Should prominent Democrats attend the inauguration next Monday? Including Michelle Obama?
Old 2024 me would have said yes– part of the peaceful transfer of power, respect for the office if not the man, norms and institutions, blah blah. Even though Trump did not invite Biden to the WH or attend the 2021 inauguration, we go high when they go low. Maybe.
But now– I am saying “You are right to sit this one out, Michelle Obama.” Partly this is because I read Rachel Bitecofer’s book “Hit ’em Where It Hurts” wherein she points out that in American politics, nice and respectful politicians lose. And in order to govern for justice and equity, to get things done, you actually have to win.
It’s one thing to call the returning president tRump, or elderly golfer, or any number of clever pejoratives. You can dissect his “speeches” and comment on his addled goals. But it’s not funny any more, if it ever was. The man is immoral and malevolent. He’s going to cause a lot of damage and heartache.
So why is anyone duty-bound to stand by, quietly, and watch him take the oath of office?
Not showing up is a tangible, noticeable act of resistance. A statement of principles. Not today, Satan.
What do you say?
Teacher in a strange land 
Absolutely not!
Sent from my iPad
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I don’t need to go to Washington; I see more than enough MAGA going to the grocery.
Part of me wonders what would have happened if the mob had been successful on January 6, 2021. If they’d hung Vice President Pence from the gallows as they intended, would that have been enough to convince Americans that it wasn’t just a merry band of tourists?
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This is no different than turning your back on a controversial speaker at a commencement ceremony. I hope that people exercise good judgement and attend or participate in MLK events and completely ignore the inauguration ceremony.
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This is no different than turning your back on a controversial speaker at a commencement ceremony. I hope that people exercise good judgement and attend or participate in MLK events and completely ignore the inauguration ceremony.
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No info has been released as to why she won’t be there. But I earnestly hope she is making a very loud statement of protest. There is a People’s March on Washington on Jan 18th & I hope that’s well attended. 50K are expected. Local protests are also planned. For me, I’m draping my house in Victorian mourning and flying the flag upside down. Democracy is taking a big hit.
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