One Week Until Inauguration Day - What comes next?

INTRODUCTION:

Greetings. It's almost upon us. Inauguration Day. What does it mean, and what will come next? Let me give you some things to think about whether or not you voted for Donald Trump. Do you think we need a change in our country's policies? Are you happy with the direction our country was taking? Do you believe our government was listening to what you wanted? Lastly, do you think our political parties aligned for the good of the people and the nation, domestically and globally?

These are all valid questions, and many will have a different opinion. However, I think the outcome of this past election answered all of these questions. President Trump won not only the popular but also the electoral vote by a significant margin. That is fact and not opinion. I have stated numerous times in previous posts. Voting is one of our most important rights and the only time we, as citizens, can institute change. The will of the people was spoken.

Doesn't it make sense to put the past and all the previous debacles and rhetoric behind us, unite, and move forward? This past election campaign was filled with bad media, nasty comments on both sides, and a Democratic Party that fell apart at the seams. The thirst for winning will drive people to do extraordinary things. However, these are the things by which people will judge them. Although I did not agree with many of President Biden's policies and choices, it saddens me that a man with his history and many years of service to our country is leaving office with a tarnished legacy.

This being said the time has come to look towards the future. Mend what is broken and rebuild the fences of unity as a political government, people, and nation. We cannot turn back the water over the dam that flowed downstream. But we can change the path of future rivers. It all starts on Inauguration Day.

INAUGURATION DAY:

Inauguration Day is a significant occasion in the United States that marks an elected president's ceremonial transfer of power and formal assumption of office. This day is a rich tradition and is observed following the presidential election, specifically on January 20th, when a new president is elected. Throughout the years, Inauguration Day has evolved from a simple oath-taking ceremony to a grand event that includes various celebrations, parades, and gatherings.

The practice of inaugurating a president can be traced back to the onset of the American Republic. The first president, George Washington, was inaugurated on April 30, 1789. This date was defined by the United States Constitution, which stated that the president’s term begins on March 4. However, in 1933, the 20th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, changing the inauguration date to January 20. This shift aimed to shorten the "lame duck" period between the election and the assumption of office by the newly elected president.

Inauguration Day events typically commence with a formal ceremony that includes an oath-taking portion, as outlined in Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, which states:

"Before he enters on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: 'I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

The day's focal point is the inauguration oath, which the Chief Justice of the United States administers. This oath symbolizes the new president’s commitment to uphold and defend the Constitution and represent the interests of the American people. Traditionally, the president often places their hand on a Bible while taking the oath, although the choice to do so is not mandated by law.

There are many events following the ceremony. There is an inaugural parade and later an inaugural ball. Our citizens are always encouraged to attend the events in person, on the Capital grounds, or through television.

(Picture courtesy Wikipedia 2020)

TRADITION:

Inauguration Day is surrounded by traditions that vary from one president to another. Some traditions, such as parading the outgoing president out of Washington, D.C., and the incoming president into the city, underscore the peaceful transfer of power. Other customs like the inaugural ball, the use of the Bible during the oath, and the recitation of prayer invoke solemnity and reflection.

Each presidency has its own unique elements, influenced by personal beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and historical contexts. For instance, President Barack Obama opted to use two Bibles during his first inauguration: one belonging to Abraham Lincoln and another owned by Martin Luther King Jr. This choice highlighted ties to America's historic civil rights struggles.

Inauguration Day signifies more than just a new president taking office; it serves as a reminder of the democratic processes that defines our nation. It reflects the peaceful transition of power, a greatness of American democracy that sets the nation apart from many others around the world. This event is also a celebration of the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which are deeply rooted in American values. Beyond its political dimensions, Inauguration Day fosters unity and community. Bringing together citizens from diverse backgrounds and promoting a sense of collective hope and responsibility for the future.

WHAT COMES NEXT?:

That's a loaded question. Every new President has an agenda, and some call it a mandate. A mandate is a must-do list the new President must accomplish, as these items were promises made to the public during their campaign to gain their vote. Not meeting these mandates would lead to what people refer to as a failed presidency. To achieve these goals, the new president will choose his cabinet members during the transition period between the election and inauguration. These will be individuals the president believes support and will support his or her policies and is qualified for these positions.

However, two things always occur. The outgoing president tries to block any changes the incoming president will try to make to protect what they put into place. Secondly, the incoming president will sign a slew of executive orders on their first day to start their plan for their presidency and repeal previously signed executive orders by the outgoing president. THIS IS NOTHING NEW, AND NEITHER IS REINVENTING THE WHEEL. However, the news media will have a field day with it and will blow things out of proportion. It's news. That's what they do.

You can expect that deportations will begin, the border will be closed, the wall construction will resume, and orders to get back to energy independence will be signed, along with many others President Trump has told us about. The president will enjoy having a republican majority in the House and the Senate, at least for the first two years. However, even that is not a guarantee. The president must be confident the majority will vote in favor of his plans. This is where politics enter into play. Remember, the president can veto any bill that is passed. Let the games begin. It's all about leverage.

This all becomes very complicated because there is a great deal the president can do under executive orders, but the House and the Senate must approve other things. That now becomes a give-and-take scenario. Politics run deeper than any ocean on the planet. It's a game that must be mastered for anyone to succeed. As with all things, many will agree, and many may not agree. This is no slam dunk for anyone.

What makes matters more complicated is being adequately informed. We already know we cannot trust the mainstream media; who will we believe? The best answer to that question is to believe the results. We must also understand that President Trump can institute some things immediately, and others will take time. Rome was not built in a day, and all our problems will not be solved in one day. I have stated many times. Have patience and give the man a chance. Everyone deserves a chance. I trust that he knows he must make good on his promises to the American people, and I believe he will. We must remember that any leader is only as good as the support he or she receives. It is time to put the past aside and keep it in the past as we move forward positively.

IN CLOSING:

Inauguration Day is a cornerstone of American democracy, celebrating the transition of power and the commencement of a new administration. It encapsulates historical significance, solemnity, and festivity, with traditions that have transformed over the centuries to reflect the evolving nature of the nation. As a hallmark of a democratic society, Inauguration Day continues to inspire Americans and reinforce the belief that in a democracy, power ultimately rests with the people.

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