These words were written to Franklin D. Roosevelt by Herbert Hoover on Roosevelt’s overwhelming win over Hoover in the 1932 presidential election. The country was experiencing the Great Depression, when unemployment was over 20 percent, one of the highest in U.S. history. One might have thought Hoover would have been somewhat bitter over his loss. Yet he reacted as most losing candidates in the United States are expected to do. He congratulated his opponent and wished him a successful time in office.
Indeed, that’s what Biden did on losing to Donald Trump in 2024: “President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together,” the White House said.
Yet after Biden’s win in 2020, Trump was quoted as saying, about Biden’s win: “He won because the election was rigged,” even though evidence indicated the election was fair and Biden’s win uncontroversial.
Strife and controversy appear to have overtaken much of our government lately. After the latest election, government workers have been fired and are supposed to stay away from their jobs. No, they haven’t been fired and are supposed to report to work. But if they try to obey and come to work, can they get in? Are the offices open? What part will an unelected Elon Musk play? Court cases have begun in an attempt to sort out the mess, but that will certainly take time.
Meanwhile, much of our foreign policy appears to be on hold. What about Ukraine? What about the Israeli/Palestinian fighting? What about tariffs? Canada does not appear amused about suggestions that they become a part of the United States and have strengthened their ties to Europe, not the U.S. What about the Panama Canal?
It’s hard to be optimistic that Congress might offer help, since the Republicans barely have a majority and would have difficulty even being united themselves. The Supreme Court appears slightly more unified than in the past, but court cases also take time.
The only thing I can think of is prayer for healing from anger and hatred and pride.