I know I’ve grown a bit cynical, but we all still need our aspirations, me too. Besides, like a wise old lady told me long ago, hope is a survival strategy in hopeless times. Guess that’s why I’m feeling good about having today’s inauguration ceremony exceed my expectations by a long shot, because it was realistically hopeful, while outlining the challenges, as explained by a competent compassionate adult.
I think back on four years ago and that vulgar braggadocios embrace of ‘Me First’ thinking, fueled by an utter disregard for honesty, coupled with xenophobic thinking and hatred for our government, along with emotional fear driven anger. From day one, it was a no brainer that trump was going to turn out more disastrous for America than we could ever imagine. So it has come to pass.
In contrast, today President Biden’s inaugural address turned into an valuable civics lesson that set out to remind us American’s of our better values and that it’s always been a struggle, as Biden said,
I know speaking of unity can sound to some like a foolish fantasy these days.
I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real.
But I also know they are not new.
Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that we are all created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, and demonization have long torn us apart.
The battle is perennial.
Victory is never assured.
And
We can see each other not as adversaries but as neighbors.
We can treat each other with dignity and respect.
We can join forces, stop the shouting, and lower the temperature.
For without unity, there is no peace, only bitterness and fury.
He made no grand promises, admitting there were tough days ahead, but that’s life. Then he pointed out the obvious, only by pulling together can we hope to steer this boat to safer waters. He gave the impression that a sane compassionate, competent person was finally in charge again.
Since young Amanda Gorman’s poem was likewise spot on in tone and text I’ve added the text to her Inauguration Poem below Biden's. I think it’ll be something worth referring to every once in a while.
Lady Gaga sang the National Anthem, Jennifer Lopez sang This Land is Your Land & America The Beautiful, and Garth Brooks sang Amazing Grace. All did outstanding jobs, hitting the notes that brought some tears.
President Biden's Inaugural Address
CSPAN - JANUARY 20, 2021
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Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Courtesy of the White House
