These past few weeks, I’ve consumed more political and historical essays than usual; read opinions of governance, history, accountability, modern radicalization, and America. There is so much great reporting happening. And reading all of these as a means to reckon with the near eschatological finale of a trump presidency is damn harrowing.
I remember watching the 2017 inauguration, and feeling disheartened and frightened at the incoming administration’s crystalizing terrorscape. These past four years affirmed those fears with a lengthy accretion of violence and white supremacy, nourished with racist fodder spoonfed to right-wing internet vigilantes addicted to the sugar of convenient lies. To what good serves “unity” with our recalcitrant neighbors now bolstered with reckless misinformation they mistake as patriotic purpose? Who “heals” when system gamers entertain incorrigible actions without accountability and integrity?
The damage continues, and so must our work.
Four years later, I watched Biden and Harris’ inauguration with a brief, restrained sigh of relief. For a moment, maybe we can breathe a little easier. But we must certainly stay vigilant.