“Where can we find light in this never-ending shade?” America’s 22-year-old youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman asked today as she spoke at the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States: Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.
It struck me most of all yesterday was Amanda Gorman, a tiny wisp of a young woman with her beautiful delicate hands, expressive as a ballerina, reciting her stirring poem to the whole world at the same location where two weeks ago an army of ignorant cretans, troglodytes, willfully attacked the capitol, our capitol, our democracy, insisting their superiority be acknowledged.
The comparison of the graceful, sophisticated, beauty of Amanda Gorman's poem, of her self, her person, with the brutal, bigotted thuggery of two weeks ago, at the exact same place where she stood, took my breath away, and put tears to my eyes.
My god, the nightmare really is over, the sun rises again.
I felt the same way Ralph. I felt mesmerized by her, everything about her. I sat with my two sons (one the same age as Amanda Gorman, one 17) and we got to realize together how much words mean, in that poem and in the day itself where we got to listen to public servants tell us what their plan for our future is. Genuine people who's lives have been spent wanting to lead for the betterment of our country. The press briefing was stunning in it's normalcy after these last 4 years. The lack of hate and nastiness was just such a relief I cried most of the day. I know we're not out of the woods yet but there are many cracks and we can see the light now at least.
In a Leonhard Cohen song, "Cracks are where the light gets in." Might be rather apt for our Liberty Bell which is also "cracked." Time to let the light in through those cracks. And the racists in our country should be sure that angels come in all shapes and sizes and colors-- one is a very wise, 22 year-old, skinny girl speaking Truth to the world. They need to put down their guns and fear, and just....listen and let that light in.
Yes, thank you-- I was not totally awake-- too much Prosecco last night. I quoted a line of the lyrics, not the name of the song! But Anthem is very appropriate for our country in this moment in time!! I think I will give it a listen to this morning in honor of America and in honor of Mr Cohen, The Lord of Song--- Hallelujah! I will also listen to Democracy!
Wish I could share a glass of Prosecco with you, Penelope! Maybe see you on Saturday. And YES to your comment about light through the cracks and the wisdom of Amanda Gorman.
Yes-- a good mantra for some of the trumplicans who are waking up to the lies, distortions, projections and brainwashing. We need to marinate all of them in Truth.
Ralph - Each time they did a wide shot, I couldn't get out of my mind the events of January 6th ... But yesterday was a wonderful tribute of defiance against all of that, a statement of righteous purpose and resolve. It irritated the hell out of me each time they cut to Ted Cruz. Can't believe that crumb was admitted to the event.
I think crumb is way too gentle a word for that cretin. He has willfully joined the ranks of Rand Paul and Josh Hawley, none of them are idiots which makes the positions they take all the more diabolical. I can tell you that the Lincoln Project isn’t going to forget them, game on.
My thoughts exactly...it's low-life scum like Cruz & Co. (and we all know who they are), some of the hold-overs from "The Swamp", that really need to be given the heave-ho. That they can even dare to show their simpering, smiling faces at an event like yesterday's defies logic. They possess not a single soupçon of remorse or conscience, seemingly acting like their actions and words over the last 4 years never even occurred. Like we are to just sweep it all under the rug. Thank God for the Lincoln Project. Their ads were running yesterday and they don't shirk from naming names and showing images. Keep it up. Don't let them hide behind their smug façades. Unity, yes. But not until proper justice and accountability are meted out.
I think Trump replaced "The Swamp" with a toxic waste dump that is poisoning America with misinformation and "alternative facts." Cruz, who is part of that toxic waste dump, is nothing more than a clever, power-hungry opportunist, who , like Trump, is only in it for himself (he's another malignant pathological hyper-narcissist). Trump won Texas by over 600,000 votes (>5.5%). Cruz, who in reality must hate Trump, has his finger to the political wind, and will follow it no matter which direction it blows.
I completely agree Dick. Cruz’s smug mug makes me sick. I can’t wait to see what the Lincoln Project has in store for him and the others. I await with glee!
This is the most disturbing thing about the rioters and those who supported the prior administration and believe in Qanon, etc. Many, in fact most of these are not stupid people. Most people hover within a fairly small range of intelligence as measured by testing products and there are not enough outliers to account for all the supporters of the previous administration. I suspect that the behavior of people like Cruz, Paul, Hawley, et al, is informed more by their experiences than their formal education, the same as many dysfunctional people's behavior is shaped more by their experience of various forms of trauma, much of which is not even recognized or acknowledged. As much as I loved Amanda Gorman's poem, I disagree with her words that our country is not broken. The country is made up of its people, many of whom are broken, wounded, sick but have never been able or allowed to admit that and continue to suffer and feel the need to make others miserable too. Just as we are told that "God is no respecter of persons," neither is mental, physical or spiritual illness.
If I could have clawed my way into the television to extract Ted Cruz, I would have. He had such gall to attend! But it only slightly marred for me the wonder of the day.
We watched on ABC and they showed Cruz. I thought it was pretty magnanimous of the Biden team to allow him to attend. But then Biden would have let Trump attend if the slithering piece of orange slime had been man enough to show up.
And the station in which I viewed the inauguration surprised me by continually cutting to Pence's face whenever Biden mentioned dystopian reality we just went through with lies, hate, racism, and division. Anything to do with the injustices of the trumplican regime, and there was Mr. Quiet, Trump Adoring Pence. He may have done a couple of good things in the past 10 days, but he will never be redeemed by this...God-dess.
Kimberley's comment (above) notes she was watching on the Biden/Harris Inaugural website and didn't see Cruz, et al. either. Mystery solves as I too was watching from that site.
I wish I had too. I had the option, and now I'm sorry. PBS was good, but they cannot resist the temptation to talk all through things I just want to watch without a commentary! Never mind, it wall all lovely
Thank you Ralph for capturing the moment so beautifully. Amanda Gorman’s words were poetry, prayer and battle cry all at once. It feels like the weight of toxic despair has been lifted and now we steel ourselves for the hard work of correcting our course and rebuilding our nation.
My thoughts exactly, although I could not have voiced them in such a beautiful, profound manner. Thank you, Ralph! Thank you Dr. Richardson! I must say I am feeling really good today! I hope you all are, too!
I am tired. Six hours of cheering, clapping, dancing, screaming, jumping, hollering, crying, gasping, worrying, singing, and finally exhaling and laughing is quite the workout. Halleliah!
Part of my inauguration celebration was to deactivate my Twitter account. I only ever signed up in the first place to keep track of the one-who-shall-not-be-named. Twitter is still full of "ignorant cretans and troglodytes", but the troglodyte-in-chief is out and I have better things to do with my online time.
