January 9, 2021
In 1856, work began on a replacement for the original Capitol dome in Washington, D.C.. When the Civil War broke out five years later, it was unfinished.
President Abraham Lincoln and the wartime Congresses insisted on continuing construction despite the conflict, determined to show to the world their faith that the nation would endure and that it would, eventually, grow into its ideals.
The Capitol dome was completed, for the first time, in 1866. It has needed repairs periodically ever since.
(It’s been quite a week, folks. I’ll see you tomorrow.)
Yet another friend called me tonight - this one from Mississippi - and thanked me for sharing your letters with her. She said it calmed her down. That's four friends in the past week - also women in Missouri, Illinois and Pennsylvania - all said the same - you are an anchor in a storm. Thank you for your work.
Heather: I’ve brought this up before as a “chat on politics “ question to you before the attempted coup on the Capitol. It probably came across as an extreme notion then, but in light of what’s come to pass— which most never thought would happen in the USA— I think it’s worth serious consideration now.
The unfolding of events in DC is unpredictable yet worrisome. As a safety net emergency measure for extraordinary times, I think it would be prudent for Biden/Harris to take the oath of office now that they are president elect and VP elect. The oath can be taken any time in that it is not written in the Constitution that it be done January 20 at noon when Trump’s presidency and power ends and Biden/Harris’ begins. There is precedent for this though not for these unprecedented circumstances. It is taken privately with a Bible, with a judge administering it plus a witness.
Nobody can predict what will be happening at noon January 20 when power shifts and the transition is complete except for the oath-taking. If chaos reigns, Biden/Harris will already have taken the oath and are in power. He can do whatever is necessary as President. The inauguration ceremony might have to be postponed. Who knows. Whenever it takes place, Biden/Harris can publicly take the oath of office again. The early taking of the oath is strictly a safety net for he is still powerless till noon January 20. No?