For those of us who have suffered through Mr. Donald Trump’s almost first full year in office and struggled to not become discouraged, be of good cheer; there appears to be light at the end of the first year’s tunnel. Right now, it is only a point of light. It is about the size of a pin head but it is a start. And it has come via a win by a Democrat in, of all places, solid red Alabama. It is not likely that it is the beginning of the end for the Trump administration and Trump’s America but hopefully it is, at least, the end of the beginning. Therefore, do not be afraid to dare to dream! Dare to dream that the end of the beginning, the beginning of the end and the end itself are all possible!
Doug Jones, the Democrat who won the victory over Republican Roy Moore, probably won’t always vote the way that many Democrats would like for him to and that is okay and the way that things should be. He is on moral high ground and based on what I know about his record, I believe that he will place country first and always vote for what is in the overall best interest of America and his constituents (Democrats and Republicans). He will work across the aisle and seek to compromise with Republicans; but he will not compromise our country or his oath to the constitution. This is what we need to see more of in Washington if we are to rid ourselves of our current dysfunctional, stagnant government and get America back on track.
Although senator-elect Jones should work with Republicans to make this happen and if possible grease the skids for his fellow Democrats in Washington to do the same, the electorate should not forget how the Republican-led congress has enabled Mr. Trump and winked at the great, and in some cases, irreparable damage that he has already done to America. They must be held to account! Voters can and should punish them for allowing Mr. Trump to go unchecked in dismantling America and her stalwart reputation and for enabling him publicly while privately criticizing him and saying that he is unfit to hold the office. Political calculus is no excuse for them to place their personal political ambitions and party above country; especially when that political calculus obviously takes into consideration that our democracy has been attacked by and continues to be threatened by a foreign entity that is our enemy!
The fact that Doug Jones won this election in a state where a Democrat has not won for decades is a sign that Americans want to be fair and do the right thing. Though it is a well worn-out cliché it is still worth quoting because it remains true; “we have far more in common than that which divides us.” If our current elected officials do not realize and accept this and instead choose to divide us rather than pull us together then it is time to replace them. As the electorate, just like we want our elected officials to do the right thing once they are elected, we must do the right thing and fulfill our civic responsibilities, which includes voting. After all, voting is what brought about the miracle (well kind of a miracle) that occurred in Alabama. So always remember, your vote is the most important one of all…unless you don’t use it!
Eulus Dennis – author, Operation Rubik’s Cube and Living Between The Line