Agreed Mr. Averill. Your words above are eloquent, accurate and so refreshing to read. Much of yesterdays inaugural events brought tears to my eyes that rolled all the way down to my chin-line. Living in CA, I was up before 6:00am with the television on, watching and listening as I continued to do my job for my employer. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have been afforded from last year to this year in order to witness yesterdays' triumphant events. I owe Heather Cox Richardson so very much for helping me understand, follow facts, truth and history. She helped me to find my voice, actions and join the efforts of so many fighting for our great countries Democracy. Such a gem Heather is and will thank her next. Have a wonderful day with safety thrown in for good measure. JDF
Amanda Gorman exhorted us to not only see the light but finally to BE the light. Name-calling and ridicule characterize those we wish to convert. Those habits are contagious because they require no thought, study, research, discernment. They’re visceral, defensive, desperate reactions to being threatened. Can’t you see our own adoption of those habits only perpetuates the methods of Fox News? If we are to BE the light, our charge is to change our own behavior to be congruent with the rational considerate behavior we expect from Others. Really no matter what.
It's not "name-calling" if the names are accurate. What can you call the people who stormed the US Capitol, trashed the building, physically assaulted police, and actively searched the corridors for members of Congress to assault and kill (they set up a gallows, remember)? Is there a nice, polite, we're-not-going-to-hurt-their-delicate-feelings way to describe these people? And if there is, why should be apply it?
Terrorism should be called what it is. So should insurrection. Attempts to whitewash it are just another aspect of the Big Lie.
Is there a polite word for the plan Trump's legal team put forth to nullify the election and install Trump as dictator? The one word I can think of is "fascism" or maybe "authoritarianism."
I apreciate your sentiment, Paula. Obama tried that route and got nothing. The words I used to describe the people who stormed the capitol aren't name-calling, they are simple descriptions of degenerate human beings. To understand my sentiments read Charles Blow in today's NY Times.
Full text of Amanda Gorman’s poem, though I recommend anyone who missed it to watch her recitation!
“The Hill We Climb”
When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The loss we carry. A sea we must wade.
We braved the belly of the beast.
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what “just” is isn’t always justice.
And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it.
Somehow we do it.
Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.
We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.
And, yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect.
We are striving to forge our union with purpose.
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man.
And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.
We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside.
We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another.
We seek harm to none and harmony for all.
Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true.
That even as we grieved, we grew.
That even as we hurt, we hoped.
That even as we tired, we tried.
That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.
Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division.
Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid.
If we’re to live up to our own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made.
That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb, if only we dare.
It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit.
It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.
We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation, rather than share it.
Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.
And this effort very nearly succeeded.
But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.
In this truth, in this faith we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.
This is the era of just redemption.
We feared at its inception.
We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour.
But within it we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves.
So, while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe, now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free.
We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation, become the future.
Our blunders become their burdens.
But one thing is certain.
If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.
So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left.
Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.
We will rise from the golden hills of the West.
We will rise from the windswept Northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution.
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the Midwestern states.
We will rise from the sun-baked South.
We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover.
And every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful.
When day comes, we step out of the shade of flame and unafraid.
The new dawn balloons as we free it.
For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
Jacqueline, thank you for posting the transcript. I hope Amanda Gorman joins the progressive speech writing team. We have a Pledge of Allegiance, but what Amanda Gorman has spoken is our new Pledge of Commitment!
How can this not bring tears to your eyes? How powerful. How beautiful. I was at work and missed this when it was recited live so thank you for posting it in its entirety.
Yes, definitely a work of performance poetry. And in performance you can also hear the hip-hop influence more clearly. A brilliant piece of work; it really grabbed my attention.
When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The loss we carry. A sea we must wade.
We braved the belly of the beast.
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what “just” is isn’t always justice.
And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it.
Somehow we do it.
Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.
We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.
And, yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect.
We are striving to forge our union with purpose.
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man.
And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.
We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside.
We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another.
We seek harm to none and harmony for all.
Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true.
That even as we grieved, we grew.
That even as we hurt, we hoped.
That even as we tired, we tried.
That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.
Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division.
Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid.
If we’re to live up to our own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made.
That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb, if only we dare.
It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit.
It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.
We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation, rather than share it.
Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.
And this effort very nearly succeeded.
But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.
In this truth, in this faith we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.
This is the era of just redemption.
We feared at its inception.
We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour.
But within it we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves.
So, while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe, now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free.
We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation, become the future.
Our blunders become their burdens.
But one thing is certain.
If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.
So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left.
Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.
We will rise from the golden hills of the West.
We will rise from the windswept Northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution.
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the Midwestern states.
We will rise from the sunbaked South.
We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover.
And every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful.
When day comes, we step out of the shade of flame and unafraid.
The new dawn balloons as we free it.
For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
I found myself weeping tears of joy all day yesterday, until I thought perhaps I would be dehydrated by weeping. But it has been a very, very hard four years. Whatever tomorrow brings, I will today rejoice about the return of competence, decency, honor, and service to American governance. May we remember the times of darkness leading to this daybreak so that we never again let the light of democracy dim so greatly that we come so close to extinguishing it.
“[T]here is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.”
That statement elegantly encapsulates the message you have been reinforcing each day through these Letters.
Although the events of any particular day may be troubling, you have consistently advanced the idea that an understanding of history and a willingness to engage in critical thinking, are our best tools for weathering the turbulence and setting a constructive and positive course forward.
As an HCR Facebook reader observed, our wise beyond her years young poet Amanda Gorman’s closing lines echo how HCR inspires us, and the last line takes it up a notch:
“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
Like so many others I watched Biden being inaugurated with relief that at least the most obvious and public aspect of our national nightmare is over. And that gives me hope.
Biden was elected by not being Trump. And I think that true, but it’s also more than it seems. At its core it reflects a desire for a president who is simply a decent human being. Not Trump also means a president taking seriously the responsibilities of leadership and endeavoring to make government serve and protect the American people — something Trump was unable and unwilling to do.
The honeymoon won’t last long and even those of us who voted for Biden and Harris will likely grow impatient and frustrated as they grapple with all the intractable problems that Trump made worse. When we reach that point I think we need to think back to this time and remember the relief and the hope.
You make an excellent point. I don’t think there is a honeymoon period. As you suggest or imply, we are going straight into the nitty-gritty. With the passage of time, as he proves himself to me, I like him more and more. He’s not just a mensch, he’s also a pro. 8 years in the WH and decades in the Senate, and all that experience is a really really important resource right now.
Kamala is a different matter altogether. I am from California. A good progressive person from California is a special thing. My sister was born in a sister Kaiser hospital less than 20 miles from the Kaiser hospital in Oakland where Kamala arrived, and my sister was born a mere 16 days before Kamala, on Oct. 4, 1964. I don’t know anything about astrology, but there is something to be said for 2 women being born in nearly the same place at nearly the same time. These people have something in common, something deep, profound and fundamental. They are both excellent people. Kamala is a freaking gem. And for Biden to call himself a transitional president, that takes some serious character. I was going to say “cojones” but it’s not that exactly, it’s not courage or spine as much as it is sheer integrity. How many other presidents have ever said that, egomaniacs as most people are that are attracted to high office.
