I was thinking about a statement, which is most associated with the great Speaker of the House in the Ronald Reagan era, Tip O’Neil, namely that “All politics is local”  …  even in a presidential election, it is apparent that it is local county and state election officials that determine and certify election results, and in key states this year have upheld the will of the people in the election of Joe Biden as the next President of these United States.  Many, of these local officials are Republicans, that have held firm to the law, to our democratic principles despite withering pressure from Trump and his campaign, and local pressure, including death threats from Trump supporters.

These true patriots are not bending to threats, to conspiracy theories and to the pressure of the people they have had long professional associations.  All politics is local… and we are fortunate that the founders of this country structured our federal election system the way they did, so that it was so big and diverse that we would have to work with each other to be successful, so that all the individual states of our country would have a say, so that local officials would provide for, represent and support the wisdom of the local politic.

I was also thinking that we are fortunate for the County Public Health officials that are holding the line, without adequate Federal, and many times State Political leader support.  They have been threatened for delivering public health advice based on data and science for the benefit of all us.   It takes brave people to do their job when it is unpopular.

Our institutions are working, our local leadership has shown commitment to data, science, to democracy and the law.  What is wrong with people that threaten those that are doing their job for our benefit to the best of their ability?  What is wrong with Washington GOP Leaders that refuse to support the local election officials for fear of a president on his way out of office?   A president who by the way, lost an election when down-ballot Republicans did very well… it says the people voted this president out because he is not what we want or need… this election was not a repudiation of conservative policy and principles. It was a repudiation of Donald Trump.

We should see local officials doing their job for democracy, or for public health as heroes… and show distain for our National Republican leadership.   Especially the loser on his way out. Thankfully, all politics are still local.