““Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed, a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.””
I woke up on January 20, 2021, feeling excited and rejuvenated. The atmosphere in our nation and globally was brimming with positivity. Our nation, though not without imperfections, was clearly on a path of growth.
In the grand scheme of things, we are still a relatively young nation compared to others worldwide. Finally, beneath the turbulence of the past four years, a glimmer of hope emerged, suggesting that respect and unity might be coming back.
Losing Faith:
I felt disappointed when Donald J. Trump was elected to office in 2016. While some admired his anti-establishment stance and for addressing their pent-up frustrations, I found it challenging to overlook the lack of sportsmanship and the display of disrespect that characterized his time in office.
I maintained hope for his recovery when he contracted COVID-19. At that point, America grappled with a crisis and yearned for solid leadership and a sense of certainty.
The Begining of Relief:
When Joe Biden was officially declared the winner of the 2020 Presidential Election, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. However, the transition from Trump's presidency to the inauguration of Biden was not without its challenges. Despite numerous lawsuits and investigations that ultimately led to no substantial changes in the election results, some of Trump's supporters continued to dispute Biden's victory.
One intriguing turning point occurred when figures like Stacey Abrams successfully mobilized and inspired 800,000 people. This underscores the resilience and impact of underrepresented communities of Americans, including Latinos and Black Americans, who have often felt marginalized and unheard. Stacey's efforts led to a historic shift in Georgia's political landscape, turning the state from red to blue and contributing to the victory of the two Senate seats up for grabs in the January 2021 Runoff Election.
A democracy thrives when its people actively engage in the process and have a vote.
America, the Beautiful:
On Inauguration Day, Joseph R. Biden assumed the role of the 46th president of the United States. It's worth noting that his journey to the presidency had a few significant milestones that some may not be aware of. His initial run for office was in 1988, and he made a second attempt in 2008. During his second attempt, Biden was unsuccessful, as he was defeated by Barack Obama, who later selected Biden as his running mate.
In the 2016 presidential election, Biden did not run for office due to the death of his son, Beau, who had tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2015. However, after 33 years of pursuing his political aspirations, Biden's dream was ultimately realized in 2020. Remarkably, at the time of the 2021 Inauguration, he was 78, making him the oldest person to assume the presidency in U.S. history.
There Is Always Light:
President Biden proudly displays a bust of Cesar Chavez in his office, and it's worth highlighting that 15% of his cabinet comprises Latinos. Latinos and minority groups have made historically significant, often underrecognized contributions to our nation.
Embracing mutual respect can bring healing and elevate the American Dream to even greater heights. Diversity and representation aren't about taking away from anyone; it’s about making the table bigger – more value, more prosperity, and more of what makes America truly remarkable.
Let's also remember Vice President Kamala D. Harris. She ran for President during the Primaries but did not secure the nomination. Despite this setback, Biden selected her as his running mate, granting her a role of immense importance. On Inauguration Day, she made history as the FIRST female Vice President of Jamaican and East Asian descent, embodying the spirit of the American Dream as the daughter of immigrants.
Time will tell what VP Harris' leadership will look like, but seeing someone who even slightly resembles me (in my womanhood and descent from immigrants) gives me hope. Harris is a version of the American Dream wrapped in a single person.
When Lady Gaga sang The National Anthem and Jlo sang This Land is Your Land and America the Beautiful, the words came alive with meaning and power. And the tribute to Puerto Ricans showed that a US Territory was seen, too.
And when Amanda Gorman, a Poet Laureate from Los Angeles, said, There is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it. I was moved, and my faith was restored.
Final Thoughts:
Inauguration Day was a beginning. It's up to us to hold our leaders accountable and turn those words into meaningful action. Democracy doesn't work if we don't participate. And the 2022 midterms are just around the corner. Regardless of side, we must all show up and collaborate on these important decisions.
While the democratic process sounds tedious and time-consuming, it will be time well spent. Stacey Abrams taught us that ordinary people have the power to move mountains. So, get ready. The real work starts now.
Let’s go!
Amor y Canela,
Monica
