A new dawn is upon us, a new set of possibilities, a new chapter in our history.
Every one of us can be part of this moment. It is up to us to be a participant.
Our future is in our hands.
What we saw in the first presidential debate in Cleveland – likely the only one we will have – was reflective of what has happened during the past 4 years.
We need dialogue in the nation, dialogue between Americans no matter how far apart in views we may be.
We have not had that for the past 4 years. We have not because our leader did not make it a priority.
We have not because our leader is not suited for it.
Trump has fallen short when it comes to confronting thorny matters.
On July 16th 2018, when sharing a stage with Putin in Helsinki, he was asked by a reporter to confront Putin with the ample evidence gathered by our intelligence services that there had been Russian interference in the 2016 elections. But Trump replied that, while he believed American intelligence reports, he also believed Putin’s denial of involvement.
What does that mean?
If you cannot confront a foe, then, what can we trust you to do?
Trump could not reach across the enormous divide in our land and say to the opposing parties,
‘We have to put aside the anger and hatred that is consuming us,’
‘We have to stop thinking in black and white.’
‘No one owns the truth, no one.’
‘We all contribute to this great land and so all must be heard.’
‘And I will be the great mediator between the divided parts of this land, because I am convinced that if we learn how to talk, then we will find the fullness of our strength.’
But he couldn’t do it.
He could not because it is not in him.
That’s his truth. But he does not own up to it. He does not come clean with himself and with us.
As a result we are less than we can be.
And that has to stop.
How do we stop it? By voting for change.
It is our task to do so, our national duty.
You don’t have to believe in what I say nor I in what you say, but we must concede that we have to talk to each other to find out where we can agree.
It is up to a thoughtful leader to bring us to the table and to moderate such dialogue.
Trump didn’t even try.
Biden is committed to the task.
Oscar Valdes
Oscarvaldes.net
Oscar Valdes 