American Democracy Endures
Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ,
By: Logan Phillips
Date: 1/20
Just two weeks after a devastating attack on our capital that threatened to cripple the republic, American democracy arose ascendant once again. History will long remember that our country stood on the precipice that fateful January 6th. It will also long remember that the will of the American people ultimately persevered. Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, continuing the sacred transition of power that has continued unabated for over two hundred years.
In his first words as President, Joe Biden said, “My fellow Americans, this is America's day. This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope of renewal and resolve through a crucible for the ages. America has been tested anew and America has risen to the challenge. Today, we celebrate the triumph, not of a candidate, but a cause, the cause of democracy.”
Biden ascends to the Presidency facing a greater set of challenges than any incoming president since Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The United States is more divided now than any time in generations as it confronts a deadly pandemic and a historic economic crisis. Biden urged Americans to put aside their differences, arguing that we can only triumph over the great trials of our time as one people.
“History, faith, and reason show the way, the way of unity. We can see each other not as adversaries, but as neighbors… For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness, and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America. If we do that, I guarantee you we will not fail. We have never, ever, ever, ever failed in America when we've acted together.”
It was just another moment in a day that showcased the full tapestry of America, and its immense beauty. Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first Women Vice President in American history, and just the second person of color to ascend to the second-highest office in the land. Throughout his speech, Joe Biden highlighted America’s capacity to persevere even in its greatest moments of adversity.
“Here we stand in the shadow of the Capitol dome,” Biden said, “completed amid the Civil War when the union itself was hanging in the balance. Yet we endured, we prevailed. Here we stand looking out in the great mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. Here we stand across the Potomac from Arlington Cemetery, where heroes who gave the last full measure of devotion rest in eternal peace.
And here we stand just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work of our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground. It did not happen. It will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. Not ever.”
