I stayed home yesterday to watch the inauguration with my family. Possibly a mistake, as I found myself repeatedly breaking down in tears, much to the kids’ displeasure and disgust. At first, they made fun of me, but eventually that got old, and their teasing tapered off into exasperated eye-rolling. Still, I stand by my emotion!
Beyond the positive new policy direction on climate change, immigration, international engagement, racial justice, and more, and beyond the long-overdue prospect of a competent national COVID strategy, yesterday’s changing of the guard felt more fundamental. An assertion of decency and kindness and truth — a reaffirmation of faith in democracy — after a dark period in which these core American values were under siege.
Nothing is permanent in politics, and if the last few years have demonstrated anything, it is that liberal democracy is fragile, but perhaps that very knowledge will impel us all to be better custodians of the Republic and better examples to the world.
One notable local connection. I was delighted to learn that Rev. Leo Jeremiah O’Donovan III, who delivered a beautiful invocation at the beginning of the inaugural ceremony, is a graduate of Iona Prep. Glad that New Rochelle was represented in this small way at such an important occasion.
It’s a new day for America, with the hope that every new day brings. Let’s make the most of it. Good luck, President Biden and Vice President Harris, and thank you.