The People Have Chosen Empathy

“The people have chosen empathy”

This was on the screens last night as the Vice-President Elect and President Elect took the stage. It gave me chills and I found myself way more emotional than I anticipated I would be. I felt the collective sigh of relief that was shared all across the country. It was as if I hadn’t even noticed how I was holding my breath for the last 4 years anytime I heard something from or about the president. To see someone on stage that exudes decency and character just came as such a breath of fresh air and of a sense of hope for the future.

I recognize that not everyone feels this way. I am doing my best to understand and accept other opinions and views. But I have to admit, right now it’s a struggle. For me, this election wasn’t just about policy. It was about values. It was about having a sense of decency, character, and empathy in the highest office of this country. Whether I agreed with the policies of the current administration or not, any seemingly “good” that was accomplished was tarnished by the demeanor and character with which it was carried out and the deep moral wound  and division created in our country.

While my personal politics tend to lean left, I think independently per issue and don’t just align with one party on everything. If there were a leader that I didn’t agree with, but I could respect his character and felt that he lead with decency, I could accept that. But that’s not what we had for the last 4 years. We had a leader that led through the lens of his own malignant narcissism, fear-mongering, hateful rhetoric. 

Joe Biden’s message of unity is exactly what this country needs right now. I know it won’t be an easy task and will probably take years past his administration, but this is a first step. To see Kamala Harris take the stage as the first woman and person of color to take the second highest office, was nothing short of extraordinary. I am just so proud to be an American today (and a Philadelphian!!) and am filled with hope.

But, we cannot ignore that over 70 million people thought the country should go in a different direction. While some of those people may be driven by hate, I do think (hope?) it’s a small percentage, and that most are just driven by what they think will be best for themselves and their families. But it’s time we think past ourselves. It’s time we reach out to each other and learn to accept our differences and find ways to move forward. 

We also need to remember, that just because there will be a new president, does not mean our job is done. There are still systems in place that are designed to lift some people up, and keep others down and we all need to do our part to change those systems. We all have significant impact to make and I hope that this change will allow us the space to do so.