The dark shadow

I almost never “talk politics” here on Just Frances, but today I am making an exception. Because today is a hard day for me, as a dark shadow has settled over my home nation. Yes, today is the inauguration of the 47^th president of the United States (POTUS) – eight years after his inauguration as the 45^th POTUS. We are entering a potentially dangerous time in American and global history, and I am concerned about what it means for the future.

The first few days after the election, I felt a mix of emotions: Sadness, disbelief, confusion, anger, fear, more anger… and pretty much every emotion in between. In between waves of emotions, my thoughts focused on the next steps and solutions. I began to think through scenarios and potential responses – from conversations with family and friends to the potential (and sometimes probable) situations that the 47^th POTUS would create, directly or indirectly.

Now, we are here. We are at the make-or-break point for America. This shadow has brought a cold chill, and I’ve found myself holding my breath, just waiting for the storm to rage in the darkness. And maybe nothing will happen. Or at least, nothing horrific will happen. Or at least, nothing horrific will happen to individuals who might be considered “at risk” for some of the horrific things we imagine. I mean, maybe we may be all overreacting and that, for his second term, he is going to usher in a tide of peace and community, and he will unite Americans and the wider global population in kindness and love.

But let’s be honest: That is not going to happen.

Indeed, having watched the inaugural address before I left for the airport, it is very clear that his second-term agenda will be more severe than his first. And as I sit here, waiting to leave my home nation of America for the safety and security of my adopted nation of Scotland, I am fearful for the future.

Like many Americans – along with people across the globe – I am worried and frightened for the future of America and the world. And whilst I am personally relatively safe from the harms that the new president’s actions will cause, too many people are going to be in danger, from family and friends I know and love, to strangers I’ll never meet. Society’s vulnerable are at risk; people living on the fringes and people living in poverty are at risk; women and children and members of the LGBTQA+ communities are at risk; immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are at risk; the very foundations on which America was built are at risk.

However, I am holding onto hope, despite my hopes from eight years ago being dashed in the first days of that evil man’s tenure. But I must hold onto hope because I can’t yet allow myself to think of a hopeless world. I hope that he is more talk than action and that his followers don’t act based on his talk. I hope that calmer, wiser minds will be in the room to advise and to push back at every turn. I hope that our system of checks and balances works, and that Congress and the courts will prevent the worst things imagined from becoming realities.

If my worst worries and fears come true, I hope we can work together to minimise the pain and suffering our most vulnerable souls will face. I also hope we can work to find a positive way forward for humankind, humanity, and the world as we know it.

Yes, a dark shadow has settled over my home nation, but like all shadows, light can change them; light can eliminate them. Light in the form of HOPE. Light in the form of ACTION. Light in the form of KINDNESS.

As an aside, I applied for UK citizenship in November. The timing wasn’t because of the election, but I am aware that it is a piece of security as I look towards my future. And although I’ve never completely discounted the idea of returning to America in the future, I don’t think it is something I would consider in the next four years (unless Daddy needs me home, because I would do anything for Daddy).