I feel encouraged. Not in the rose-colored glasses way, but in the practical way.
Your sister sounds wonderful! We are truly blessed with the two leaders we have chosen. What a weight has been lifted. And now it’s time for us all do really get to work. We have been freed!
That was amazing as that archetypal astrologer used many segments of Amanda's Inaugural Poem to demonstrate influences of the planets and where we are. It was a lovely experience to just sit with chosen segments of her powerful words in this way. The past five years have been such an assault on our senses and our intelligence by a cruel and angry person devoid of meaningful vision for our country. A complete assault on us and on the English language by a man and his wife with empty words of "Be Best" or "I don't really care do u?" as Melania visits children in cages.
This was such a delicious moment to just absorb the depth of Amanda's message to America, quietly, into one's tired body and battered heart. Even if you are not sure about astrology itself, there may be important moments in this reading that allow you to begin still your tired heart, and take heart for we are finally here.
And for some reason, in that quietness (because I usually tune out all the mumbo jumbo about planetary positions--my mother was an astrologer) one word rose to the top for me: Emancipation. Deep within, I feel like our entire country is being Emancipated—all of us, including our Democracy, along with our POCs and BLM, Truth, Justice, Me Too, everywhere light has been shining is revealing a new level of Emancipation. But this time it is All of Us, with our country, Together.
"President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."" And maybe this is a moment for white people to feel this imprisonment of being shut in our homes, unable to move freely, unable to safely breathe, unable to remove the political knee that has been on our necks for these past four plus years. Maybe we can empathize with how stifling and disempowering another's sense of "supremacy" over us feels like. Maybe, in this awakening and The Reformation period of our country, and our precious Democracy, Empathy will rise and the well-being of All our People will supremely dominate as we consider Everyone's well-being in all decisions we make henceforward.
I was thinking along those lines, too, Randy, and wondering how we keep patience when we're used to living in a "I want it all and I want it now" world. Good idea to think back to this time whenever we feel things aren't moving fast enough.
Also, IMHO President Biden is one of those books you can't judge by its cover.
As everyone who has commented, I was more moved than I expected by a simple, direct address. Remarkable in that it was the polar opposite of his predecessor, devoid of ego, rancour, or blame. The pronoun "I" hardly used. Without rhetoric, the predictable call to unity and healing came shining through as passionately sincere and heartfelt. Through my tears, I had hope.
I shared the day of joyful tears with all of you! We were amazed and stayed glued to the dream coming true. We took a break around supper time and watched Heather’s broadcast from Tuesday as my husband had missed it. And just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, Jen Psaki gave her first news conference and we looked at each other with jaws dropped! What a smart, credible, lovely person who seems honestly committed to the integrity demonstrated by our new President and Vice President. She is building back the conduit for the White House to tell us the truth, be it good, bad, or ugly. What a added joy to a spectacular day!
But what really knocked me out was while rewatching Heather’s presentation from Tuesday was the entire setting had changed! Over 24 hours... it was such an overwhelming shift, from being in darkness and now there was light! The context of Dr. Richardson’s words was a new and profoundly different reality! I couldn’t get over this! I felt as though I had to keep looking over my shoulder to verify that I hadn’t imagined the sea change in the air! 180 degrees! It was such a dramatic and visceral experience I wish I could find the words! Stunning! Amazing! Yes...the light came in! Dear Lord, I exhaled as I don’t believe I have in a very long time.
The call for unity was invitational but fortunately not conciliatory. Biden invited Republicans to help in the monumental effort required to solve the enormous problems we face. I feared that the rhetoric would be all kumbayah and was delighted when it wasn’t.
Though I am a night owl, and often up very late, I usually wait to read your letter in the morning. It became a cherished ritual that I gave myself: an infusion of reason and sanity, in preparation for the crazy that always unfolded. It was such a joy to read this beautiful post before going to bed, knowing that tomorrow is a new bright day.
The American people saved Democracy. And so many of us trusted that it could be saved as we gained insight from your daily letters. Thank you Heather for keeping so many of us tethered to that hope this year.
The election of Raphael Warnock and the stunning poetry of Amanda Gorman have thrust the country into a Black Renaissance. In the past, Black figures have been respected and sometimes revered. Now we in the majority are beginning to understand that those figures are to be loved. We are forced as well to confront the loss of Black accomplishment, character, and intelligence that have been ignored for most of our nation's history.
I have this same sense, Larry. It is like the cloak of racism that was covering the worth of a work of art is being whisked off and beauty revealed. I have been reading and discussing "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson. Race is a social construct and has no biological basis. We will all be enriched if we will recognize this.
Thank you for drawing this gentle lasso around some of today's key words, moments and ideas. The ceremony affected me more than I expected and, like others have already said, I cried. I also karate-kicked around the kitchen, banged on a saucepan, clapped, and found myself holding my hands out and open as if that was how I could carry the shared frequency somehow. Then that magic shifted and we watched and listened "backstage" and something usual, yet no less powerful appeared - people getting to the work, the mundane and amazing work of leadership. Yes to light. Yes to love. Yes to wisdom and kindness and sensible strength. Happy Inauguration Day, everyone!
Wow. Like many I was immediately bowled over by the amazing Amanda Gorman. What an absolute treasure. Like many I was brought to tears by so many moments in the days proceedings. When the entourage arrived at the Capitol Building was a notable instance. This is finally what we have worked and waited for and I am so hopeful. And, my amazing wife, in her steadfast determination, managed to book an appointment for a Covid vaccine for my 85-year old diabetic mother for today. So I’m off to take care of mom, with hope and love and light shining brightly all around. Good day all!
I have heard and read great praise for the young poet. All well deserved. Amanda Gorman’s place in history is marked, but I think just beginning. She has a dream of being President some day. I think it may well be fate, one that I would pray comes true.
Amanda Gorman, Michele Obama, Stacey Abrams and Kamala Harris are the prominent few that are now in our minds. They have and will serve. People of such character and intelligence will make us better.
If you are reading HCR and writing on this platform, you know that the power of the far right can be dwarfed by the sensible, humanistic center left. What is beginning in Georgia and Arizona can happen in all red states. Because history is on the side of truth.
Lastly, I want to pay special homage to President Biden. He is several years my senior, so I can honestly be in awe of his presence and his words. He is now leading as we face unprecedented difficulty as a nation. As a people. Now, however, I have hope.
Thank you Bill. Those of us who worked--at least a bit--to get rid of the former administration, can't stop now. I am close to Joe Biden's age, but can still help!! Let's all figure out what's next!
since Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 12:00:00 noon (Washington DC, District of Columbia time)
The count down clock has now gone past its destination and has become a clock that will tell us how far we are into the first 100 days. The 100th day is May 22, 2021.
There were many important moments and highlights today; times I would feel the emotions of the day, the twinges of patriotic love of country, and the feeling I could breathe again. One was when Lady Gaga turned to look up at the Capitol building while she sang "... that our flag was still there" and indeed it was flying atop the portico in front of the dome.
