Today, I sat with other members of Congress and watched as Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

I didn’t enjoy it. But I felt I needed to be there.

My presence and that of my Democratic colleagues is a living embodiment of what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said over 60 years ago:

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Donald Trump refused to attend President Biden’s inauguration. But I attended as a reminder that, in our democracy, we don’t only attend the peaceful transition of power when our candidate wins. I’m taking a stand for the rule of law and our Constitution.

Unlike all the election deniers who attended today, including the man who was sworn in, I have the peace, strength, and courage that comes from knowing I’m not beholden to anyone except the Vermonters I serve in Congress.

I'm facing the next four years with clarity of purpose, a clear conscience, and a deep commitment to doing whatever I can to protect our democracy and continue the meaningful, consequential work on behalf of my constituents to make life better for them and for Americans across the nation.

I’m choosing to move forward with courage not because I’m blind to the dangers we face, but because this moment requires calm, focus, and a sense of purpose.

Thank you for being in my corner, John.

Becca Balint