In 1630, as some of the first settlers of America left England to build a new civilization, Puritan leader John Winthrop spoke to the travelers, challenging them to make this new land a “city upon a hill,” striving to set an example to the rest of the world.
The result was America, and we truly have become a city upon a hill: the eyes of the world are upon us still. It is up to us Americans to build and maintain a beautiful city, one teeming with people striving to protect their life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
The pioneers of democracy, presidents such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe, believed and lived out the principle of a peaceful transfer of power, all stepping down from office after two terms, setting the precedent: power is not something to be abused or fought over. The only president who has not followed suit with this is president elect Donald Trump. In contrast, despite crushing defeat in her bid for office this year, Vice President Kamala Harris was a perfect example of peaceful transfer of power.
“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” said Harris in her concession speech Wednesday afternoon before an emotional crowd at Howard University, her alma mater. Liz Cheney, an outspoken critic of Trump who spearheaded the investigation on his involvement in the January 6th riots, also said in a social media post, “All Americans are bound, whether we like the outcome or not, to accept the results of our elections.”
Harris went on to say, “In our nation, we owe loyalty to the Constitution of the United States, and loyalty to our conscience and to God,” also saying that while she was giving up this campaign, she would never give up in her fight for her beliefs. She urged her supporters, “Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.”
We are still a city upon a hill. A president, for better or for worse, is merely the face of the nation. The true character of a nation is defined by the actions of the people within it. Harris concluded her speech with one final call to action: “Let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars.” Let us be a shining city. Americans, it is up to us to build our America.
Following Tuesday’s election, many Americans are upset, worried, or anxious for the future of our nation. If we want proof that America is still going in the right direction, look to your losers. Look at Harris, conceding the election and encouraging her supporters to continue fighting for American democracy. Look at Liz Cheney, calling Americans to support the president elect, despite her history with him. Look at our losers, and you will not be disappointed.
