No doubt, this election season has been the most vicious election season in America. From the beginning, it was something that created a deep divide in a country that champions the idea of democracy. The country and the world watched anxiously to see a presidental inauguration that undoubtedly is the most powerful event in the world. Some were excited to see the transition, others felt a mix of negative emotions of the event. Was there anything really to be proud of?
The Peaceful Transition of Presidential Power
Americans remain divided on the future of our President, but they have one thing to be immensely proud of. Today we witnessed the peaceful transition of power in the largest democracy on earth, through the tradition of the presidential inauguration. Does that mean there was no anger or demonstration? No, clearly not. What that means is we had a peaceful transition from one leader to another. It is the hallmark of our republic and a shining example for all others. Other governments across the globe have transitions of power, but they sometimes come with not only demonstration and protest, but they refuse to recognize an elected leader and physically resist transition to a new government.
“To a few of us here today this is a solemn and most momentous occasion, and yet in the history of our nation it is a commonplace occurrence. The orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution routinely takes place, as it has for almost two centuries, and few of us stop to think how unique we really are. In the eyes of many in the world, this every 4-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle.”
Ronald Reagan, 1st Inaugural Address
Our grand experiment in republic self-government depends on good faith cooperation. Under the First Amendment, we can protest the government and criticize the outcome of an election, but if we lose the argument, we must accept the results. And that’s what Americans have always done.
You Should Be Proud of the Presidential Inauguration
Americans must be very proud of the 2017 Presidential Inauguration! It is a proud day in our Republic. Despite opinions and a deep divide, we respected the integrity of the republic and our constitution. Tomorrow, there may be deep political divides, but today, we have honored this great republic and acted as Americans!
