[Dutch Lock Down Day Three Hundred Six]
Why are you so looking forward to tomorrow, Leander?
Just, cause, y’know.
I mean, really, whatevs.
But first the news:
- Dutch to announce new coronavirus measures on Wednesday, curfew possible
- 10% of Dutch coronavirus infections last week tied to B117 mutation
- The ‘British’ coronavirus: Could stricter measures be on the way?
“The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States at noon (EST) on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, will mark the commencement of the four-year term of Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president. The inaugural ceremony will take place on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. and will be the 59th presidential inauguration. Biden will take the oath of office as president, and Harris will take the oath of office as vice president.
“The inauguration will take place amidst extraordinary political, public health, economic, and national security crises, including outgoing President Donald Trump‘s attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election, which incited a storming of the Capitol, Trump’s unprecedented second impeachment, and a threat of widespread civil unrest, which stimulated a nationwide law enforcement response. Festivities were sharply curtailed by efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate the potential for violence near the Capitol.[1][2] The live audience will be limited to members of the 117th United States Congress and, for each, one guest of their choosing, resembling a State of the Union address.[3] Public health measures such as mandatory face coverings, testing, temperature checks, and social distancing will be used to protect participants in the ceremony.[4]
“‘America United’ and ‘Our Determined Democracy: Forging a More Perfect Union’–a reference to the Preamble to the United States Constitution–will serve as the inaugural themes.[5]“
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inauguration_of_Joe_Biden
It’s not as if, tomorrow at noon, suddenly the United States will be magically transformed into Something Better – similarly to how 2021 was Not Going To Fix Everything – but I still have this magical hope for what Joe Biden and, more importantly, Kamala Harris, represent.
“Kamala Harris was elected vice president on November 3, 2020. SHE will assume office on January 20, 2021.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vice_President_of_the_United_States
So! Totally! Awesome!
There’s also a certain amount of stress that has gone away over the past few days because social medias are a little less screamy without 45 and his idiots.
It’s nice.
But I’m also scared of tomorrow – of the next few months, really.
I’m so thankful I’m over in the Netherlands, but also terrified for my friends and family in the States. Especially those near the capital. Especially those who belong to underrepresented groups. Especially as COVID measures relax over the next year — as travel and crowds become normal once more.
I’m scared.
But tomorrow I’m going to focus on joy and celebration and hope.
Stay safe, Warriors.
You’re in my heart for always.