Why I participated in the Presidential Inauguration

I originally wrote this as a response to messages sent to me by friends and family. Now that the inauguration is over I made some changes and I feel better about posting it now.

The American Dream

My parents immigrated to the United States a year before I was born. They left everything behind in search of a better life for their children. They instilled in me a love for this country. I further learned to love this country through the Boy Scouts. Yes, I'm an Eagle Scout, thanks to the enthusiastic encouragement of my parents. I went to college and was the first in my family to earn a graduate degree. My parents also became U.S. citizens as soon as they could.

My love for this country runs deep largely because I feel I am the product of my parents belief in the American Dream. I have lived and visited different countries throughout my life for various reasons and to be honest, America is home to me. It's the only place where I feel I can reach my full potential and contribute to making the world a better place.

When the choir was invited to participate in the Presidential inauguration ceremonies I received a lot of messages and feedback from friends and family. I have read all of those responses. I also replied to as many as I could. Some were in support and some were against the choir's participation. I want to thank all of you for your remarks, both for and against. If anything, I am grateful for the passion Americans feel about our country right now. This passion is a good thing. People are not just accepting things but are actively seeking to make their voices heard. I think the Founding Fathers would be proud to see that the country consists of passionate citizens willing to voice their opinions. That is a great thing.

Contention is not new to politics

If we look at the politics in the U.S. from the beginning there were always combative, ruthless, unfair, slanderous campaigns, even from our inception. The idea that this political climate is "new" and "the worst it has ever been" is simply not true. Name calling, lying, demeaning behavior, back biting, etc. have been a part of American politics for a long time. One just needs to read the history to see Americans were passionate then and now. It must be tradition.

In today's world we are able to magnify and sensationalize contention through social media. Which probably makes it seem more than before. Perhaps, but perhaps not.

I believe we can learn from our past. We can see how our ancestors resolved concerns and contentions and use those methods to work through our issues today.

I called my mom who is serving an LDS mission in Samoa and we talked about the inauguration. I told her I was going to participate if I was selected to go. She was fully supportive. My family was also supportive. Largely because they respected me enough to respect my decision.

Showing up is 90% of life

My parents taught me that 90% of life is "showing up." Show up to what you need to be at, even if everyone is in disagreement. Education is the same. Show up to class and you will pass.

This principle applies to everything. Choir is the same way. Talent is great but consistency and just being there, or "showing up," is what is needed as a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Showing up is a large part of being heard. For me, boycotting or avoidance isn't a way to begin conversations. Showing up means I'm willing to meet you halfway and I'm willing to work it out.

Didn't Matter Who Won

I would have volunteered to go regardless of who won the election. Why? Because no candidate throughout my lifetime, has truly represented me or my values. No one. I'm a son of immigrants, raised in a home where English was not spoken, as a minority class that is not fully recognized even by the government. (I'm Polynesian and yet forms consistently combine Asian and Polynesians into the same category. Have you seen a Polynesian and an Asian side by side? Yeah, not the same.)

Do I feel this event is supporting Trump? No. The Inaguration committee is independent of any political party and the event is meant to help in the peaceful transition of power. I'm supporting the process established since the very first inauguration.

Again, history has proven that every four years, we gather as a nation to sustain and support the next president as voted on by the people.

My vote was my support/protest

While marching is useful for some, for me, I made my voice heard when I voted. Now I would like to focus on working within my sphere of influence to make the world a better place. I'll do what I can and work to build my community and neighborhood as well as hold those in office accountable. I will be actively engaged in the causes I feel will benefit the world.

As my daughter grows I hope she embraces this idea that showing up, despite opposition, is important. That despite objections from friends and some family, she can do what she feels she needs to do, regardless of the pressure.

I will soon post my pictures and experiences during the inauguration soon! :)