Jan. 20 was day of contrasts
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
Today, Monday, Jan. 20, I am honoring Martin Luther King for his wisdom, generosity of spirit, and service to our country. As a teacher, I know that children are often wiser and more empathic than adults. I quote Alaia DiDomenico (Missoula International School): “Freedom is a forked path, Let us take the one of love, Not of hatred and bitterness…”. This young author captures MLK’s remarkable legacy of light.
I am also honoring the legacy of President Biden and Vice President Harris today. This administration accomplished great things to move our country forward, including economic recovery from Covid, 17 million new jobs, and an investment in clean energy, improved infrastructure, and lower drug prices. They supported democracy (Ukraine), the middle class (Safer Communities Act), and the environment (fighting climate change). This administration earned international respect by strengthening relationships with our allies. Thanks to their dignity, the peaceful transfer of power was poignantly beautiful, while painfully compared to Jan. 6, 2021.
What a day of contrasts. A congresswoman recently noted that we are entering a dark period, a sentiment shared by many. Goodbye to diversity, equity and inclusion (sorry, Martin). Hello to permission to attack our capital and police (if you’re in the “right” party). Goodbye to the Statue of Liberty’s message. All of this punctuated by the Hitleresque salute from Elon Musk to the incoming administration.
Gird your loins, America. We are in for a rough ride.
Nancy Teggeman
Polson
