A
t 11 a.m. our time Friday, Donald J. Trump will stand on the steps of the U.S. Capitol building and take the oath of office as the 45th president of the United States.
There was a time when that sentence would have seemed ludicrous. It wasn't that long ago that few gave the billionaire businessman any chance of winning the race for the Republican nomination, much less the White House itself.
But his message resonated with the public. He may not have won the popular vote, but he took the vast majority of precincts and states across America, giving him a clear victory in the Electoral College. He was especially successful in areas hard-hit by the economy. His theme of making America great again, along with his stand on immigration and protectionist trade policies, gave hope to those who have seen their livelihoods disappear as factories and mines have shuttered and high-paying jobs left the U.S. for cheaper labor overseas.
Even after the election was decided, Trump's detractors, including some in his own party, have had a hard time accepting the inevitable. There are protests planned for the inauguration. A number of entertainers invited to perform have refused to appear.
But none of that will change what will happen Friday. U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office, Trump will repeat the oath and he will be our president.
Notice we said "our president." As divided as this nation is politically, we are still one America. Trump was elected our president as the Constitution provides. You don't have to like it, but you should respect the system and respect the right of American voters to exercise their franchise according to that system.
Many will be watching the inauguration, here in the Twin Cities and across the land. Many will refuse to do so. That is their right.
But we should all be grateful that we have such a ceremony every four years. It represents American freedom and democracy, the rule of law rather than rule by law. It is something many have fought and died to protect and many in other nations can only dream about.
We wish President Trump well. We hope he does a fine job. And as Americans, that's a hope we should all share.