A glimmer of hope amid despair on this MLK Holiday

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Typically, January 20th—the federal holiday honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King—is a welcome respite from the vicissitudes of life that reminds us to heed the higher calling of our inner spiritual and intellectual natures.

But every four years, January 20th is also the federally mandated Presidential Inauguration Day and today, to the delight of some and chagrin of others, Donald Trump will join Grover Cleveland as the only two American presidents to lose an election and return to the White House in triumph.

There is a twisted sense of irony that Trump, easily the most intentionally divisive American political figure of the past forty years, is being sworn into office on a day that honors a man who literally gave his life to bring people of all races, cultures, and creeds together in unity. As one who survived Trump's first term, I have seen no evidence whatsoever that he has had a Saul on the road to Damascus experience and will become a stable, unifying figure in domestic or foreign affairs; thus, I expect more of the same vicious and ignorant daily attacks on political enemies and all who refuse to bend the knee to the MAGA throne.

But I will note that we, the people, did survive Trump and his boorish nature from January of 2017 to January 2021 and that we shall survive again! Trust, I have nothing but love and respect for each of my kin, friends, and followers who have indicated that they are tapping out from the media matrix in the days ahead to protect their internal peace from Trump and his minions—to paraphrase R&B legend Ralph Tresvant, “do what you gotta do!”

But in providing a glimmer of hope this bitterly cold winter morning, I offer the words of fellow journalist Ezra Klein, who reminds that winning office and governing are mutually exclusive:

"Even where the Trumpist right can find common ground, the narrowness of Trump’s victory will matter once he has to govern: House Republicans will need either near-perfect unity — which looks, so far, unlikely — or they will need Democratic votes to pass anything. Senate Republicans will face the frustrations of the filibuster. The routine paralysis and compromise of politics will feel like betrayals to many of Trump’s supporters. Governing is a buzzkill. And Trump is as he has always been: disinhibited, erratic, obsessed with loyalty and grievance, and quick to turn on those who question him."

Yes, there will be many tough days ahead. Yes, there will be some policy losses that burn us as individuals and those that we love or care about. But eventually, this—the humanistically repressive MAGA Movement—shall pass and it will be up to those of us who have a clear idea of what America should be to tailor a government that's far better functioning, inclusive, and encompassing than the one we will experience over the next two to four years.

As always, the Hobbservation Point will be right here chronicling, critiquing, and creating a safe space for the exchange of ideas and ideals for a better future!

Stay tuned…