Even some of my gun-toting Trumper friends were concerned about Inauguration Day. They hadn’t condoned the insurrection on January 6th, but didn’t denounce it either and thought it possible that act was just the beginning. They would finish our conversation with “You know Biden is already after our guns, right? That’s why it will be civil war.” When I enquired how that could possibly happen when statistically, every man, woman and child seemed to own multiple firearms. The answer to that was “He” was starting with assault rifles and would go from there. Again I asked, “So even with COVID, the economy and race relations needing immediate and continuous attention, Biden will still find time to attack the second amendment. “Yes” is always the answer. Even if that’s true, the more likely scenario is no ammo. If you are a gun owner/enthusiast you already know there is a shortage of bullets. No surprise really, since everyone is buying a gun… Rather than starting a fight that neither of us can possibly win, I shrug my shoulders and change the subject. I do wonder, to myself of course, why they always give so much credit to the democrats; that they can juggle all these incredibly complex issues while going after guns and yet, not begin to acknowledge, even a little, that Trump couldn’t focus on more than one issue at a time, especially if it detracted from protecting his “Brand.” While the country was in total COVID chaos, all he could do is talk about a stolen election even though there was zero proof. As a nervous nation held it’s breath, the most important Inauguration Day in modern history happened right before our eyes. And like a magical transformation, 4-years of hate, slander, greed and ego was transformed into Optimism. It was palpable, at least to me and my family and friends. All the hate and discontent was replaced by a president promising respect and decency. Do I relish this feeling? I do, a lot actually—but do not wish for reprisals. My hope is that both sides can look at each other and agree to do what is best for ALL of America’s citizens.

As I anxiously move towards my new career, I am disheartened by the direction the “old” company continues to take. When turning in my notice I offered to stay (in a limited capacity) through February. This would allow for almost a month and a half to vet candidates and possible solutions. Unfortunately the plan stays the same which is to do nothing more than split up my accounts amongst existing salespeople that already have geographic territories encompassing one end of the state to the other. So, instead of creating an exciting opportunity, it will be nothing more than trying to figure out how to do even more with less. Determining how to eliminate sales calls to those not “big ” enough or at least more tolerant of increasing absences will be critical. My naive hope was that an effort would be made to find a capable person to mentor into a position of, at minimum, sales support. Sadly, I have seen good people come and go for a variety of reasons, most leaving because they viewed it a dead-end job and nothing was ever said to prove otherwise. It made sense really; the objective was never an attempt to recruit future long-term employees, just find the cheapest warm body. During my five-year tenure I have experienced a sad and continual decline in top-down leadership involvement. There is no guidance or feedback to address critical issues like low store morale and team-building. Just a monthly prerecorded corporate webinar that few watch. In hindsight it isn’t surprising though. When a company builds its sales volume on razor-thin margins, your easiest option to cut costs is to eliminate overhead—i.e. personnel. The fewer the employees the better seems to be the corporate mantra. The race to zero will have its consequences, just not for me.

I guess life does indeed “just go on.” Ever since 9/11, I have half expected the world, or significant parts of it to collapse into ruin. You can insert any crisis here— COVID, a national shutdown causing double digit unemployment, school closures, pending evictions, food pantries on the brink, vaccine rollout failure, social unrest reaches a boiling point causing a massive global pushback, fake news, a president at odds with reality inciting an insurrection at our Nation Capitol—and this was just 2020, and here we still are. I can’t help but think our forefathers must have enjoyed Devine intervention when crafting our Declaration and Constitution. To write the words that continue to guide us and help navigate these most difficult and divisive times is nothing short of miraculous. It does come with a very dear price though, and that is it demands ALL OF US to listen to ALL our three branches of government. We cannot continue to pick and choose what suits us and the rest be damned. We are a country governed bye laws created by immigrants demanding a better life for them and their families. The sooner we remember this the better chance our amazing country has to heal and be the beacon the world needs—now more than ever.