With the swearing-in of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the peaceful transfer of power is complete. Despite the anger, vitriol, and attacks of the past few months, it is very important to applaud the example of President George Washington after serving two terms. It also is important to celebrate another first in American history, the first woman and person of color to serve as the Vice President of the United States. This milestone along our path toward a more perfect union transcends partisan politics.
It also is important to recognize that our country is at a potential inflection point. The challenges we face are numerous and daunting and will require strong and persistent leadership by our national, state, and local leaders. Leadership that to date has been sorely lacking. Whether it is the ongoing and evolving Covid-19, economic distress, racial justice, or geopolitical events, the only way we will overcome these challenges is by rising above demagogic and vitriolic partisan divisions and focus on achieving results and solutions for the American people. Our leaders must appeal to our better angels and hold accountable those who appeal to our worse impulses, regardless of political persuasion.
The American Bakers Association, representing nearly 800,000 baking industry employees, urges the new Congress and President Biden’s administration to seek common-sense solutions as they begin their critical work on behalf of all Americans. The work of the government and ABA’s role advocating for our industry has never been more urgent as we navigate through the next phases of the COVID-19 crisis.
We must, as industry and community leaders, remain focused and unified in our shared goal of fixing our current nationwide emergency. This means protecting our essential employees so they can continue to feed the country. It means rebuilding our economic strength which is vital to solving our other vexing national challenges. It means remaining engaged in seeking solutions and achieving results not only for bakers for the country.
While there are many challenges facing our sector, our biggest focus is working with the new administration to continue keeping our critical workforce safe. Our industry’s employees have tirelessly provided nourishing and life-sustaining baked goods throughout the pandemic despite seemingly insurmountable challenges.
With that same spirit, we implore our lawmakers to reflect the steady strength and unwavering solidarity of the baking sector. We will disagree, sometimes loudly, but never disrespectfully, we are after all Americans. Our strength is the diversity of perspectives and experiences and recognizing that we are not enemies despite our differences. It is more important than ever that we live up to those values and get to work to solve our challenges together.
