PROTECT AND DEFEND

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES

On the eve of another inauguration, I am pondering what it means to be an American. The peaceful transfer of power is a hallmark of American democracy, an event we can anticipate every four years that ensures our voice leads a government created by the people, for the people, and of the people.

At noon tomorrow, a new president and vice president will swear in to begin their terms, taking an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, a breathing, living document that has enshrined the rights of the people into America's foundation. This moment, while steeped in ceremony, reminds us of the enduring strength of our republic and our responsibility to safeguard it.

As President Joseph R. Biden recently said, "Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power, and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead."

A powerful few hold an immense concentration of money and power, and their influence can stifle the voices of everyday people, like those of us here in Appalachia, where hard work and faith often feel overshadowed by systemic neglect.

At moments like these, I find myself reflecting on the wisdom of those who came before us. In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned against the dangers of partisanship, warning that it could fracture the nation's unity.

"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension is itself a frightful despotism," Washington said.

His words feel eerily relevant in today's political climate. Partisanship has hardened into a bitter divide, where power struggles between parties often overshadow the people's needs. If we are to preserve the democracy passed down to us, we must find ways to bridge these divides and rediscover the common good.

As a Christian living in the hills of Appalachia, the teachings of Christ call me to care for the least of these. When we talk about democracy, it must be rooted in compassion, love, and justice.

It's about ensuring that every child has enough to eat, that every family has access to healthcare, and that no one is left behind in the shadows of poverty and despair. Here in our mountains, where economic hardship often looms large, the words of Matthew 25 are not mere ideas but a daily challenge: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

If the oath to protect and defend the Constitution were one we all took, we would live differently. Perhaps we would recognize that caring for the least among us is not just a moral matter but a patriotic duty. After all, the Constitution begins with three simple words: "We the People." Not "we the powerful," "we the wealthy," or "we the privileged," but all of us together.

Jesus spoke of a kingdom where the hungry are fed, the sick are healed, and the oppressed are liberated. In my view, defending the Constitution means ensuring that the rights and dignity it promises extend to every person, especially those whom society overlooks.

As the new administration begins its work, I pray they remember the faces of those struggling to make ends meet in forgotten corners of the nation. I pray that our leaders will challenge the oligarchy President Biden spoke of and build systems that truly serve the people, not just the privileged few.

Democracy thrives on the free flow of information and ideas, even when those ideas are inconvenient or uncomfortable for those in leadership. I am reminded of this thought as we witness the impending doom of TikTok. When the government has the power to ban a platform outright, it sets a dangerous precedent. Today, it is TikTok; tomorrow, it could be another platform, publication, or organization that falls out of favor with those in power.

We, the people, must hold our leaders accountable with hope and determination to build a more perfect union. As we witness the peaceful transfer of power, let us take this moment to reflect on our responsibilities. May we rise to this challenge with courage and faith, knowing that the work of democracy is never finished, and neither is the work of love.

The peaceful transfer of power is a testament to our democratic resilience. But democracy is not self-sustaining; it requires constant participation and a commitment to love our neighbors as ourselves. On this eve, as the nation prepares to take its next step, our highest calling is not to serve power but to serve one another.

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