With a Hopeful Heart

Like many Americans, I watched yesterday the inauguration of the 46^th President Joe Biden. From the get-go of his inaugural address, he established that the day was one for democracy, “a day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve.” I’m sure I’m not alone when I share that I think the country needs hope, needs renewal and needs resolve.

We’re (hopefully, prayerfully) rounding the corner of a pandemic, one that is insidious and relentless in its attack having struck down more than 400,000 Americans. Businesses, like CV Weekly, have teetered on closing while others have succumbed; due in part to the support of our readers we were able to keep our doors open, never shutting down service to the community.

Just two weeks ago I sat and cried, watching in horror as the Capitol was attacked by fellow Americans; yesterday I also cried but this time in the hope that a new presidency will move us forward, together, as a nation. Our new President seems to think that we, as a nation, can continue to meet and overcome the challenges presented to us.

“We are good people. And over the centuries, through storm and strife, in peace and in war, we’ve come so far, but we still have far to go,” he said in his address acknowledging what we have done and what we are capable of doing but also acknowledging the challenges still before us.

“Through Civil War, the Great Depression, world war, 9/11, through struggle, sacrifices, and setbacks, our better angels have always prevailed. In each of these moments, enough of us – enough of us – have come together to carry all of us forward, and we can do that now.” Words of hope, of an understanding that we don’t have an easy road ahead of us but one that is ours to travel nonetheless – if we’re willing to take it.

I know that inaugural addresses are supposed to be inspirational – rereading the speech delivered by former President Trump I found notes of inspiration in that one, too, and the two personalities couldn’t be more different – and in a time when the country is especially sensitive, when we have such a great way to go to regain some sense of unity, I do have a sense of hope. I believe that with this new leader at the helm and by redirecting our collective focus toward what unites us rather than what divides us we can make the strides necessary to bring America to the place we should all want it to be.

Finally, like President Biden, I understand that not everyone voted for this man; however, I’ll be candid in my comment: Get over it. This man is now the President and we have the responsibility to give him a chance.

He’s asking for it and he deserves it.