I was glad to learn President Biden fired the head of NLRB also as part of his day one accomplishments! I hope tomorrow he sends a bill for all the last minute security 45 delegated for his kids and some of his staff members presuming the Congress didn't authorize this expense as I presume it did not.
Like so many others, I am still glowing in the joy of the Biden-Harris Inauguration and all it offers.
Thank you for posting about the firing of the head of the NLRB! He was anti union and his goal was to take the working man/woman back to the 1920's when people had no job safety or se unity and worked for pennies.
Thank you for mentioning the last-minute 6-month extension 45 extended for 13 family members. I hope that got CANCELED. I hope that 45 loses all post-presidential benefits.
While naturally anything trump does is on a much larger scale, it has happened before. Example: when the Bush twins started college, Bush asked for a time-limited continuation of SS protection.
How refreshing it is to have a President whose spirit is rooted in hope and healing and a Vice President who exudes positive energy. Biden clearly intended to reach out and embrace all people not just a disgruntled subset of Americans. I hope those who voted for the other candidate come to realize that his calm demeanor is not a weakness but a strength that will steer us back on course.
It was a pleasure watching Jen Psaki's press briefing. Her willingness to provide information and commit to M-F briefings is a welcome change. Thanks, too, for shining a light on Amanda Gorman - she is wise beyond her years.
Finally, I'm betting you'll get a lot more sleep from here on out.. This doesn't feel like it's going to be a crash and burn administration. We can all be grateful for that.
Not resorting to the marketing and rhetorical tactic of seeking attention, of feeding into our attention economy, can appear as “boring.” But “boring” is in the eyes of the beholder.
Exactly. Quiet, calm, respectful are words I will use. Boring is not a fair description of decency after toxic drama and negativity and obscene cacophony.
I finally figured out how to find someone's post/response: choose the view option and it should bring you directly to the post you want. (To me, it would seem logical that the post would pop up when one hits reply, but oh well!)
I've tried every which way to search for things. I think Substack gets confused when there are multiple pages of comments. It always dumps me on the first page, and then I think, "Yeah, like I'm going to tab through all these pages to find this thing! NOT."
You are such an optimist! I am doubtful we will accomplish that. History is full of leaders & followers....thus them vs us. It is something to strive towards.
This is a time we feel a strong unity, but we have just vanquished a common enemy, so that is why. As time goes on, we'll squabble, no doubt. But I sure hope we'll do it respectfully and in the interest of our common objectives. ("We" generally meaning those who voted for Biden/Harris.)
Well said, Daria. I am more relived than I can say. I want to frame the New York Times photo of Biden at work at his desk. And Kamala running right over to the Senate to swear in the 3 new senators. This administration hit the ground running!
There’s also always light if we’re brave enough to be it. Thank you Professor Cox for being the light for so many. You shined the light on truth, history and helped so many find a way forward in these dark years. Much gratitude.
It struck me most of all yesterday was Amanda Gorman, a tiny wisp of a young woman with her beautiful delicate hands, expressive as a ballerina, reciting her stirring poem to the whole world at the same location where two weeks ago an army of ignorant cretans, troglodytes, willfully attacked the capitol, our capitol, our democracy, insisting their superiority be acknowledged.
The comparison of the graceful, sophisticated, beauty of Amanda Gorman's poem, of her self, her person, with the brutal, bigotted thuggery of two weeks ago, at the exact same place where she stood, took my breath away, and put tears to my eyes.
My god, the nightmare really is over, the sun rises again.
I felt the same way Ralph. I felt mesmerized by her, everything about her. I sat with my two sons (one the same age as Amanda Gorman, one 17) and we got to realize together how much words mean, in that poem and in the day itself where we got to listen to public servants tell us what their plan for our future is. Genuine people who's lives have been spent wanting to lead for the betterment of our country. The press briefing was stunning in it's normalcy after these last 4 years. The lack of hate and nastiness was just such a relief I cried most of the day. I know we're not out of the woods yet but there are many cracks and we can see the light now at least.
In a Leonhard Cohen song, "Cracks are where the light gets in." Might be rather apt for our Liberty Bell which is also "cracked." Time to let the light in through those cracks. And the racists in our country should be sure that angels come in all shapes and sizes and colors-- one is a very wise, 22 year-old, skinny girl speaking Truth to the world. They need to put down their guns and fear, and just....listen and let that light in.
“Anthem” by Leonard Cohen.
“Democracy” is another timeless gem by LC.
Yes, thank you-- I was not totally awake-- too much Prosecco last night. I quoted a line of the lyrics, not the name of the song! But Anthem is very appropriate for our country in this moment in time!! I think I will give it a listen to this morning in honor of America and in honor of Mr Cohen, The Lord of Song--- Hallelujah! I will also listen to Democracy!
Wish I could share a glass of Prosecco with you, Penelope! Maybe see you on Saturday. And YES to your comment about light through the cracks and the wisdom of Amanda Gorman.
We should set up a "cocktail hour" zoom and everyone can BYOB (last B = beverage) and just hang out!
"Alleluia, the Great Storm is Over!"
"I will run no more with that lawless crowd."
Yes-- a good mantra for some of the trumplicans who are waking up to the lies, distortions, projections and brainwashing. We need to marinate all of them in Truth.
Hopefully we are seeing—and being—the Great American Reformation.
Like that you used the word Reformation. That's what we need.
Read the text of Gotham’s poem today with a tissue box handy
I think you mean Gorman? Madame President Gorman, one day.
Ralph - Each time they did a wide shot, I couldn't get out of my mind the events of January 6th ... But yesterday was a wonderful tribute of defiance against all of that, a statement of righteous purpose and resolve. It irritated the hell out of me each time they cut to Ted Cruz. Can't believe that crumb was admitted to the event.
I think crumb is way too gentle a word for that cretin. He has willfully joined the ranks of Rand Paul and Josh Hawley, none of them are idiots which makes the positions they take all the more diabolical. I can tell you that the Lincoln Project isn’t going to forget them, game on.
My thoughts exactly...it's low-life scum like Cruz & Co. (and we all know who they are), some of the hold-overs from "The Swamp", that really need to be given the heave-ho. That they can even dare to show their simpering, smiling faces at an event like yesterday's defies logic. They possess not a single soupçon of remorse or conscience, seemingly acting like their actions and words over the last 4 years never even occurred. Like we are to just sweep it all under the rug. Thank God for the Lincoln Project. Their ads were running yesterday and they don't shirk from naming names and showing images. Keep it up. Don't let them hide behind their smug façades. Unity, yes. But not until proper justice and accountability are meted out.
I think Trump replaced "The Swamp" with a toxic waste dump that is poisoning America with misinformation and "alternative facts." Cruz, who is part of that toxic waste dump, is nothing more than a clever, power-hungry opportunist, who , like Trump, is only in it for himself (he's another malignant pathological hyper-narcissist). Trump won Texas by over 600,000 votes (>5.5%). Cruz, who in reality must hate Trump, has his finger to the political wind, and will follow it no matter which direction it blows.
