Depending on your political views, today is either a dark day or a bright moment in American history. Joe Biden was sworn into office as 46th President of the United States.
For me personally, I’m saddened at how the Trump administration ended. I think he did many good things both foreign and domestic, having some of the most sensible policies of any recent president. He defended the sanctity of life. He protected first amendment freedom. He supported school choice. He was a strong ally to Israel. He opposed Chinese espionage and Islamic terror. He lowered taxes and reduced regulations that fueled a roaring economy. He helped expedite a COVID vaccine.
But Trump’s successes were muted by an abrasive personality, difficulty building consensus, and sometimes downright bizarre behavior. Many claim he only used others to his own advantage. But I’m not convinced. I was impressed by many of his cabinet member choices and judicial appointments, and believe he was truly doing what he thought best for the country, and keeping the campaign promises he made to the American people. You are free to disagree with me. Only God knows his motives. But I think that his leadership was more complicated and his presidency more nuanced than either the left or the right usually admit.
Trump was constantly under attack, and any rattlesnake will eventually strike when provoked. No wonder he was on edge. This is no excuse, but it felt as though he never had a single moment to breath the entire four years of his presidency. The media and leftist politicians were ruthless, always putting him on the defensive and seeming to paint things in the worst possible light. But too often Trump took the bait, as in the first 2020 Presidential debate. He allowed personality to get in the way, and failed to let ideas win the day on their own merit.
At any rate, a new President has been sworn into office, and once again, the great American experiment has led to a peaceful transfer of power. Peaceful, yet tense. This one was different, with the presence of a small army of 25,000 soldiers guarding our nation’s capital. Is this the “new normal” for America? Or will tension ease now that Biden is in office?
My guess is that the mainstream media will sing Biden’s praises, and there will be a newfound perception of hope, peace, and optimism. Liberals are relishing this moment. Meanwhile, opposing views will be increasingly treated as divisive, intolerant, and hateful. Conservatives will struggle to find their voice, and cancel culture will kick into high gear.
The Biden administration, if he follows in the footsteps of Obama, will make it more difficult for Christians to live out their biblical convictions in the public square. Brace yourself for more Christian bakers and photographers to be demonized, and for Christian schools and non-profits to be pressured to compromise. But Jesus never said it would be easy.
Today we witness the end of one fallen administration and the beginning of a new one. Neither Trump nor Biden are the Messiah — not anywhere close. Like Trump, Biden will do what he thinks is best for the country. Like Trump, Biden will make mistakes along the way. like Trump, Biden deserves our respect. And like Trump, Biden needs our prayers.
Pinch Of Clay 