Cancel the January parade

It has become common for Inauguration Day (January 20 usually, but who knows in 2001) to include festive parades in the afternoon and lavish balls at night, with costs running into millions of dollars, paid for with both public and private funds.

When the next president, whether it is Mr. Bush or Mr. Gore, takes office, we recommend that he table such celebrations in favor of a tradition from the nation's earliest days. In colonial and federal times, when facing difficult days and decisions, the populace turned to God. These "days of fasting, prayer and humiliation," declared by governmental leaders, provided the opportunity for people to slow down, reflect, determine their proper future course and implore Providence's aid.

A remnant of that tradition is celebrated this week: Thanksgiving, which has become an annual mixture of family unity, national gratitude and religious piety. Unity is something that is going to be needed in 2001 and beyond, regardless of who becomes president. With splits in the next Congress and among the electorate, America could use God's assistance more than ever to heal wounds, smooth over divisions and chart a way to a more unified tomorrow.

The heated rancor of the close election, with its sometimes ugly disputes over votes, recounts and court cases, will require several applications of fever-reducing medicine. What better way to begin the next Administration than for the president to set aside pomp and circumstance in favor of a national day when everyone is invited to come together in prayer? As for those millions of dollars, might they not be better spent in assisting the needy?

Both presidential candidates have spoken openly about the importance of their religious faith. By applying it on Inauguration Day, one of them can brand his first days in office as a time of forgiveness and reconciliation.

(11-23-00)