Linked List: January 21, 2021

Thursday, 21 January 2021

Susan Glasser on Biden’s Inaugural Address: ‘A Love Letter to the Truth’ ★

Susan B. Glasser, writing for The New Yorker:

Only after four years of the Trump Presidency would the mention of “truth” in an Inaugural Address become an applause line. But we are where we are. The country has had so much lying. Much will be made of Biden’s plea to “end this uncivil war,” and of his stirring language about democracy prevailing. But it was his love letter to the role of truth in a free society that rang loudest to me during his twenty-minute speech, which took place under a sunny Washington sky, amid a crisis like no other in our modern history.

I say don’t overthink it. Our reasons for optimism are simple: a new administration committed to the truth — political, scientific, medical, societal, economic — will alone bring about so much change.

Joe Biden’s Inaugural Address ★

Two passages from Biden’s inaugural address. First, on the truth:

Many centuries ago, Saint Augustine, a saint of my church, wrote that a people was a multitude defined by the common objects of their love. What are the common objects we love that define us as Americans? I think I know. Opportunity. Security. Liberty. Dignity. Respect. Honor. And, yes, the truth.

Recent weeks and months have taught us a painful lesson. There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders, leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation, to defend the truth and defeat the lies.

Second, on change:

Here we stand looking out in the great mall where Dr. King spoke of his dream. Here we stand, where 108 years ago, at another inaugural, thousands of protesters tried to block brave women marching for the right to vote. And today we marked the swearing in of the first woman in American history elected to national office: Vice President Kamala Harris. Don’t tell me things can’t change.

Amanda Gorman’s 2021 Inauguration Poem: ‘The Hill We Climb’ ★

CNN:

“Somehow we’ve 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,” the 22-year-old Gorman said in her poem, entitled, “The Hill We Climb.”

A day later and I remain in awe. Just a stunningly well-crafted, beautifully written, perfectly delivered message. An incredible moment. If you haven’t watched it, watch it. If you have watched it, watch it again.

Masha Gessen, at The New Yorker: “Amanda Gorman’s Inaugural Poem Is a Stunning Vision of Democracy”.

Gorman is an excellent follow on Twitter, as well.