He disgusts me.
The Lincoln Project already has a video out about the Jim Crow Caucus, aimed at discouraging businesses from funding them.
https://www.newsandguts.com/video/lincoln-project-which-side/
I completely agree Dick. Cruz’s smug mug makes me sick. I can’t wait to see what the Lincoln Project has in store for him and the others. I await with glee!
OK, I'll use my standard by line for ya: "piece of shit". I was hoping to stop using that by Wed PM, but doesn't look like it. Anyone say "Boehert"?
This is the most disturbing thing about the rioters and those who supported the prior administration and believe in Qanon, etc. Many, in fact most of these are not stupid people. Most people hover within a fairly small range of intelligence as measured by testing products and there are not enough outliers to account for all the supporters of the previous administration. I suspect that the behavior of people like Cruz, Paul, Hawley, et al, is informed more by their experiences than their formal education, the same as many dysfunctional people's behavior is shaped more by their experience of various forms of trauma, much of which is not even recognized or acknowledged. As much as I loved Amanda Gorman's poem, I disagree with her words that our country is not broken. The country is made up of its people, many of whom are broken, wounded, sick but have never been able or allowed to admit that and continue to suffer and feel the need to make others miserable too. Just as we are told that "God is no respecter of persons," neither is mental, physical or spiritual illness.
I love that! Please go after Hannity and Company, relentlessly. Maggots!
If I could have clawed my way into the television to extract Ted Cruz, I would have. He had such gall to attend! But it only slightly marred for me the wonder of the day.
I watched on C-Span & thru Biden's speech - at certain moments it appeared they switched to Cruz - certain specific moments!!
I watched it through the Biden Harris Inaugural website which did not cut to any of those creatures and give them any attention. It was refreshing!
We watched on ABC and they showed Cruz. I thought it was pretty magnanimous of the Biden team to allow him to attend. But then Biden would have let Trump attend if the slithering piece of orange slime had been man enough to show up.
https://bideninaugural.org/watch/
And the station in which I viewed the inauguration surprised me by continually cutting to Pence's face whenever Biden mentioned dystopian reality we just went through with lies, hate, racism, and division. Anything to do with the injustices of the trumplican regime, and there was Mr. Quiet, Trump Adoring Pence. He may have done a couple of good things in the past 10 days, but he will never be redeemed by this...God-dess.
Huh? I started watching from 6:30 a.m. ET to - with some breaks - 8:30 p.m. and never saw the man. Lucky me.
I watched on CBS News and never saw him. I’m a Texan and am so looking forward to him being replaced by a Democrat.
YAY!
Kimberley's comment (above) notes she was watching on the Biden/Harris Inaugural website and didn't see Cruz, et al. either. Mystery solves as I too was watching from that site.
I wish I had too. I had the option, and now I'm sorry. PBS was good, but they cannot resist the temptation to talk all through things I just want to watch without a commentary! Never mind, it wall all lovely
Your restroom breaks were perfectly timed, lucky you.
I was watching PBS Newshour all day and the camera went to Cruz several times. A different station, a different focus?
Me either! Thank goodness.
AND good old Lindsey, too!!
I watched on the feed of the JCCIC. Didn't have to see the Texas scumbag even once. He didn't show up on C-SPAN either.
Cruz taking selfie’s and acting like he was happy to be there Oscar worthy
Dark Oscar, Horror Show Oscar.
Thank you Ralph for capturing the moment so beautifully. Amanda Gorman’s words were poetry, prayer and battle cry all at once. It feels like the weight of toxic despair has been lifted and now we steel ourselves for the hard work of correcting our course and rebuilding our nation.
Poetry, prayer and battle cry. I think you captured exactly what she intended. Thanks, Diane.
Yes. May I quote you on that? "Poetry, prayer and battle cry"
Of course. Her words still ring in my heart today.
My thoughts exactly, although I could not have voiced them in such a beautiful, profound manner. Thank you, Ralph! Thank you Dr. Richardson! I must say I am feeling really good today! I hope you all are, too!
I am tired. Six hours of cheering, clapping, dancing, screaming, jumping, hollering, crying, gasping, worrying, singing, and finally exhaling and laughing is quite the workout. Halleliah!
You have so perfectly expressed the exact juxtaposition of these two events. Thank you!
❤❤❤❤❤
Her poem and performance art was the day, the win, us writ large.
US!!!
Part of my inauguration celebration was to deactivate my Twitter account. I only ever signed up in the first place to keep track of the one-who-shall-not-be-named. Twitter is still full of "ignorant cretans and troglodytes", but the troglodyte-in-chief is out and I have better things to do with my online time.
Agreed Mr. Averill. Your words above are eloquent, accurate and so refreshing to read. Much of yesterdays inaugural events brought tears to my eyes that rolled all the way down to my chin-line. Living in CA, I was up before 6:00am with the television on, watching and listening as I continued to do my job for my employer. I am grateful for all the opportunities I have been afforded from last year to this year in order to witness yesterdays' triumphant events. I owe Heather Cox Richardson so very much for helping me understand, follow facts, truth and history. She helped me to find my voice, actions and join the efforts of so many fighting for our great countries Democracy. Such a gem Heather is and will thank her next. Have a wonderful day with safety thrown in for good measure. JDF
Amanda Gorman exhorted us to not only see the light but finally to BE the light. Name-calling and ridicule characterize those we wish to convert. Those habits are contagious because they require no thought, study, research, discernment. They’re visceral, defensive, desperate reactions to being threatened. Can’t you see our own adoption of those habits only perpetuates the methods of Fox News? If we are to BE the light, our charge is to change our own behavior to be congruent with the rational considerate behavior we expect from Others. Really no matter what.
That's my new sign off on any messages I send -- Be the light!
It's not "name-calling" if the names are accurate. What can you call the people who stormed the US Capitol, trashed the building, physically assaulted police, and actively searched the corridors for members of Congress to assault and kill (they set up a gallows, remember)? Is there a nice, polite, we're-not-going-to-hurt-their-delicate-feelings way to describe these people? And if there is, why should be apply it?
Terrorism should be called what it is. So should insurrection. Attempts to whitewash it are just another aspect of the Big Lie.
Is there a polite word for the plan Trump's legal team put forth to nullify the election and install Trump as dictator? The one word I can think of is "fascism" or maybe "authoritarianism."
I apreciate your sentiment, Paula. Obama tried that route and got nothing. The words I used to describe the people who stormed the capitol aren't name-calling, they are simple descriptions of degenerate human beings. To understand my sentiments read Charles Blow in today's NY Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/20/opinion/biden-trump.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage
Thank you for responding to my post.
And that will not be easy.
This is beautiful Ralph! May I copy and post and credit you?
Yes, of course.
Thanks!
