Biden's Washingtonian Moment
I have shied away from politics on this account, for obvious reasons. My following here signed on for memoir, and my strange wit, not my terror at where the country is headed. But, a number of people have started something we call, We the People Daily Dispatch, also here on SubStack, where we have contributors writing pieces each day. The contributor puts forth some position or other, and then gives an action item list. Rather than sitting around ringing out hands, and watching the same message over and over, and calling our friends to lament the future of the world, we can ban together and maybe make change. We are thinking we only need 2 measly million to gain traction to make a difference. Doable right?
Here is my piece yesterday about Biden stepping down. Click here to subscribe, and please forward to a friend who might find it of worth…
Biden’s Washingtonian’s Moment
by Christine Merser, Contributor
It is not often we get to see the principles of patriotism and honor in the news headlines these days. We have been living in a desert of demoralization and distress. Yesterday, the American flag waved proudly at the top of poles across our country. A man set aside his own hopes and entitlement to the nomination to run for president - for the good of his country. Our country.
When George Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms in office, he set a powerful precedent for peaceful transitions of power. His decision was revolutionary at a time when leaders often clung to power until death or violent overthrow. Washington's act underscored the principle that leadership is a temporary stewardship, entrusted to an individual by the will of the people. By relinquishing power, Washington affirmed that no person is above the republic and that the true power lies with the citizenry. We the people.
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President Biden's decision to step down mirrors this Washingtonian ideal. In an era where political power often seems a relentless pursuit, Biden’s choice underscores a profound respect for democratic principles and the health of the nation over personal ambition. It reminds us that the presidency is not a personal entitlement but a role of service to the public good. It also showed the power of we the people. The collective power of activism whose moment is now.
You know what else we saw yesterday? The peaceful transition of power. It’s been a while. We didn’t have it in the transition after the last election. People died. People were maimed. People shat upon the walls of the Capitol, and stormed its hallowed halls. Let’s take a moment to remember the contrast between that day and the moment yesterday when Biden sent a letter stepping down, and an hour later sent a letter passing the baton to Kamala Harris.
The message of this moment is to all Americans, and to the world at large. Yesterday we reinforced a critical aspect of democracy: that American democracy is robust and mature enough to handle such transitions gracefully. We sent a message to a terrified world that the United States values its democratic institutions and the rule of law over individual power.
Biden's decision highlights another fundamental aspect of democracy: accountability. In a democratic system, leaders are accountable to the people, and stepping down voluntarily can be seen as an acknowledgment of this accountability. By choosing to step aside, Biden respects the electorate's voice and paves the way for new leadership, potentially rejuvenating the political landscape and offering fresh perspectives to address the nation’s challenges.
This is not new, really. Other American leaders have made similar sacrifices for the greater good. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe, following Washington's example, limited themselves to two terms, setting a standard that would eventually be enshrined in the 22nd Amendment. These actions demonstrated a commitment to democratic principles over personal power, ensuring that no single individual could dominate the political scene indefinitely.
Internationally, the idea of voluntarily relinquishing power has also been seen as a hallmark of democratic maturity. Nelson Mandela’s decision to step down after one term as President of South Africa, despite his immense popularity, is a prominent example. Mandela’s choice was driven by a desire to strengthen democratic institutions and prevent the emergence of a personality cult. His actions, much like Washington’s and Biden’s, underscored the belief that true leadership is about serving the people and ensuring the sustainability of democratic governance.
How can we not consider the contrast on this, the day after? It is clear that we could not expect the same voluntary relinquishment of power from former President Donald Trump. Trump’s tenure in office was characterized by a different approach to leadership, often marked by a strong emphasis on personal loyalty, a reluctance to adhere to established democratic norms, and an inclination to challenge the electoral process. His refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and his persistent claims of widespread voter fraud, despite a lack of evidence, highlighted a willingness to undermine the democratic process rather than uphold it. The differences are shatteringly clear.
Yesterday was a great day in our history. I am hopeful that the positive momentum we saw in yesterday’s news coverage and we the people’s response will continue. As if we cleared the roadkill that has been stopping the flow of traffic that needs to happen.
Christine Merser
Action Items:
One of the things that will win in the fall is the participation of first-time voters in the process. It has been difficult to get them interested. Polling says they thought it was old white men who have no understanding of what is important to them. This is an opportunity to connect and get the vote out, especially in Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Arizona.
If you know someone at a university in one of these states (or any state, but let’s be real; these are the states that will win or lose the election), reach out and ask them what they think of Harris. And follow up by asking them to register to vote in the state where they are attending university.
Send them an article to read.
Do not click on the RNC’s attack starting yesterday on the ‘right’ of Biden to step down. They are trying to create chaos. If you click on those pieces instead of the articles about Harris and her potential, the media will post more of that news than the clickbait the Republicans want you to focus on. Remember, the mass media is not driven by reporting the news; they are driven by clicks and ad dollars.
Contact your alma mater and ask if there is a club working on helping get out the vote on-campus and how to contact them. Ask them what they need. Time? Money?
Make a plan to help register voters on campuses in the fall. Get in touch with the college and see what student organizers are going to do and offer your help, money... and ask them what they need you to do.
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