MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN

 

F. LoBuono

They say that history has a way of repeating itself. And, of course, one could site many examples of that being that case. In my mind, the recent mid-term election, where Democrats scored a smashing victory both locally and Nationally over their Republican counterparts and won control of both houses of Congress is the most recent example.

Even though it is certainly not hyperbole to call the election historic and even transformative, a huge question remains: now that the Democrats have been given the power of Congress, what will they do with it? It would be a hollow victory if they didn’t seize the opportunity presented to them by the people to get things done. It was a clear and unmistakable repudiation of President Trump, his Cabinet, and his policies. So, Democrats and their supporters must return to the very roots of the Party and pass meaningful legislation aimed at improving the daily lives of average Americans. And they need to begin immediately. The message could not be more transparent.

And here’s where I see the historic parallels.

In September of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was leaving a particular long and contentious day with other delegates from around the new Country hammering out the finer details of what would become the U.S. Constitution, when he was spotted by an observer, Elizabeth Willing Powel. The fine lady shouted a question to Franklin: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” To which Dr. Franklin replied, “A republic, if we can keep it.”

The meaning was quite clear then and still applies nearly 250 years later. A Democratic Republic, which we ARE, requires work – not only from the people represented but by the leaders ELECTED by them! It is an active covenant between all parties involved that must continue to EVOLVE. It reminds me of a scene in Woody Allen’s film, Annie Hall. He is trying to put into words the reasons for his failing relationship when he says to Annie, “Relationships are like sharks. They must keep moving forward or they die. And what we have on our hands is a dead shark.”

Again, the message is clear. We had a dead shark on our hands. But we have been given the extraordinary opportunity to start moving again – to surge forward with an agenda of inclusion, opportunity, and justice for all. You know, let’s REALLY make AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.