Democracy may be fragile, but we aren’t
“If we ever needed the Lord, we sure do need him now, …we need him every day and every hour,” one of my favorite songs, has come across my mind almost daily since November 3. Now would be the time to call on and listen to our God.
Etiquette rules remind us to stay away from religion and politics in polite company but where we find ourselves today is anything but polite and the company we keep is so troubled and sad that I’m not sure which end is up. I’ve never seen a presidential election with a clear winner become such a convoluted and divisive event.
We vote, a winner is announced, all the formalities are observed, they get inaugurated, they serve, they leave and fade into the shadows except for funerals and ceremonies.
I always thought concession was something optional until President Trump refused and we started entertaining what would happen if he wouldn’t leave peacefully. Whether or not he would leave on his own seemed like a moot conversation because from where I sat, not leaving wasn’t an option.
I never expected claims that the election was stolen, that the 73 million people who voted for him would feel disenfranchised, that the fragile bounds of democracy would be pushed past their breaking point, and that our legislators and most sacred spaces would be threatened and compromised. Yet, here we are.
When Republican lawmakers who were whisked away to safety last week but refused to wear masks, their refusal caused at least three of their colleagues to become infected. What part of socially distance, wear a mask, and all the other advice we’ve been given did they miss?
It is a proven fact that COVID-19 is devastating and real, it kills people, our health care system is overwhelmed, and our healthcare workers are exhausted, the vaccine rollout is slow going—why in the name of all we hold dear wouldn’t they do all they could to protect themselves and others from this scourge?
As the people who died are buried and the events of January 6 unfold and the rest of the story is revealed, can we build bridges, heal the nation’s wounds, peacefully inaugurate a new president amidst the threats of violence and impeachment, and then allow him to govern? We, the people, and I say again, that this is our nation, this is our democracy and it’s worth fighting for.
The usual partisan inaction the Congress is known for is certainly a reason to take some of them out behind the woodshed for a good “Come to Jesus” meeting, but physically harming them is unthinkable and not part of our DNA. Last week’s actions, threats, breaches of our sacred spaces, and the continued assaults on our beloved democracy cannot be the standard by which we are measured.
We, the people, must insist on the peaceful transition of power that is our hallmark and a beacon of hope for the world. We, all of us, must help our country heal.
We probably knew all along that our democracy was predicated on trust, respect, and adherence to the laws of the land–nothing about that has changed. It is the foundation we stand on and become our best selves from. We, the people, must not let it be torn asunder.
As we celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday today, let us remember his commitment to building the beloved community, a place where neighbors live together peacefully, equally, and in harmony. We, the people, can do this. We must, for the sake of humanity and democracy.
I am eager to know your valuable comments on the recent incidents that occurred in our country at #drbondhopson on Twitter and Facebook!
Looking for inspiration, empowerment, uplift, straight talk, an encouraging word to brighten your day? You’ve arrived! Meet Dr. Cynthia Ann Bond Hopson, best-selling author, educator, inspirational speaker, sistergirl–she’s all that and more. Now listen to her new podcast, “Three Stores, Two Cotton Gins, One Remarkable Life: The Journey from There To Here,” and meet her favorite family and friends as they share laughter and heartwarming life lessons. Look for it on this page or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