....Amanda's lovely yellow coat signifying HOPE!
Full text of Amanda Gorman’s poem, though I recommend anyone who missed it to watch her recitation!
“The Hill We Climb”
When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The loss we carry. A sea we must wade.
We braved the belly of the beast.
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what “just” is isn’t always justice.
And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it.
Somehow we do it.
Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.
We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.
And, yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect.
We are striving to forge our union with purpose.
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man.
And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.
We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside.
We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another.
We seek harm to none and harmony for all.
Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true.
That even as we grieved, we grew.
That even as we hurt, we hoped.
That even as we tired, we tried.
That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.
Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division.
Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid.
If we’re to live up to our own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made.
That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb, if only we dare.
It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit.
It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.
We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation, rather than share it.
Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.
And this effort very nearly succeeded.
But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.
In this truth, in this faith we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.
This is the era of just redemption.
We feared at its inception.
We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour.
But within it we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves.
So, while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe, now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free.
We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation, become the future.
Our blunders become their burdens.
But one thing is certain.
If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.
So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left.
Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.
We will rise from the golden hills of the West.
We will rise from the windswept Northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution.
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the Midwestern states.
We will rise from the sun-baked South.
We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover.
And every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful.
When day comes, we step out of the shade of flame and unafraid.
The new dawn balloons as we free it.
For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
Amanda Gorman’s performance of The Hill We Climb was a waterfall of light, truth, and love. Overwhelmingly powerful!
And she, standing on the steps of our recently desecrated Capitol consecrated them with her wisdom and knowledge and spoke for all of us.
I cried yesterday when I heard this, and I have tears now while reading it. Thank you for sharing the full text.
Thank you for sharing this gem in its entirety. Wouldn't it be grand if it were printed on banners and hung in every classroom in the country?
Required reading (aloud, with dancing hands), in every English class!
Jacqueline, thank you for posting the transcript. I hope Amanda Gorman joins the progressive speech writing team. We have a Pledge of Allegiance, but what Amanda Gorman has spoken is our new Pledge of Commitment!
She has a book of poems coming out this fall and this poem will be included. https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/read-amanda-gormans-inauguration-poem-the-hill-we-climb/
I already pre-ordered it! It will be so interesting to see 'where we are all at' by the time it is released!
Thank you!! I’m
Going to print this out and reread when I start worrying again 😘
Me too! Wish I could write it in beautiful calligraphy!
Oh I bet we will see it in this form soon!! I need a coffee mug with a quote from it to go with my RBG mug!
Ha! This will be a big coffee cup!
I rewrote it in my clumsy penmanship - Gorman's words look beautiful still.
How are you going to print it? I tried to copy it and it would not let me
How can this not bring tears to your eyes? How powerful. How beautiful. I was at work and missed this when it was recited live so thank you for posting it in its entirety.
If you have time, take it and watch her uplifting performance of her poem. It’s amazing.
Entrancing!!
Thank you Jacqueline! Watching her perform this is wonderful but I wanted the text as well.
Thank you Jacqueline!
Thank you for sharing these words.
An amazing young woman and fantastic poet. Her reading blew me away.
Yes, definitely a work of performance poetry. And in performance you can also hear the hip-hop influence more clearly. A brilliant piece of work; it really grabbed my attention.
The Miracle of Morning is another of her works from April 2020 and is found on this link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/amanda-gorman-the-22-year-old-inaugural-poet-wore-jewelry-from-oprah/ar-BB1cVIC5?ocid=uxbndlbing
Thank you
Where did you find this? i would like to print it
All the versions i have found it was set up as prose, not poetry
Cut and paste it to a blank page and then print it :)
It would not let me.. i tried that :)
I was able to....here, try again:
“The Hill We Climb”
When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The loss we carry. A sea we must wade.
We braved the belly of the beast.
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace, and the norms and notions of what “just” is isn’t always justice.
And yet the dawn is ours before we knew it.
Somehow we do it.
Somehow we weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.
We, the successors of a country and a time where a skinny black girl descended from slaves and raised by a single mother can dream of becoming president, only to find herself reciting for one.
And, yes, we are far from polished, far from pristine, but that doesn’t mean we are striving to form a union that is perfect.
We are striving to forge our union with purpose.
To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man.
And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us.
We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside.
We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another.
We seek harm to none and harmony for all.
Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true.
That even as we grieved, we grew.
That even as we hurt, we hoped.
That even as we tired, we tried.
That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.
Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division.
Scripture tells us to envision that everyone shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid.
If we’re to live up to our own time, then victory won’t lie in the blade, but in all the bridges we’ve made.
That is the promise to glade, the hill we climb, if only we dare.
It’s because being American is more than a pride we inherit.
It’s the past we step into and how we repair it.
We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation, rather than share it.
Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy.
And this effort very nearly succeeded.
But while democracy can be periodically delayed, it can never be permanently defeated.
In this truth, in this faith we trust, for while we have our eyes on the future, history has its eyes on us.
This is the era of just redemption.
We feared at its inception.
We did not feel prepared to be the heirs of such a terrifying hour.
But within it we found the power to author a new chapter, to offer hope and laughter to ourselves.
So, while once we asked, how could we possibly prevail over catastrophe, now we assert, how could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?
We will not march back to what was, but move to what shall be: a country that is bruised but whole, benevolent but bold, fierce and free.
We will not be turned around or interrupted by intimidation because we know our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation, become the future.
Our blunders become their burdens.
But one thing is certain.
If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children’s birthright.
So let us leave behind a country better than the one we were left.
Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest, we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.
We will rise from the golden hills of the West.
We will rise from the windswept Northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution.
We will rise from the lake-rimmed cities of the Midwestern states.
We will rise from the sunbaked South.
We will rebuild, reconcile, and recover.
And every known nook of our nation and every corner called our country, our people diverse and beautiful, will emerge battered and beautiful.
When day comes, we step out of the shade of flame and unafraid.
The new dawn balloons as we free it.
For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
Thank you!!!!
Thank you! What a beautiful poem.
I found myself weeping tears of joy all day yesterday, until I thought perhaps I would be dehydrated by weeping. But it has been a very, very hard four years. Whatever tomorrow brings, I will today rejoice about the return of competence, decency, honor, and service to American governance. May we remember the times of darkness leading to this daybreak so that we never again let the light of democracy dim so greatly that we come so close to extinguishing it.
Amen, Bruce! Amen! May we indeed!
Yes! I was weeping in harmony with you Bruce!
So many of us were weeping... what a joyful day. :-)
“[T]here is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.”
That statement elegantly encapsulates the message you have been reinforcing each day through these Letters.
Although the events of any particular day may be troubling, you have consistently advanced the idea that an understanding of history and a willingness to engage in critical thinking, are our best tools for weathering the turbulence and setting a constructive and positive course forward.
Thank you, Professor Richardson, for all you do.
My sentiments exactly.
