"Democracy's Day" in America

 

Reuters photo

Andrew Harnik Pool/AP

        America came home.

      It is as President Biden said, "democracy's day in America."

      It is the story and the images I joyfully share with my 5 year old grand daughter and 3 year old grand son, who's birthdays straddle this historic day, this day of restoration. 

        

Pool photo

        The cold January 20, 1977 when Jimmy Carter was sworn in was my first inauguration. I covered the transitions of power until I retired. I've reported many Presidential addresses. Perhaps it is the emotion of this time, but I think Biden's was brilliant, appropriate and perfect. 

        Down to earth, honest, embracing the stream of history, a moment to summon the best of us all, and a plea for unity. 

        "My whole soul is in this: Bringing America together. 

        Uniting our people.

        And uniting our nation.

        I ask every American to join me in this cause. Uniting

        to fight the common foes we face"

        Anger, resentment, hatred.

        Extremism, lawlessness, violence.

        Disease, joblessness, hopelessness."

        Not since FDR has a President faced such oppressive challenges. Not since Lincoln has the nation been so divided. In the face of this reality, we should be encouraged that a unifier, a man of faith and integrity has taken office.

       Jim Lo Scalzu Pool/AP

     Biden knows Washington as well as any President. He is a son of the Senate and has worked across the aisle since he arrived as the youngest Senator in history. His life story also gives him the mettle to guide this nation back to honesty, dignity, purpose, aspiration and hope.

     He has assembled a team of veterans and competence. The government is again in qualified and fit hands.

     As a father of daughters, I am pleased to see the ceilings broken by my former Senator, now Vice President Harris who etched several historic firsts on this inauguration day. 

     

       

Pool photo

    Lady Gaga's rendition of the National Anthem is one of the finest and most stirring. It had an extra emotional interpretation in the light of January 6.

Susan Walsh Pool/AP

    

The nation has turned to a new direction. Intelligence and quality are on duty. There is a reason to hope, again.

Pool photo

    The astounding Amanda Gorman, the youngest poet laureate spoke with a wisdom of the ages.

    "We lift our gaze not to what stands between us but what stands before us...

    "...If we merge mercy with might and might with right, then 

    love becomes our legacy and change our children's 

    birthright...

    "...When day comes, we step out of the shade of flame and 

    unafraid the new dawn balloons as we free it

    for there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it

    If only we are brave enough to be it."

    The republic has stepped out of the day of division, the night of evil, the carnage of deceit and delusion. Hard days and tough work are ahead, but we have a steady hand, a ready soul, and a man who believes in America to guide us. 

    We can once again be the beacon, the America of aspiration, "If only we are brave enough to be it."

     See you down the trail.