Oh, yes- the Inauguration for the forty-fifth President of the United States of America. Some celebrated, some mourned, and some, (including me,) were pretty stoic as we have been since Donald Trump became the Republican nominee during the election. Some think my viewpoint doesn't matter anyway because I am a straight, white, "bigot" Christian male (not all white Christian males supported Trump, by the way). No matter, I am going to share how I see this era in America's timeline.
Congrats to President Trump and Vice President Pence, and farewell to Former President Obama and Former Vice President Biden.
The Inauguration itself seemed very well attended as the crowds filled later than usual. I was surprised to see the still living Former First Couples, all except George H.W. and Barbara Bush who were both being hospitalized at the time. I honestly thought Bill and Hillary Clinton would have stayed home, but I guess it was nice to see them. It was amazing to see all kinds of people attend the inauguration; two of my friends also went to D.C. However, the Inauguration was not without its downsides. Later on, the media rushed to cover rioting on the streets of beautiful D.C. I will never understand is how people have the guts to destroy beautiful cities they live in to share their utter distaste. It honestly breaks my heart. I know not all those who protest are violent, but once a protest involves destroying your city, it's a riot.
Now, I want to get more serious by saying two things: First, all of what we had to endure during the past election or even in our lifetimes did not start with Trump and never will end with it. If you think that, you have not studied history. The world will come to its appropriate end and it has had plenty of close calls of its termination. The world's end will not be premature.
Secondly, each of you Trump supporters can keep on with the #MAGA and Make America Great Again!, along with you Clinton supporters preaching Love trumps hate, I'm (still) with her, and Stronger Together all y'all want. However, know it has become dry at this point. So dry that it reminds me of the hot, humid southwestern U.S. summers that I'm going to need some water to quench my thirst. Do I really need two different versions of Yes We Can and Hope and Change being on a continuous loop these next four to eight years? Think of that next time.
As I looked on with my own eyes, I saw the reality that Donald J. Trump is now indeed my president. I had the same reaction when I was in sixth-grade watching the Inauguration for Barack Obama. When I came into this world, Bill Clinton happened to be my President and after that, it was George W. Bush. That history cannot be rewritten. Even though I don't like them, they were my presidents. The same goes for President Trump since I have an unfavorable view of him, also.
We can still appreciate our country no matter who is our president, just like I can appreciate the state I am from no matter who is my governor.
I can't believe I'm quoting Hillary Clinton here, but one thing she said during her concession speech stuck out to me, "We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead."
If we are going to live as one people in this country we call America, now is the time we go about peace in thought, word, and deed.
Even if you aren't a Christian, I would like to share John 15:12, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ: is it really loving in this time to bicker towards another Christian about something like politics? Others won't know us Christians by our politics, but rather by our love for one another.
