Politics

By Basia Alicia Powell

Over the past few months, it became increasingly difficult to write motivational articles or do uplifting vlogs, (something I am known for). Today represents the return of hope for me. It’s the first day in months, I have been able to write without pause, from my heart.

I am fully aware that the election of President Elect Joe Biden and Vice President Elect Kamala Harris, will not solve all our problems. I am not foolish. I am simply hopeful, based on what their appointment represent to the majority of Americans.

” Once upon a time women could not vote. Once upon a time people of color could not vote. Today, a woman of color will become the first female Vice President of The United States of America. “

Today, a daughter of two immigrants (Jamaican and Indian) will become the Vice President of the United States. More importantly, she becomes the first female Vice President. What a moment in history. Today, I get to tell my children and future grandchildren that anything is possible once you work hard, and have hope. Discrimination and equality exists, but if Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President during a pandemic and a time when America is experiencing one of the worst periods of civil and racial unrest, anything is possible for them.

We have all had a few choice words, for the negative impact that the year 2020 has had on all of our lives. But, some of us can agree that 2020 has delivered a much needed change in government and tone.

"Joy Cometh In The Morning."

Finally we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Not because the Democrats have won and the Republicans have lost. This does not represent a partisan win for me. It represents a return to decency, civility, respect for diversity and the list goes on. The lights have been blinking red for a long time, and many of us have been pretending that the lights are on green to simply maintain our sanity. Silently, we have been afraid for ourselves and our children for the past 4 years. As people of color, we are not asking for racial supremacy. To the contrary, we want an end of all forms of racial supremacy and we are simply asking for a seat at the table. We asking to matter.

The results at the poll shows an America that is deeply divided. It is my belief at this time, that President Elect Joe Biden can bring about healing and unity among different races. He brings years of bipartisanship experience to the White House, and I feel certain that he understands the importance of inviting people of all races, gender and backgrounds, to the table.

I recognize that a win for the Democratic party will not be celebrated by all. Why shouldn’t it though? Why would you not want a government that includes white, blacks, browns, gays, transgender etc? What are you afraid of? America belongs to the people of America. We have a democracy, which means we all have a say. We decide who becomes our President and Vice President.

For the past 4 years, we have been moving away from a democratic model. The fact that the sitting President is unable to accept the results of the election is the opposite of what democracy in America (or anywhere) represents. We hold elections to appoint the leaders, the majority of people want to represent them. It is frightening to me personally, when a leader decides prior to election that he or she would not accept this results.

Today’s results represent the return of hope. There is hope when people of all races and backgrounds can come together and end what resembles fascism. I feel hopeful that no President can permanently occupy or acquire 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as if it is a part of their personal real estate portfolio. This address belongs to the people. The people decide who lives in that house and for how long.

Today, I wish to thank President Elect Joe Biden for leading a steady campaign during the most challenging times in modern history. Thank you for listening to the people of the United States of America, and for rescuing us during a time when we all need so much hope. Regardless of what side of the aisle we represent, we cannot deny that this country is pain and in need of healing. Most of all thank you for appointing a woman of color as your running mate and consequently to the office of the Vice President of The United States of America.

By the way, I also feel that it is not by accident that both Arizona and Georgia, (two red states), flipped in this election, for the Biden/Harris ticket. I am not surprised, as these states were both represented by the late great John Mc McCain and John Lewis of Arizona and Georgia respectively. This victory was ordain from above.

While hope and decency have now returned, I would still like to remind both Democrats and Republicans that we all have the right to vote for who we believe is the best leader for us. However, we must accept the will of the majority and continue to be civil to one another. This is why we have elections. True equality resides at the ballot. Regardless of your economic circumstances, you have the right to appoint the leaders who will govern on your behalf. This is America, where hope lives on.

Finally, I would personally like to thank President Trump. Many people may not agree with this move, but I am grateful that he created an environment for many people who dont look like us to let us know how they truly feel. If it were not for his brashness, we would not have known what is truely on the minds and hearts of people we work with, live next too or in some cases related to. Knowledge is power. It does not matter how the Information is delivered. What matters is we now know what’s on the minds of those who think differently from us.

Either way, today marks an end to the feelings of entitlement and privilege.To the people who voted early and in record numbers, thank you. We have been delivered. Time for healing.

