Time for a history lesson

Past Presidents, despite their flaws, have largely understood the importance of a peaceful transfer of power to the survival of our democracy.

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In the midst of an actual Civil War, President Lincoln wrote on August 23, 1864, “…[I]t seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to cooperate with the President-elect, as to save the Union…."

Despite being bitter rivals, President Hoover accompanied FDR to his inauguration. Our country, along with the world, was facing a multitude of crises - not unlike today.

In his first inaugural address President Richard Nixon stated, “In the orderly transfer of power, we celebrate the unity that keeps us free.”

In 1981 President Carter traveled with President Reagan to his inauguration after being defeated by him as the incumbent.

In 1992 George H.W. Bush also lost his re-election bid as an incumbent before writing the following letter. He understood that a peaceful transition of power benefitted the nation he served, even if it didn’t serve him personally.

In JFK’s inaugural address he stated, “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.”

Each of us have the ability to be a profile in courage for the sake of our democracy.

Donald Trump has repeatedly shown his disdain for our democracy, but he is not our democracy - we are.

As Benjamin Franklin famously stated, we have “a republic, if you can keep it.”

It is all of our duties to keep it.

Vote, volunteer, donate, organize and educate. The power rests with us, don’t let them take it.

Class dismissed.