Yesterday, the world witnessed something truly unique: A peaceful governmental transition from one leadership to another. Here in the United States, we often do not appreciate the magnitude of our approach to this governmental change. Yet, to many in the world, they can only dream and wish that they lived in a country that was so blessed with a system that would allow them the opportunity to enjoy the same leadership change mechanism.
Yesterday, we were not witness to an ongoing struggle for governmental leadership through civil war such as the ones being waged in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Iraq . Yesterday, we did not see the desparate and brutal hold to power such as Rober Mugabe has been doing for years in Zimbabwe, or the junta in Myanmar, or Vladimir Putin appears to be attempting to resurrect in Russia. Yesterday, our transfer of power did not take place based on the determination of an elite group of religious rulers as occurs in Iran. Yesterday, our transfer of power did not take place based on heredity and relationship as occurs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Yesterday we were not witness to a complete governmental breakdown in leadership as has existed in Somalia for decades.
Instead, our governmental transition was the culmination of a years-long debate by the citizens of this great country. We discuss, we argue, and we debate. Then we vote. Once done, we lament the loss and we celebrate the win. Then we have the winner recite a simple oath, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” For good measure, the tradition has been to append, “so help me God.” Then we throw a parade, have a big dance party, and set about governing in such as way that will improve our collective lot in life. We repeat the process every four years so things can’t get too far off track.
It is such a simple process, not perfect, but one that is the envy of the world. We are so lucky.
Political Thoughts
An Extraordinary Event
January 21, 2009Yesterday, the world witnessed something truly unique: A peaceful governmental transition from one leadership to another. Here in the United States, we often do not appreciate the magnitude of our approach to this governmental change. Yet, to many in the world, they can only dream and wish that they lived in a country that was so blessed with a system that would allow them the opportunity to enjoy the same leadership change mechanism.
Yesterday, we were not witness to an ongoing struggle for governmental leadership through civil war such as the ones being waged in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Iraq . Yesterday, we did not see the desparate and brutal hold to power such as Rober Mugabe has been doing for years in Zimbabwe, or the junta in Myanmar, or Vladimir Putin appears to be attempting to resurrect in Russia. Yesterday, our transfer of power did not take place based on the determination of an elite group of religious rulers as occurs in Iran. Yesterday, our transfer of power did not take place based on heredity and relationship as occurs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Yesterday we were not witness to a complete governmental breakdown in leadership as has existed in Somalia for decades.
Instead, our governmental transition was the culmination of a years-long debate by the citizens of this great country. We discuss, we argue, and we debate. Then we vote. Once done, we lament the loss and we celebrate the win. Then we have the winner recite a simple oath, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” For good measure, the tradition has been to append, “so help me God.” Then we throw a parade, have a big dance party, and set about governing in such as way that will improve our collective lot in life. We repeat the process every four years so things can’t get too far off track.
It is such a simple process, not perfect, but one that is the envy of the world. We are so lucky.