My Election Vlog

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By My Book

It is election season for many countries. Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica just completed theirs. Demonstrating to the world that their democracy is still working. On November 3rd, it will be America’s turn to speak, after 4 years of President Trump and his administration, or should I say, “his family”.

Judging from “the word on the streets” many people are “concerned” to say the least, about the sanctity of the American democracy, in this upcoming election cycle. The American President has even suggested to voters that they should vote twice, to test the accuracy, or perhaps the validity of the US electoral system.

What Ever Happened To Making America Great Again?

It stands to reason, that if The United States Commander- in-Chief can publicly question the validity of his own electoral system, United States should be officially concerned about the sanctity of it’s democracy! Perhaps this may be a deliberate tactic on the part of the president , as it is uncommon for world leaders to announce to the world that their democracy is not real or is being threatened. The sitting president cannot scream “foul” before “shit” happens. If you are aware that the system is broken, then do something. After all, you are the president who promised to, “Make America Great Again”. You public paranoia with the ballot boxes, says more about your political leadership and governance, than it does about our democracy.

One of the things I have always admired about American democracy, regardless of the political party in power, (Republican or Democratic), is its system of checks and balances. A system that gives the power of veto to a President, but overseas it with a Congress and a Supreme Court. Nevertheless, such a system seems to be in question at the moment, by a leadership style that bears resemblances to a autocratic system.

Is America Functioning Under A Parliamentary System Of Government?

This is not a Parliamentary system Mr President. You see in a Parliamentary system of government, “What the Prime Minister wants, the Prime Minister gets.” He or she gets multiple terms if the electorate decides. The Prime Minister even gets to decide on the date of the general elections. You don’t. Your political power is restricted (thank God). So this idea that you would like to delay elections and get an additional term, suggests to many that you are not acquainted with your own type of government. You must read up on it some more, or have somebody read it to you.

Where Are The Checks And Balances?

I was reminded today during my son’s homeschool Social Studies class, that the three arms of government in the United States Of America (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) are appointed to serve the citizens (the people) of the United States. Therefore, the President, the Congress, and the Supreme Court all report to the people, because they work for the people. Correct? When the majority of the people are dissatisfied with them, we get to change our representatives in Congress, and during an election we get to change our President (Supreme Court Judges are appointed for life). The American Presidential system is based on these principles. It was created to maintain our democracy to provide checks and balances. So why am I getting a feeling that America’s democracy is being questioned? Under this president, nobody is checking him. The system that has worked for hundreds of years for past Presidents, is no longer working for one?

I seem to recall, a male candidate and nominee for President in the last United States election (2016), calling on an autocratic foreign country to produce damaging evidence on his opponent “if they are listening”. That man went on to be the President of The United States. Today, for some reason he is now questioning the sanctity of the electoral system and is “advising people to vote twice.’ My question again is, ” When will America’s system of checks and balances begin to kick in under this president?” When will this president be held accountable and to the same standard as all his predecessors,, to produce his tax returns, and “real” medical records?

Something Smells Fishy

I have not been on this planet for a very long time, but I have been here long enough to witness the governance of other American Presidents, from both sides of the isles. Never before, have I seen so many books detailing the questionable actions and damning behavior of a sitting president. Never before have I witnessed an “inner circle” of a United States President with so many mug shots and jail sentences. It all seems “fishy” to me.

It has gotten so bad, that family members are speaking out via books and taped recordings. No matter what your party affiliations or personal convictions are, you must know that something is wrong here, and certainly question all of this when you are sitting alone, and you are thinking of the direction we are all heading in. No one knows what book will be published tomorrow about the sitting President, and his questionable allies, or what damning information will be released next. It seems to be one fire after the other.

Despite the barrage of evidence and allegations against this unconventional president of the United States, it seems like we are slowly accepting the change in our political system that once functioned as a part of a cohesive democracy. A political system that was based on a citizen’s right to vote, protest, speak their minds and demand changes from its elected government. America was not designed to be ruled by a dynasty. This is a new order. Sanctioned by who? Are we are still not functioning as a democracy? Why then did the recent Republican National Convention resemble the beginning of a “Trump Dynasty”? America is now being ruled by a family, and not a government. This is not what our forefathers intended.