Ling
Author
I always say I wouldn’t like politics; for politics, my sibling and I want to keep a distance from it because we had trauma from my parents being persecuted during the Cultural Revolution in China. Ten years ago, I came to the U.S.; I thought I could escape politics. As long as I followed the law, had a job, was a good worker, and cared for my daughter well, that would be the good life I wanted. I will never want to touch politics. So, I don’t care about those politicians who will win or who will be the next president of the United States.
But today, 
the political environment around Washington, D.C., where I live, is agitated. Mayor Muriel Bowser has ordered all D.C. residents to stay home. In the Capital of liberty, democracy, and the most powerful nation in the world, we cannot go shopping or be free to walk outside, even walk our dogs. I cannot believe it happened.
But, It is true. Trump and his supporters say someone stole their votes. But no evidence to support their claim. So, the courts ruled against them over and over again.
So, Just before the new president was inaugurated, there was violence in the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, by supporters of Trump. The event shocked America and even the globe. It had never happened in American history—a dark time for America with much sadness. I am also worried for America. Because America is my new home, I will live here to die; I don’t want anyone to destroy it.
Now, the Presidential Inauguration is just around the corner. Some people still want to stop the inauguration of the newly elected president because they refuse to believe that Trump lost.
Participating in the inauguration entirely virtually will protect the District of Columbia from a repeat of the violent insurrection on January 6.
Today, some areas of our city are closed, streets and roads are blocked, and mass transit is halted. The news reports many soldiers in the streets, around the White House and the Capitol building.
We listened to Mayor Muriel Bowser and are staying home. But many of us, including me, fear something will still happen.
I have a peaceful life in America. It could be because the country has always been strong. I have always trusted American democracy, never thinking it could get so “cold” as it is now. I must pay attention to politics because it has disturbed our peaceful lives.
My grandma said, “Humans should get a little bit sick sometimes. Being sick isn’t bad for your health. It could strengthen the immune system.” Maybe our country should follow suit.
My husband told me that you don’t worry! We should believe that the American people know what is good for the country’s future and believe in the ability of the system the Founders created to correct mistakes.
God bless America!!
********************
The above is a diary I wrote three years ago.
Three years later, I still wouldn’t say I like politics, but I have begun to care about politicians who would be the next president. I still keep a distance from politics, but I won’t be a deaf-mute to it.
In 2021-2023, many political events occurred globally. The Russo-Ukrainian war changed the shape of the world; the death of the Queen of England ended an era, and COVID-19 has ended, which concerns each human.
Even though COVID-19 is over, it has changed our lifestyle and the world economy. China—U.S. relations have gone from friendly to cold, then against, directly affecting my life. So, for politics, I have no escape; I am like a frightened kitty with wide, vigilant eyes, paying attention to the development of the world.
Before, I heard people say: A speck of dust in an era of suffering if falling on one’s head, is weightier than a mountain.” I was not impressed, but now I know it well.
Last year, my significant family suffered from COVID-19, especially my mother; she is over 90 years old, and my oldest sister has cancer. They were sent to the ICU; other siblings, including their children, suffered from COVID-19. They were fever, sore, and aches all over their bodies, but they still had to run between home and the hospital for our mother and oldest sister. But I was in America and couldn’t get back to help. I felt so powerless.
I don’t know how many sleepless nights I did and how much I prayed for my family. Fortunately, my mother survived, and all family members survived the epidemic. But some of my friends and their families were not as lucky as my family. They were left forever in this plague.
Every social system has advantages and disadvantages. Ordinary people like us only hope we have a job and a salary; when we are tired, we have a bed to sleep in; when we are hungry, we have food to eat; we and our families are healthy and safe! That’s all!
Throughout the two years, I had comprehensive, vigilant eyes to watch those different politics and listen to the voices from various directions. I knew politics was essential to me.
I’m just an ordinary woman. I can’t decide anything about national destiny, but I can choose what life I want.
The Chinese had an idiom: The gentleman does not stand under the dangerous wall.
I cannot protect my big family in China, but I can let my daughter and I live in safety.
Buddha bless China!
God bless America!