As an HCR Facebook reader observed, our wise beyond her years young poet Amanda Gorman’s closing lines echo how HCR inspires us, and the last line takes it up a notch:
“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Yes, it’s the last line. That’s the challenge.
Referring to all that’s gone wrong since the ‘60s cultural and political backlash, I like to say “this happened on our watch. We fix it.”
Like so many others I watched Biden being inaugurated with relief that at least the most obvious and public aspect of our national nightmare is over. And that gives me hope.
Biden was elected by not being Trump. And I think that true, but it’s also more than it seems. At its core it reflects a desire for a president who is simply a decent human being. Not Trump also means a president taking seriously the responsibilities of leadership and endeavoring to make government serve and protect the American people — something Trump was unable and unwilling to do.
The honeymoon won’t last long and even those of us who voted for Biden and Harris will likely grow impatient and frustrated as they grapple with all the intractable problems that Trump made worse. When we reach that point I think we need to think back to this time and remember the relief and the hope.
You make an excellent point. I don’t think there is a honeymoon period. As you suggest or imply, we are going straight into the nitty-gritty. With the passage of time, as he proves himself to me, I like him more and more. He’s not just a mensch, he’s also a pro. 8 years in the WH and decades in the Senate, and all that experience is a really really important resource right now.
Kamala is a different matter altogether. I am from California. A good progressive person from California is a special thing. My sister was born in a sister Kaiser hospital less than 20 miles from the Kaiser hospital in Oakland where Kamala arrived, and my sister was born a mere 16 days before Kamala, on Oct. 4, 1964. I don’t know anything about astrology, but there is something to be said for 2 women being born in nearly the same place at nearly the same time. These people have something in common, something deep, profound and fundamental. They are both excellent people. Kamala is a freaking gem. And for Biden to call himself a transitional president, that takes some serious character. I was going to say “cojones” but it’s not that exactly, it’s not courage or spine as much as it is sheer integrity. How many other presidents have ever said that, egomaniacs as most people are that are attracted to high office.
I feel encouraged. Not in the rose-colored glasses way, but in the practical way.
Your sister sounds wonderful! We are truly blessed with the two leaders we have chosen. What a weight has been lifted. And now it’s time for us all do really get to work. We have been freed!
Hey Roland, I’m a Bay Area resident too. So so proud to have Kamala as VP! It’s a new dawn...
Here is an Archetypal Astrology view of where we are now. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww1P1GCI3vk&fbclid=IwAR2hEWitGvns8qCiKPle138-oWbbCgYg2vtuixvLvST6-88PSHmDNkq3y84
That was amazing as that archetypal astrologer used many segments of Amanda's Inaugural Poem to demonstrate influences of the planets and where we are. It was a lovely experience to just sit with chosen segments of her powerful words in this way. The past five years have been such an assault on our senses and our intelligence by a cruel and angry person devoid of meaningful vision for our country. A complete assault on us and on the English language by a man and his wife with empty words of "Be Best" or "I don't really care do u?" as Melania visits children in cages.
This was such a delicious moment to just absorb the depth of Amanda's message to America, quietly, into one's tired body and battered heart. Even if you are not sure about astrology itself, there may be important moments in this reading that allow you to begin still your tired heart, and take heart for we are finally here.
And for some reason, in that quietness (because I usually tune out all the mumbo jumbo about planetary positions--my mother was an astrologer) one word rose to the top for me: Emancipation. Deep within, I feel like our entire country is being Emancipated—all of us, including our Democracy, along with our POCs and BLM, Truth, Justice, Me Too, everywhere light has been shining is revealing a new level of Emancipation. But this time it is All of Us, with our country, Together.
"President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war. The proclamation declared "that all persons held as slaves" within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."" And maybe this is a moment for white people to feel this imprisonment of being shut in our homes, unable to move freely, unable to safely breathe, unable to remove the political knee that has been on our necks for these past four plus years. Maybe we can empathize with how stifling and disempowering another's sense of "supremacy" over us feels like. Maybe, in this awakening and The Reformation period of our country, and our precious Democracy, Empathy will rise and the well-being of All our People will supremely dominate as we consider Everyone's well-being in all decisions we make henceforward.
I was thinking along those lines, too, Randy, and wondering how we keep patience when we're used to living in a "I want it all and I want it now" world. Good idea to think back to this time whenever we feel things aren't moving fast enough.
Also, IMHO President Biden is one of those books you can't judge by its cover.
and to come back here and refresh each other! This group helps ground me and I am grateful for you. <3
As everyone who has commented, I was more moved than I expected by a simple, direct address. Remarkable in that it was the polar opposite of his predecessor, devoid of ego, rancour, or blame. The pronoun "I" hardly used. Without rhetoric, the predictable call to unity and healing came shining through as passionately sincere and heartfelt. Through my tears, I had hope.
I shared the day of joyful tears with all of you! We were amazed and stayed glued to the dream coming true. We took a break around supper time and watched Heather’s broadcast from Tuesday as my husband had missed it. And just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, Jen Psaki gave her first news conference and we looked at each other with jaws dropped! What a smart, credible, lovely person who seems honestly committed to the integrity demonstrated by our new President and Vice President. She is building back the conduit for the White House to tell us the truth, be it good, bad, or ugly. What a added joy to a spectacular day!
But what really knocked me out was while rewatching Heather’s presentation from Tuesday was the entire setting had changed! Over 24 hours... it was such an overwhelming shift, from being in darkness and now there was light! The context of Dr. Richardson’s words was a new and profoundly different reality! I couldn’t get over this! I felt as though I had to keep looking over my shoulder to verify that I hadn’t imagined the sea change in the air! 180 degrees! It was such a dramatic and visceral experience I wish I could find the words! Stunning! Amazing! Yes...the light came in! Dear Lord, I exhaled as I don’t believe I have in a very long time.
My best friend texted me late in the evening that she'd taken long, deep breaths all day and realized she'd been holding her breath for 4 years.
Everyone i know had flowing tears, including my dad.
I hadn’t noticed. Wasn’t it replaced for the most part by “we”?
The call for unity was invitational but fortunately not conciliatory. Biden invited Republicans to help in the monumental effort required to solve the enormous problems we face. I feared that the rhetoric would be all kumbayah and was delighted when it wasn’t.
Indeed. In fact, some subtle critical digs at his predecessor
Indeed. In fact, some subtle critical digs at his predecessor
Though I am a night owl, and often up very late, I usually wait to read your letter in the morning. It became a cherished ritual that I gave myself: an infusion of reason and sanity, in preparation for the crazy that always unfolded. It was such a joy to read this beautiful post before going to bed, knowing that tomorrow is a new bright day.
The American people saved Democracy. And so many of us trusted that it could be saved as we gained insight from your daily letters. Thank you Heather for keeping so many of us tethered to that hope this year.
Yes many thanks.
