I am aware that it is Remembrance Sunday, and I will be addressing that on Wednesday 11th which is Remembrance Day, but I just felt today should be one of celebration because the results of the latest election in the United States perhaps give us some cause to believe that there is still some hope for democracy. So let’s begin with Pink’s call to the party.
The last four years have seen the USA go from a world leader to a rogue nation, where corruption has become the de facto operating mode. The regime has sought to do everything to enrich itself at the expense of the weakest in society, in clear defiance of the words of the Scripture they have pretended to espouse. The Lord says He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. (Deuteronomy 10:18). But now in the words of Miley Cyrus there can be a Party in the USA for these whom God loves.
It has to be said that America is a country that is not at peace with itself. The voting map shows it to be divided, with the Democrats holding most of the east and west coast states and the Republicans holding the centre. These divisions which have been exacerbated during the last four years, were there long before the current regime came into power and will no doubt remain for years to come. There is a real need to bring everyone inside the tent which will be a difficult task but one that must be undertaken. But perhaps just for this weekend it will be acceptable for everyone to breathe out and take the advice of Bobby McFerrin.
The problems facing the USA may seem insurmountable but perhaps from small beginnings a new hope can be found for everyone. It will be interesting to see what effect this change of direction will have on the rest of the world espically those states which seem to in the thrall of gangsters and nepotists (and I don’t exclude our own nation from this criticism). However we still have the ability to make people happy – the many feel good stories from lockdown are a testament to that. So perhaps we should take a moment to be Happy with Pharrell Williams.
And finally I thought it would be impossible to post this blog without enjoying a burst of the ultimate celebration song from Kool & The Gang.
