A Year of American Heroes

Consumed as we’ve been with COVID 19, conspiracy theories, threats, electoral mayhem and protests, many have written off 2020 as a lost year, a low point in American history and democracy. Yet, though polls tell us America is on the “wrong track,” millions have demonstrated the moral courage and common decency of the “right track.”  A few examples help show us the best that is still very much a part of who we are:

·        Elaine McCrae, a cardiac observation nurse for 20 years, volunteered to serve in the COVID ward of Gulfport Memorial Hospital in Mississippi.  She succumbed to the virus after a 72-day battle.  Her daughter, Monica, inspired by her mother, also became a nurse and showed her Mom her newly acquired nursing license shortly before she passed away. 

·        Andre Anglin, a 51-year-old bus driver in Columbus, Ohio is one of millions of essential workers in all kinds of jobs who kept the nation going through COVID19.  His words speak of humble courage:

“I start at 6:45 in the morning, and I usually get off around 6:30 p.m. . . . Most people are going to loved ones’ houses to check on them. There’s a few people that might be going to the grocery store. And some people have essential jobs they have to go to. I feel proud to be able to do my part . . . I was in the military, so I still have that sense of honor.”

·        Rahan Willis was a first-time voter in Southfield, Michigan, determined to exercise his right to the franchise, the result of “What everyone went through back in the day just for us to be at this point.”  Yolanda Corieaj, a new citizen from Albania, also braved the pandemic to cast her first-vote.

 ·        The family of Breonna Taylor could easily have incited violent protests against the injustice of their daughter’s death at the hands of police. Instead, their statement said “Speak. Protest. But do not resort to violence. We demand change. We demand reform. But we do not need for our community to get hurt, we need for our community to get justice.” 

·        Sheriff Chris Swanson of Genesee County, Michigan marched with those protesting the killing of George Floyd. “We want to be with y’all for real” he said, so “I took my helmet off, laid the batons down.”  Indeed, the great majority of protestors – and police – were peaceful and respectful.  According to the U.S. Crisis Project, 93 percent of all protests connected to the Black Lives Matter movement involved no violence. 

·        Brad Raffensperger, the Republican Secretary of State in traditionally “red” Georgia, announced the certification of the state’s Biden win: "I believe that the numbers that we have presented today are correct. The numbers reflect the will of the people.” Raffensperger withstood nearly three weeks of castigation and threats to honor a careful process and his oath of office.   

·        U.S. District Judge Steven Grimberg was one of many local, state and federal judges who braved threats to uphold the rule of law in suits contesting the results of the presidential election.  A Trump appointee, he refused to halt certification in Georgia, saying that "To halt the certification at literally the eleventh hour would breed confusion and disenfranchisement that I find have no basis in fact and law.” 

·        In April, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases was granted armed protection given the large number of threats made against him - threats that continue.  He has never wavered from basing his conclusions about COVID 19 on scientific evidence, despite intense political pressure.

·        Emily Murphy, GSA Administrator, paid the price of public service when she delayed the declaration that would allow Biden transition assistance until she felt sure he was the certified winner.  “I did, however,” she said “receive threats online, by phone, and by mail directed at my safety, my family, my staff, and even my pets in an effort to coerce me into making this determination prematurely.”

·        Jeffrey Kasky was a Florida poll worker, one of tens of thousands who braved COVID to participate, as he put it in “an active, nonpartisan way to contribute to our democracy.”  During early voting and on Election Day, as recounted, he was “threatened, harassed, taunted, harangued and even physically assaulted.”

For those who see the glass as half empty, this year was one of profound sadness and danger.  But for those who see it as half full, it was a year when “normal” everyday Americans rose to the challenge to care for the sick, keep essential economic services operating, provide food for the jobless, stock grocery shelves, shelter the homeless, and ensure that, despite a global pandemic, we could conduct an election that was free and fair.  It was the common American, with courage and pluck, who saw us through.

The morally courageous optimists are all around us in America.  They deserve far more recognition and support.  By their character and deeds, they encourage us to be our best selves, as they have been. 

Photo Credit: Photo of Elaine McCrae courtesy of George County Times