As I gazed out my window tonight I noticed the American Flag that flies in front of our local fire station. I was drawn to how it gently waved in the slow breeze above its spotlight. I began to pay attention to how in some instances it would shadow itself in different places and how at any one time that shadowing could be perceived differently for someone else who would happen to look at the same time as me. From all angles it would be seen differently at every passing moment. The flag would be the same but the image it presents is different for everyone.
This is how I feel about America tonight, as well. Every single American is seeing tonight in different lights and perceives those images through their own lens. Some will see great brightness tonight in anticipation of the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris tomorrow. Others will only see the darkness of the shadows that they perceive tomorrow will hold.
I find myself on the side that sees brightness and hope for what can become of us. I also know that shadows of America’s history will be present and fear what that could mean. I write this on the eve of this inauguration not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Fears of attacks that mirror what was seen January 6th cloud my optimism. I hope that as people read this it will not be in light of those clouds coming to fruition.
I dearly want this new day to be the first of many that lead to a more unified America. I know there is work that must be done to attain that unity. As this work happens, I hope that in working with our perceived opposition we can also show that we are working for them too. I hope we can work together not just in bipartisanship but again as neighbors, friends, and families; using our love for each other to repair the wounds of our divided nation.
I wish it were as simple as just turning to a new page with this administration’s beginning. However, the truth is not nearly as simple. In a time that will demand great compromise, I stand ready to do my part in that agreement. But, it will also take an acknowledgement from many that some of the things you have permitted and cheered recently will not be welcome at my table.
I refuse to compromise with white supremacy.
I refuse to compromise with racism.
I refuse to compromise with xenophobia.
I refuse to compromise with homophobia.
I refuse to compromise with sexism.
I refuse to compromise with the countless other shadows that have torn at this nation since its inception.
I know that for many of the people I am writing this to, it will be extremely difficult to accept their part in this perpetuation. I know not all of you are all that has been displayed by trump or his most fervent supporters. I know that many of you supported based on a single issue. And many more clung to that (R) that they see as their only option. But, continued avoidance of the issues you chose to overlook will not bring me to your table any sooner than I invite you back to mine.
Over the past four years I watched in horror not only because of the things that were done by the president but as the people I cherished looked away. I’ve had many friends or family members not only look away, but cheer as these atrocities continued. For me it is difficult to not lump them together with the people who attacked our capital two weeks ago, when for years I have seen them share the beliefs of the attackers. I hope that I can reconnect with some of these people, but not by returning to where we once were. I cannot go back to the place where you felt I accepted these beliefs or worse, felt I shared those beliefs. I would rather move forward on my journey without the people who I’ve disconnected from over these past four years, than bring hatred back to my table.
Compromise can still be possible, but it cannot concede to these shadows of darkness any longer. For too long we have strived for unity more than justice, instead we must strive for unity towards justice. In the work that I hope continues tomorrow, I will not compromise on the things I see as justice. If we unify for justice compromise shouldn’t actually be necessary. We can compromise on how we move forward without compromising who gets to move forward.
You may not see America the way I do. That is perfectly acceptable given the facts of our differed pasts. What I see as brightness you may see as shadow. But, don’t hate my brightness in hopes that I see your shadow. I would rather work to brighten the shadow than to shadow the brightness.
Changed So Much! 