Dateline: Inauguration Day, January 20, 2025
Starting today, Donald J. Trump will be the 47th President of the United States. I’m not happy about it,
but that’s how
democracy works. As Jon Stewart once said, “Losing an election is supposed
to taste like a shit sandwich.”
Elections have consequences, right?
Starting today, we'll embark on our journey with a Convicted Felon as the Commander-in-Chief. With that in mind, I’ll be adjusting to the impending crazy in my own way.
Starting today, I’ll always carry copies of my Birth Certificate and Social Security card. I never thought that’d be necessary in the country where my father and I were born. 47’s threat of mass deportations for undocumented immigrants and their families echoes the threats made by the Nazis in 1930’s Germany.
Don't believe me? Look it up.
Starting today, everyone with a Hispanic surname like mine will be profiled and suspect, especially here in California. Although not a guarantee I won’t be whisked away by a Tom Homan Goon Squad, at least I’ll have documents indicating my citizenship as a hedge against being thrown in a deportation camp.
Starting today, I'll consider anyone who supports 47 as being members of a cult. That's the only rational explanation for why they chose a liar, a predator, a racist, a traitor, and a convicted felon in November. Their choice could have been for a former prosecutor, District Attorney, Attorney General, Senator and Vice-President. You know... someone with strong moral character and a belief in the rule of law.
They chose 47 instead because they’re in a cult. Again.
Starting today, I'll treasure the unbreakable bonds I have with many MAGA family and friends. We've all lived different lives with different experiences, and politics is just a sliver of our shared existence. My love for others is far stronger than the turbulent seas of political ideology, and I need them to help me stay on the course that I chose. We all do.
Starting today, I’ll find ways to help the Yoots learn more about American History. I might read history picture books to Little Ones, or present
speeches by American historical figures at middle schools or participate in roundtable discussions at high schools and libraries.
I hope the amazing true stories of our nation’s journey will spark their interest in American history and, with any luck, help to create enlightened, informed and
active participants in democracy.
Starting today, I'll thank every immigrant I meet for choosing the USA to live, work and thrive in. They're a bigly part of what makes America great. We’re a nation of immigrants, and we must all realize how much we depend on the humanity of everyone else. It doesn't matter where we came from. We are here... together.
E pluribus unum.
Starting today, I’ll do everything I can to push back against the violent and unhinged rhetoric of MAGA World. As Isaac Asimov said, “Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”
What are we… rabid wolverines?
Starting today, a Convicted Felon will be leading our nation. I’m not happy about it, but that's how democracy works. I can’t control much of what’s gonna happen. However, starting today I choose to be as informed, engaged, upbeat and positive as possible... to be the best citizen I can be... and to work as hard as possible to keep the rabid wolverines at bay. These things I can do.
That’s my Freedom of Choice.
