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Trump’s clarion call: Now arrives the hour of action

Moments after being inaugurated, Donald J. Trump, 45th president of the United States of America, signaled his intentions for the coming days, weeks, months and years of his term.

“Now arrives the hour of action,” he said near the conclusion of a muscular speech punctuated by multiple calls for political and cultural unity in a nation divided by a rancorous presidential campaign.

For all the divisiveness of the past 18 months, Friday’s ceremonies accentuated the majesty of America’s incomparable democracy. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama showed the graciousness they have demonstrated since the day after the Nov. 8 election. Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was in attendance, along with presidents representing both major political parties.

It is easy to take for granted the magical manner in which America transfers power from one leader to another. Campaigns for the highest office are emotional and argumentive, but when the moment to honor election results comes, there is no violent coup, there is no counterproductive action.

There is only this nation’s singular democracy in action. President Trump underscored the transcendant nature of this democracy, promising that “today we are transferring power back to the people.”

“It is not which party is in control, but whether our government is controlled by the people,” said.

The themes of Trump’s agenda – protecting the nation’s borders, reversing decay and violence in our cities, a stronger posture against terrorism and foes abroad, more favorable economic deals with other nations, new attention to the middle class – were expressed Friday.

Trump promised to never let this nation down, but we are struck in the aftermath of the inauguration that he can only fulfill that promise with a rededicated Congress.

His problem-solving agenda is very much in touch with the nation’s needs. It is officially in the lap of Congress in the coming days to work with him to produce an America of “one heart, one home and one glorious destiny.”

In coming weeks and months, Congress should not resist Trump’s agenda of action so much as it should improve on it. And the more voices that contribute to that improvement, the better.

We think the old adage that it’s surprising how much can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit applies to our nation this morning more than ever.

As President Trump said Friday, “When America is united, it is unstoppable.”

No matter our political leanings, we should all hope for that.

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