Thoughts on This Day in History
Today is inauguration day, and Donald Trump has been sworn in as president of the United States for his second term. To say that I have strong emotions on this occasion would be an understatement. I voted for Harris to become president, and I still firmly believe that our country would be in much more capable hands had she been elected. Why did I not vote for Trump? Simply stated: I do not trust him. He is a convicted criminal, a rapist, a consistent racist and homophobic speaker, not to mention a failed business man. In addition, I am convinced that Trump only acts in ways that benefit himself, not the American people. When I voted for Clinton in the 2016 election, my belief was that our nation would be tarnished by a Trump presidency, and I currently believe that it will be again. The argument used so frequently by my Trump supporting friends that grocery prices will drop once Trump takes office is not something that I can agree with. I will be very surprised if prices end up miraculously dropping under the next Trump reign, in fact, I am expecting prices to rise further. Life is going to become very chaotic. I do not think that those who voted for Trump realize yet what they have gotten our country into. Trump is a fascist. The attacks on the Capitol on January 6th demonstrate that he does not support democracy. Personally, I am terrified about how he will attempt to change our nation over the next 4 years.
Today is, also, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It seems a cruel joke that Trump gets sworn in on a holiday commemorating such an incredible person as Dr. King. I do not have adequate words to express my admiration for Dr. King and his legacy. My focus, therefore, has been on the importance of this holiday, and all that it means for peaceful resistance and civil rights. I will peacefully resist the Trump presidency as best I can by writing my opinions on The Ladybug or by engaging in intelligent conversation with those willing to listen. I must humbly follow Dr. King’s example as best I can.
In honor of this intent, I would like to share a piece of writing by: President Linda Thompson, DrPH, MPH, DNP (hc), RN, FAAN of Westfield State University, where I attend classes. This excerpt is from a school email regarding Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
“Dear Campus Community:
On Monday, January 20, Westfield State University will be closed to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Written on the Martin Luther King, Jr., memorial in Washington, D.C., are the following words from a speech he gave at the March for Integrated Schools in April 1959: “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
These words are a timeless reminder that we all have a role to play in developing a compassionate, caring, and understanding society that respects, appreciates, and values all members. While we often spend time focusing on our cultural differences, on this day, and every day, we should take time to understand the similarities that make us human. Distancing ourselves from our own needs and acting to serve the needs of others represents the human spirit in its finest form.”
I am honored to attend a university with these core values. On this difficult day in our great nation’s history, when Trump is made president again, let us instead focus on what we can control: our own actions for justice and peace.
Keep Persevering, G.
The Ladybug 