Elected To Lead US
Dear President Elect Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris, 11/8/20
Congratulations on historically succeeding in this 2020 Presidential election for these United States currently divided. Though there is much to celebrate as your more unified message based in science, empathy and truth emerges, my observance will remain a somber one as I recognize the amount of difficult work that lies ahead.
We saw the true hearts of this nation through the lens of this election. True, the majority bends toward the arc of justice and yet so many refuse to acknowledge the effects of systemic racism, families affected by inciting violence and vitriol, and the devastating spin cycle of lies. The nation has chosen comfort over fact, party over country, religiosity over humanity and false narrative over information. Our citizens blame the media rather than take responsibility for so easily absorbing a message of hate or mistruth that better fits their own preferred world view. Personal awareness is lacking and scapegoats are at every turn, selfishness has sown a deep divide.
Yet your speeches last night inspired me to remember and believe in leaders who speak intelligently and thoughtfully again. The day may yet come where America is a true beacon to the huddled masses and can be accurately seen as a reliable and credible democracy in the world.
Upon inauguration, the task will be daunting to undo the last four years of greed and power centered decisions, shortrange politics, thoughtless action and reactionary policies.
I hope the first day in office is a productive one and that your wrist aches under the weight of signatures that overturn executive orders barring us from caring about our allies, our environment and each other. I hope that on the first day you’ll remember to give prominent assurance and voice to marginalized groups so that the fear of the last four years is ground to dust for every BIPOC, disabled, LGBTQIA+ citizen, leading them to their rightful, equitable place alongside every American citizen. A moral universe is one where each citizen lives fully without fear for their authenticity.
The White House is a place to honor our differences with civility unless those obstacles are based in white supremacy. Our nation disagrees on what that means, so a clear and instant rebuke of any nazi tendancy certainly will be heard from your administration. After nearly 250 years, we must reimagine and rebuild our foundations and the systems meant to oppress others. Our nation must chart a new course away from the brand of the past and toward a more just shore. Federal effort will be the only way to drag the dangerous demon of racism and superiority kicking and screaming out from each state through education and firm stance, action and consequence against those forces.
Rebuilding a coalition with our allies and other nations to battle the unforeseen future of this planet due to the ravages of climate change will be a priority and it though it may come late, better to arrive than not to show up to so important a dialogue.
I’m trusting you to ask more from us, to protect our most vulnerable citizens, to set the stage for decency and fairness in America.
Thank you for the work to come.
Signed, a more hopeful citizen from Cincinnati Ohio.
