City Attorney Dennis Herrera issued the following statement on today’s inauguration of the 45th president of the United States:
Today we celebrate a hallmark of American democracy: the peaceful transfer of power in our nation’s highest office.
For many on different sides of the political aisle, emotions are high.
Some are exultant. Others are understandably anxious or fearful. To the latter I say, don’t be. Time and again, our country has emerged stronger from its challenges. That is because even in uncertain times, we still know what it means to be America.
It means equality, regardless of your ethnicity, gender or whom you love.
It means an open government of the people, where there is sunlight on what is done in our name.
It means a fair marketplace, where no one is allowed to put their finger on the scale, no matter how large their bank account or deep their political ties.
Equal, fair and open. These are bedrock principles of our democracy.
We celebrate them, and San Francisco will continue to defend them whenever needed.
Whether it was taking on the tobacco industry for public healthcare costs or fighting for marriage equality, San Francisco has led the way.
That will not change.
We will not let corporate greed victimize consumers or pollute our air, water and earth.
We will protect the rights of all, including women, immigrants and the LGBT community.
We will fight to ensure that all of our residents, particularly the most vulnerable, have access to quality education and healthcare.
No one has a monopoly on the American dream. It’s open to all.
And we are the city of St. Francis.
We will continue to live up to our name.
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