What a Country!

January 20th. Inauguration day. Both my children came home from school and told me about how their schools let all the students watch the event live on TV.

I have to say that I, too, swelled with pride, as I imagine most Americans did while viewing the peaceful transfer of power. For my kids, however, this was the first time they were really aware.

Like many children, they have a good amount of self-importance, believing that history started when they were born. Given that belief, it makes perfect sense that this American election and their presence watching it unfold makes it the most consequential election, and the most important time the world has ever seen. 

This is normal for teenagers, and, I think, how it should be.

The challenge is when grown-ups take on the same viewpoint as a couple of kids who haven’t even gotten drunk at their junior prom yet.

My dad, who was a European immigrant, was famous in the family for never having had a bad day. He never talked about the war much, but also never got too worked up about politics here in the U.S.

Even when his guy lost, it was still a win. He was in America and we had a Constitution with laws and balance of powers. And as he would say it,

“You can’t get a Hitler here. You can’t round people up, slaughter them, and throw them in a ditch here.”

This weekend on TV, I saw people protesting in cities all over the country. I think that is fine. They all seemed to be having a good time and enjoying themselves. People from all walks of life got to take to the streets, share fellowship with like-minded individuals, chant, sing and feel self-important again.

Like they were when they were fifteen.

Here’s the tip: Remember, you have it so good now that it's frightening. Imagine how hollow and trivial your complaints and worries would sound to a real victim of government abuse. Your future is bright, and you are free to move about the country. You are in America, so never have a bad day!

Best Wishes,

The Deej