On Inauguration Day, Let Us Hold the Line on Democracy
What a difference two weeks make. On January 6th, a frantic Capitol police commander urged his outnumbered ranks to “Hold the line!” against a violent mob that stormed the legislative seat of the United States government, smashing doors and windows, beating policemen, and brandishing the ultimate insurrectionist symbol of the Confederate flag. “Hold the line” is a battle cry that military leaders have sounded on battlegrounds throughout the ages, but it is not what any of us ever expected to hear on the threshold of our government. On that day, the line did not hold, and the resulting havoc, incited by the outgoing President and abetted by some lawmakers who failed to be truthful to the American people about the legitimate outcome of the 2020 presidential election, left five people dead and the reputation of the United States as a democracy in tatters.
Two weeks later, a very different scene is expected to play out at the Capitol on January 20th as Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th duly elected President of the United States, a solemn ceremony meant to pay tribute to 232 years of peaceful handovers of power to the people’s choice of executive leader.
So, it is tempting to reassure ourselves that the line did hold after all, that our institutions were bruised but not broken, and that our democracy remains intact. But I believe that this is the moment to reflect on what is required not only to hold the line on our democratic institutions but to also make them more resilient. Regardless of political beliefs or affiliations, certain principles exist that cannot be compromised if a democracy is to survive.
The first principle is that elections have outcomes. Democracies agree to both elections and the outcomes of elections. One without the other is not democracy.
Democracy is also a system of ideas and ideals held together not by the rule of gun but by the rule of law. Our democracy has perpetuated itself by this rule of law, which in turn is underpinned by free and fair elections, a system of checks and balances, and an engaged citizenry that feels heard and enfranchised with the equality of opportunity.
Finally, democracy sustains itself by a commitment to empirical evidence and data-driven facts, a fair and impartial justice system, and a culture of debate that is not litigated by violence. Our freedoms to choose and elect who will serve us as legislators and our executive cannot be abused by mob rule.
As President-elect Biden takes the oath of office, we should remember that our democracy is not guaranteed and must be safeguarded and stewarded by each of us. It is our democratic institutions, our commitment to the rule of law, and our ability to peacefully and civilly resolve our differences that have helped make the United States the world’s most prosperous society and a beacon for billions of people around the globe. Strengthening those principles and preserving that reputation should unite all Americans.
Agronomist
3 年My big question is, Are we going to go back to the status quo? Politicians, wealthy connected people throwing the working middle class under the bus with global agreements that hurt the average guy and enrich the Elite Class? For all of his faults President Trump shed light on what was happening in the US. He exposed the folks who profited from the Global economy at the average American's expense. Mr. O'Hanley, I am sure looks forward to a Biden presidency...He is one of those Globalists...who profited handsomely from Nafta, and trade with china. Undeterred immigration policies that lowered overall US wages and puts tremendous strain on local, state and federal social programs, which US citizens pay with their taxes. It also increases the bottom line for large corporations by keeping those wages lower. Trump and the pandemic focused how reliant we were on china and how the CCP will use their market/manufacturing abilities to hurt the United States. We also need to ask, who was making money on the endless war and police actions that the united states was engaged around the world. It was those Globalists who profited not the average American, we paid the bill, in taxes and in blood. How many children of elites served in combat? I doubt very many. Did Mr. O'Hanley have children or grandchildren serve in a combat zone? I doubt it. I bet they got into the college of there choice. They might have been some of the "woke" kids of privilege that rioted this summer.....who knows. I can bet Mr. O'Hanley worked hard to get where he is and I do not begrudge him the money he has made or the position he has attained. But I tired of be lectured to by people who just tell me to shut up, we know what's good for you..... I am the average American. My wife and I have worked hard, had some tough financial times. But, worked through those. i am near retirement. My kids all have done well so far and will probably do better than my wife and I. That is what we all hope for, a better future for our children and grandchildren. I wish them to live in a country that values personal responsibility, freedom of thought and speech and to use there god given talents to there maximum benefits. My fear is those things I hold dear will not continue.
Vice President, AI, RPA, & Process Re-engineering @State Street
3 年Leadership Matters
Thank you for your perspective, and especially for lending your powerful voice to this discussion.
Thank you for sharing this Ron.
Chief Compliance Officer, Regulatory Counsel, and Chief Information Security Officer at Kezar Trading, LLC
3 年In every interaction we have with others, we can make things better or make things worse. In 2021 and in supporting this new administration going forward, let's all strive to make things better. Thank you for these thoughtful sentiments, Mr. O'Hanley.