc.
ReplyDeleteWe all need to remember, we have been granted the right to have our differences or values and there are soldiers (past, present, and future) that have or will protect those rights and that many have given their lives so we can continue to have those rights.
I'm not saying I'm right or wrong, just stating my opinion.