I promised to share my letter, which I've copied below and forwarded to 1000Letters@colorado.edu. If you have not already written something on one of the topics, I encourage you to do so.
To: 1,000 Letters
Subject: Compromise is not a dirty word
This letter is in response for letters to be sent expressing an opinion on four topical subjects, COVID-19, economic recovery, racial equity, and climate change. I would like to address all four in general, but specifically not any one subject area.
The challenge I see is that there is a pent-up demand for action from the natural hazards community and others who have watched as science has been degraded over the last four years and truth has suffered indelible harm again and again. With the Biden-Harris Administration preparing to assume their leadership role as the head of the federal government, people and organizations are looking for action.
President Elect Biden is at heart a moderate, which many will take issue with. His first priority, as he has said again and again is to unite the nation. To eliminate the harsh rhetoric of the two major political parties fueled by political arsonists on both sides.
I am reminded of the situation that Abraham Lincoln faces as the end of the Civil War neared. He was very concerned for the future of the nation if there was a vindictiveness in victory. Think of the abolitionist pressures that he had placed on him to take action during the war. He knew that he could not proceed too quickly without bringing average citizens along with him.
President Franklin Roosevelt had a similar dilemma with countering Nazi and totalitarian aggression in the world leading up to our entry in World War II. It was not a given that the United States would side with the United Kingdom which stood alone in Europe as the last hope for democracy. We had a significant “America First” movement back then too. Roosevelt did what he could and was only able to fully act when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.
President Biden is working to be ready to take over on day one. He has three overarching priorities. 1) Defeat the virus and save lives. 2) Restore economic wellbeing to people who are suffering right now, physically and mentally as they worry about the first Cares Act funding running out at the end of December. 3) He wants to heal the nation, turn down the rhetoric. He is not brimming for a fight, he wants to make progress in tandem with others.
Biden will be able to do some things via executive order, reversing many of the terrible decisions in the past. In general, there has been malfeasance in governing from the prior administration that brings the cry for action fueling a need for action in all four of the subject matter areas.
74 million people for various reasons voted for a “stay the course” for next four years. While we in the science, academic, emergency management and other may see the need for dramatic action, those actions that are taken must bring the nation along with us. It may require compromise on many fronts. But, it that compromise imbued in the number 3 priority that can hopefully bring about long-term success and not a whipsaw impact to our relationships around the world and in our own communities.
There is much work to be done, but “rebuilding trust” is never done quickly. It is a gradual process. Compromise is not a dirty word and those who demand action now may not be thinking long-term. This is not about winning, it is about succeeding and reclaiming the soul of America.
Eric Holdeman
