Welcome to Number #46

I last wrote about politics after the general election, and as it happened just before the election was called for Joe Biden.  So much has happened since then!  I learned when Dad was involved in Wyoming Boro politics for a number of years that sometimes you are in the majority, other times in the minority.  Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.  Well unfortunately, Donald Trump could not bring himself to lose gracefully.  He never conceded the election, in fact he fought in the courts on trying to challenge what all credible sources determined was a fair election and did not facilitate transition to the new administration.  And in the end, the biggest catastrophe of all, on the day of Dad's funeral (so we didn't learn of it until later in the day) while the electoral college vote was being counted in Congress he spoke to a large, angry group of his supporters who were fully prepared for violence.  These people then rioted and stormed the capitol building. After endangering our country's legislators and Vice President Pence, doing damage and a couple deaths, we acknowledge that it was extremely bad but could have been worse.  What type of people bring the makings of a gallows and then build it in any public place, let alone in our nation's capital?  Many will face criminal charges, and President Trump was impeached in the House (second time) for inciting an insurrection.

After 4 tumultuous years, I am truly grateful and relieved that the Trump presidency is over.  Here is an email that I drafted in October 2020, but never sent:  

Dear Vice President Joe Biden

This is such an anxious time for our country.  You and your wife Dr. Biden give us hope.  Every day we put our Joe Biden flag out, every night we "bring in Joe" for safekeeping here in Luzerne County.  We look forward to election day and then your inauguration, when you'll take over as President of our wonderful and struggling country.  We can't wait for a child of Scranton, my husband's home-town, and Wilmington, a short drive from where I grew up in South Philadelphia, to bring us competence, a platform to distribute more resources to those who don't have privilege and be accountable for leadership on so many issues around the world, basic common decency and genuine concern for all Americans.  Thank you for everything you have done for our country and will continue to do as you face the challenges of your presidency.  

Tonight we contributed to your campaign.  We will always be rooting for you and Jill.

Christine Rivers & Stephen Albert

West Pittston, PA

PS.  In addition to her many qualifications, Kamala Harris has a wonderful smile - like a ray of sunshine through the clouds !

The inauguration was last Wednesday.  I'm sorry we didn't go this time, but it wasn't feasible due to COVID 19 and other circumstances including Washington D.C. being an armed camp.  I already made a date with you Rob to go to the next inauguration in four years.  I truly enjoyed watching the inauguration, and my favorite part was Lady Gaga's rendition of the national anthem.  She is beautiful, her dress and pin are fabulous and what an unbelievable performer !!  I will share more about her in a future post.  Watching the video below, you will see over her left shoulder a man who looks a lot like Uncle Jason!  Regrettably, it's not - I texted Jay about it later in the day.  LOL!