The Real Steal

 

There has been so much rant about stopping the steal, that I don't think most people really understand that there is a more tragic steal underway.

The pageantry and excitement of the Inauguration is being stolen from the president-elect and the American people by two forces. Those forces are the unchecked coronavirus combined with the force of chaos and anarchy.

The inauguration is a solemn and yet joyous occasion in which we celebrate something that makes us, as Americans, almost unique in the world--the peaceful transfer of power from one duly elected administration to another. It is the starting point for something reborn--the form of democracy that we practice in our republic.

This year, the outgoing administration has stolen the inauguration from the American people. They have stolen something that we cannot get back and it is incredibly selfish that, like a petulant child, the outgoing president continues to offend the will of the American people by attempting to take the ball and go home. The list of grievances does not matter anymore. Every president has them, remember the whole birther movement that President Obama faced, but true leaders rise above them and are effective. 

On Wednesday, Joe Biden will become the 46th President of these United States. And all of America should celebrate, not because they voted for or against him, but because it affirms the very principles upon which our country is based. I watched the inauguration of the current president and enjoyed the pageantry and celebration of American--the United We Stand America.

The steal needs to stop--too much has been lost already.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD