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When US President-elect Joe Biden delivered his historic speech in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, last Sunday morning, November 8, I thought … a victory in Pennsylvania catapulted him to the highest office in the United States of America. .
And one further thought, that 244 years ago, the Pennsylvania haven allowed embattled American general (and later its first president) George Washington a breather against the British during the American Revolution.
After losing New York to the British in November 1776, there was a massive demoralization among the ranks of the American Continental Army, not to mention its nascent American Congress.
Fortunately for Washington, the British chose not to pursue him further when winter came. Undeterred, from his base of operations in Pennsylvania, he organized a counterattack on Christmas Day; a bold coup that finally helped the Continental Army win its independence eight years later, on September 3, 1783.
“Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River” is significant for many reasons, including the treacherous conditions in which they crossed the river back to New Jersey and defeated the British-led Hessian forces stationed in Trenton on December 26. .
The Continental Army followed with another victory over the British at Trenton on January 2, 1777 and another at Princeton the next day.
Each of his three crosses was always under the most dangerous circumstances.
This gave the nascent American Congress and its people hope that they could win their war of independence against the British.
The sites of Washington’s crossing of the Delaware through Pennsylvania and New Jersey are today historic reservation sites. And the state of Delaware takes its name … from the river that runs through four states, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Fast forward today, and Biden’s victory in the most controversial US election gives hope in a world that has been made more complicated by populist leaders and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania that leaned toward Donald Trump in 2016 was the winning blow.
And now, the job and mess Biden will inherit is just beginning.
It is a country deeply divided on many issues. I agree with some precepts on both sides and disagree with others. I can understand the concerns, fears and prejudices, on both sides of the spectrum, having experienced them myself. What is important, however, is that there are leaders who are sensitive, knowledgeable, and willing to address these issues with the right temperament and disposition.
Why is this election important not only for the United States but also for the world? Or even for me?
Let’s answer that backwards.
My mother used to work for the American government and during her time there, I read and learned about its history, its government and politics, and its culture. Also, I lived there for a while.
As for the world … it is because since World War II, the world has been inspired by what happens in the United States.
They are the only superpower left (although that country in Asia is quickly gaining them) whose influence is felt daily in the realms of business and finance, popular culture, technology and medicine, to name just a few.
As I listened to the Vice President-elect of the United States, Kamala Harris, and then to Biden, my hair stood on end at the optimism they radiated.
I think there is a lot of discussion, open-mindedness and understanding needed on many topics. That also applies to the entire world, even here, where it’s pretty much the same in terms of division, vitriol, and a misplaced sense of patriotism.
Now that path will not be easy to traverse; much like the crossing of the Delaware River that George Washington did 244 years ago.
But I have this feeling inside me that just like the glimmer of hope that Washington’s victory in New Jersey provided centuries ago, we can expect the same.