Inauguration Day provides us with a unique opportunity for introspection and hope for a much-needed national return to the principles upon which this great Republic was founded. As a skeptical yet optimistic Republican I sincerely hope that President Biden can bring us back on track with a common purpose shared by the majority of citizens.
However, it will take more than just mere lip service to bring about “healing” and “national unity.” President Biden’s words must be followed up with actions. I am still waiting for him and his party to condemn the actions and ideology of BLM and ANTIFA (Oh, I forgot ANTIFA is merely an “idea”) and the radical ideology of the left wing of the party that put him in power.
Let’s not forget while many in his party are now calling for the cancellation and purging of Trump supporters from academia and corporate America, it was the Democratic party who put thousands of American Citizens in confinement camps a few decades ago. We now even have senior retired military officers comparing Trump supporters to ISIS. This is scary stuff!
Yes, it is time for the new Administration’s energy and ideas, but perhaps more importantly, it is time for all Americans to return to the values that have at times been abandoned or rejected by both political parties: civility, decency, kindness, and respect for one another. As a nation, we need less toxic news commentary and more genuine reporting of the news; fewer divisive social media posts and tweets; and more respect for diversity of viewpoint, perspective, or life experience.
We need less emphasis on consumerism and more emphasis on citizenship. Let’s all renew our commitments to national service, service to others, and to helping our fellow neighbors during this pandemic. I believe we can all agree that the current divisive trajectory is bad for America and its people. As a nation and in our own communities, we are presently in no position to simply overlook anyone’s honest ideas and opinions. Let’s try for once to listen and understand the other guy’s point of view before insulting them.
All of us need to keep in mind that the key to civility is to separate the idea from the individual and consider the idea before condemning the messenger. We all hold that key in our hands. Let’s use it to re-open the door to constructive engagement and unity of effort in a time of national crisis such as we have not seen since 9/11.
President Biden: Please do not let this pivotal opportunity pass us by. As with all the rest of us, your actions will speak louder than your words.
