We made it! Happy Presidential Inauguration Day Everyone!

James Sanders Jr.

January 20, 2021

State Senator James Sanders Jr. said: “Today we mark a major historic event in our lifetime, the inauguration of the 46th President, Joseph R. Biden and the first woman, black, South Asian Vice President, Kamala Harris. This inauguration is also historic for unimaginably poor reasons, such as the lockdown of the Washington, D.C. area, spurred by fears of domestic terrorism following the January 6th insurrection at the capitol, a violent attack on our democracy which was inspired by the words of soon-to-be former President Donald Trump. However, it is time to put that behind us.
 
Today is a new day, one that begins with the swearing-in ceremony of President Biden but also includes some great first steps. President Biden will tackle the COVID-19 crisis by mandating mask wearing in Federal Buildings, removing the travel ban from Muslim countries, rejoining the Paris climate accord, asking federal agencies to extend eviction and foreclosure moratoriums through March 31, and more.
 
Typically the transfer of power is a peaceful, traditional celebration, but in light of all that has happened over the last few weeks, it's fair to say this inauguration is not typical.. Trump continues to thumb his nose at our country’s norms, acting in an un-presidential way right up until the end by not conceding the election or congratulating Joe Biden, refusing to attend the swearing-in ceremony or admitting any wrong doing while president even now as he faces an impeachment trial. Perhaps most pompously he has requested an elaborate farewell ceremony for himself featuring a color guard, a military band and a red carpet.
 
As of 12 noon, when Joe Biden puts his hand on the bible and takes the oath of office, I think we as a nation can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that we have an intelligent, professional, compassionate, capable individual as our new Commander-in-Chief. Although, we face tough problems, we will have the leadership we need to move forward in the best way possible.”