Tomorrow is the inauguration. I’m trying my best not to dwell in the negative, but we’ve lived through the presidency of this man before, and I’m more scared now for what’s to come. Part of that is because this time, I’m better informed. Reading—always something important to me—has been first on my list lately, and I’ve been devouring nonfiction books and historical articles, newsletters and blog posts. And what theme keeps recurring? The man who was elected in November 2024 is not qualified, nor fit, nor even remotely interested in governing the nation. What he wants is to be center stage, all powerful, a supreme being.

The conservatives are feeding into that, and the liberals don’t know how to stop it.

I’m not here to go on and on about anything political today. I just want to express my feelings as I sit and contemplate what is to come. Because my true feelings are this: a person who incites violence, disrespects anyone who isn’t a white male, cheats, lies, and has no true knowledge of political issues should not be in the White House. They should not be in charge of anyone, and they should not be delegating duties to cabinet members who, like him, are not qualified. In no other industry would we stand for this malarkey (as Mary used to say), and yet, we do now? Why?

If you really want to know, go read Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation by Kristin Kobes Du Mez. From the title, you might think I’m blaming White Evangelicals for where we are, and yes, I am. But the onus is also on all the folks who never fought back, those who allowed church and state to blend, those who turned a blind eye to what was happening, and those who still think that some of us are superior to others.

My queer friends and family are afraid. My trans students are afraid. My BIPOC friends are afraid. My friends and family who don’t have savings in the bank and won’t benefit from any tax cuts for the wealthy are afraid. My daughters are afraid. I think we’re in for a very bumpy ride, and I’m hoping that we’re all not too afraid as to not speak out for what’s right.

Image of snow by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.com.