Amanda Gorman is a national treasure
The election of Raphael Warnock and the stunning poetry of Amanda Gorman have thrust the country into a Black Renaissance. In the past, Black figures have been respected and sometimes revered. Now we in the majority are beginning to understand that those figures are to be loved. We are forced as well to confront the loss of Black accomplishment, character, and intelligence that have been ignored for most of our nation's history.
I have this same sense, Larry. It is like the cloak of racism that was covering the worth of a work of art is being whisked off and beauty revealed. I have been reading and discussing "Caste" by Isabel Wilkerson. Race is a social construct and has no biological basis. We will all be enriched if we will recognize this.
Such a thoughtful response, Patricia. Haven't read "Caste." Sounds like I better add it to my queue.
Yes!
Thank you for drawing this gentle lasso around some of today's key words, moments and ideas. The ceremony affected me more than I expected and, like others have already said, I cried. I also karate-kicked around the kitchen, banged on a saucepan, clapped, and found myself holding my hands out and open as if that was how I could carry the shared frequency somehow. Then that magic shifted and we watched and listened "backstage" and something usual, yet no less powerful appeared - people getting to the work, the mundane and amazing work of leadership. Yes to light. Yes to love. Yes to wisdom and kindness and sensible strength. Happy Inauguration Day, everyone!
Wow. Like many I was immediately bowled over by the amazing Amanda Gorman. What an absolute treasure. Like many I was brought to tears by so many moments in the days proceedings. When the entourage arrived at the Capitol Building was a notable instance. This is finally what we have worked and waited for and I am so hopeful. And, my amazing wife, in her steadfast determination, managed to book an appointment for a Covid vaccine for my 85-year old diabetic mother for today. So I’m off to take care of mom, with hope and love and light shining brightly all around. Good day all!
Good day to you too sir! And God bless your mother and your wife! You are a lucky man!
I have heard and read great praise for the young poet. All well deserved. Amanda Gorman’s place in history is marked, but I think just beginning. She has a dream of being President some day. I think it may well be fate, one that I would pray comes true.
Amanda Gorman, Michele Obama, Stacey Abrams and Kamala Harris are the prominent few that are now in our minds. They have and will serve. People of such character and intelligence will make us better.
If you are reading HCR and writing on this platform, you know that the power of the far right can be dwarfed by the sensible, humanistic center left. What is beginning in Georgia and Arizona can happen in all red states. Because history is on the side of truth.
Lastly, I want to pay special homage to President Biden. He is several years my senior, so I can honestly be in awe of his presence and his words. He is now leading as we face unprecedented difficulty as a nation. As a people. Now, however, I have hope.
Thank you Bill. Those of us who worked--at least a bit--to get rid of the former administration, can't stop now. I am close to Joe Biden's age, but can still help!! Let's all figure out what's next!
0 days, 14 hours, 9 minutes, 42 seconds
since Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 12:00:00 noon (Washington DC, District of Columbia time)
The count down clock has now gone past its destination and has become a clock that will tell us how far we are into the first 100 days. The 100th day is May 22, 2021.
There were many important moments and highlights today; times I would feel the emotions of the day, the twinges of patriotic love of country, and the feeling I could breathe again. One was when Lady Gaga turned to look up at the Capitol building while she sang "... that our flag was still there" and indeed it was flying atop the portico in front of the dome.
Many highlights, for sure. Thank you, Cathy. I will rely on you to keep the countdown going.
I cried all through that beautiful rendition of our National Anthem by Lady Gaga. What a tremendous voice!
I was glad to learn President Biden fired the head of NLRB also as part of his day one accomplishments! I hope tomorrow he sends a bill for all the last minute security 45 delegated for his kids and some of his staff members presuming the Congress didn't authorize this expense as I presume it did not.
Like so many others, I am still glowing in the joy of the Biden-Harris Inauguration and all it offers.
Thank you for posting about the firing of the head of the NLRB! He was anti union and his goal was to take the working man/woman back to the 1920's when people had no job safety or se unity and worked for pennies.
Thank you for mentioning the last-minute 6-month extension 45 extended for 13 family members. I hope that got CANCELED. I hope that 45 loses all post-presidential benefits.
I hope Dr. Richardson addresses that issue today, or soon! That’s disgusting.
While naturally anything trump does is on a much larger scale, it has happened before. Example: when the Bush twins started college, Bush asked for a time-limited continuation of SS protection.
I think I was fine with that, but these parasites should be cut off now!
They were college kids. Trump's "children" are wealthy adults and can afford whatever they wish in life.
Very true, but consider that they'll need every dime they have for posting bail for themselves and Daddy.
I don’t think it did.
How refreshing it is to have a President whose spirit is rooted in hope and healing and a Vice President who exudes positive energy. Biden clearly intended to reach out and embrace all people not just a disgruntled subset of Americans. I hope those who voted for the other candidate come to realize that his calm demeanor is not a weakness but a strength that will steer us back on course.
It was a pleasure watching Jen Psaki's press briefing. Her willingness to provide information and commit to M-F briefings is a welcome change. Thanks, too, for shining a light on Amanda Gorman - she is wise beyond her years.
Finally, I'm betting you'll get a lot more sleep from here on out.. This doesn't feel like it's going to be a crash and burn administration. We can all be grateful for that.
Boring. Capable. Competent.
Boring is good.
Why boring?
Merely a contrast! Like a sunset compared to a raging fire!
Not resorting to the marketing and rhetorical tactic of seeking attention, of feeding into our attention economy, can appear as “boring.” But “boring” is in the eyes of the beholder.
Exactly. Quiet, calm, respectful are words I will use. Boring is not a fair description of decency after toxic drama and negativity and obscene cacophony.
Exactly! Yesterday was also a celebration. Of democracy.
Hopefully, soon, Daria, there won't be a "them versus us" in our rhetoric.
I hope so, Lynell.
substack won't allow me to find your post to me re DW news. So wanted to thank you here for letting me know. Thanks!
I finally figured out how to find someone's post/response: choose the view option and it should bring you directly to the post you want. (To me, it would seem logical that the post would pop up when one hits reply, but oh well!)
I've tried every which way to search for things. I think Substack gets confused when there are multiple pages of comments. It always dumps me on the first page, and then I think, "Yeah, like I'm going to tab through all these pages to find this thing! NOT."
You are such an optimist! I am doubtful we will accomplish that. History is full of leaders & followers....thus them vs us. It is something to strive towards.
This is a time we feel a strong unity, but we have just vanquished a common enemy, so that is why. As time goes on, we'll squabble, no doubt. But I sure hope we'll do it respectfully and in the interest of our common objectives. ("We" generally meaning those who voted for Biden/Harris.)
Well said, Daria. I am more relived than I can say. I want to frame the New York Times photo of Biden at work at his desk. And Kamala running right over to the Senate to swear in the 3 new senators. This administration hit the ground running!
There’s also always light if we’re brave enough to be it. Thank you Professor Cox for being the light for so many. You shined the light on truth, history and helped so many find a way forward in these dark years. Much gratitude.
Actually it’s Prof Richardson.