Inauguration Day or Another Day To Live In Infamy?

I am of the belief that military force should never be used against our own citizens. In the case of violence police force should be sufficient to bring about peace.

I am changing my mind. Reluctantly. If domestic terrorists, insurgents, can come armed to the teeth with military style weapons, determined to undermine our democracy, we must act to protect.

We have all heard the reports, armed militias to stage acts of terror upon all fifty state capitols in the days leading up to the inauguration. And on Inauguration Day even more insurgents planning on targeting the events and the people involved.

I say, with much trepidation, that the military might be our only option. These assholes come much better armed and prepared that do the Capitol Police and maybe even the National Guard. It is a sad time in our history that we must take these precautions. What other choice do we have?

It’s not the inauguration of a Democrat we have to protect, it’s the inauguration itself. This is a hallowed day in our country, the start of a new administration, the belief that a new era is dawning. I would say this no matter who was being inaugurated. Be it someone I agree with or someone I don’t, Inauguration Day must be peaceful.

I don’t believe this will be a peaceful day or even a peaceful week leading up to Inauguration Day. If we have to surround the proceedings with military might, if we have to provide military security to all the state Capitols and government officials then we must do what is necessary.

Again, it is with a heavy heart that I write these words. I cannot imagine a time when my thoughts would lead to this conclusion. We live in distressing times and must find a way to heal the hearts and minds of our country. We have always been a country divided. We have always had opinions that varied widely. But we have never seen such anger toward one and another. I have felt it too. I may have destroyed important relationships with friends and family over my beliefs. Hopefully I can repair these relationships as I hope our country can repair itself. Differing ideologies, differing skin color, differing religious beliefs and more make up our society. Let us celebrate the differences and let us rejoice in the similarities that make this country special.

I implore upon those who would bring violence to our streets that this is not the way to settle our disputes. Do not listen to a mad man that cannot accept his own shortcomings. Stay home. Stay safe. Show the world that our country can adapt, can return to prominence, can be the shining light that once was the United States of America.

Thanks

2020. What a year! Here are some of things that I am thankful for this year. No particular order, just a stream of consciousness.

Thanks to all the hard working, dedicated front line workers throughout the world. Without them where would we be? Add in my thanks to the particular doctors and nurses that took care of my cousin and got him through a tough surgery and recovery. And thanks to his wife for taking care of him and keeping the family informed.

Thanks for my friends and family being in good health and going strong. My wife and kids have been my rock through a tough year. With the loss of my mother and my dog within a few days of each other, having them around eased the pain.

And speaking of my mother, thanks for the 93 years she shared with the world. She is missed by all her knew her. She will not be forgotten. Thanks to her for the 66 plus years she spent with me.

Thanks for bringing a new grandson into my life. I couldn’t be luckier than to have my granddaughter and grandson. My daughter and son-in-law have made me the happiest Pop in the world.

Thanks to voters of America for turning out in record numbers to decide an election that may save American democracy. While the country is still divided we now can start to repair the damage caused by the current administration. The world will once again be impressed by what America can accomplish.

Thanks for all that I have; family, friends and good health. Without any of the three life would not be the same. And thanks to all of you who read my gibberish and say good things about it. I know some of you are just being nice, but I hope I touch your lives in some way. Maybe leave you thinking just a little different.

Let’s go out and 2021 a great and satisfying year.