I really appreciated Monday’s unexpected call for unity in the Capitol Rotunda, where MAGA insurrectionists launched the deadly attack on Congress four years ago.
Unfortunately, it was sitting on a dais crowded with members of the Trump family, former presidents and first ladies, and members of the new American oligarchy: tech billionaires who bent their knees and opened their wallets, angry. It didn’t come from the obsequious and vindictive President Trump. To the man who threatened to make their lives very difficult.
Rather, the call for unity came from Democratic Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, whose stirring words should not be forgotten amid President Trump’s ensuing flurry of lies, threats, and bravado. And while she was speaking to the American people, I’d like to think she was speaking directly to Trump.
“What makes this moment so much more than just a passing ceremony is the dedication of all the people watching this moment across the country,” said Klobuchar, who chairs Congress’ bipartisan Inaugural Ceremony Committee. “These are the people of the country, ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” “President Kennedy, who used to work in this building as a senator and used to walk through this Rotunda, once said, “In a democracy, every citizen holds office, regardless of whether they have an interest in politics or not.” Each of us is in a position of responsibility.”The responsibility of citizenship involves, as President Lincoln once reminded us, not seeking malice but a spirit of generosity despite differences. There is an obligation to see the person. ”
A big chance.
For those of us who like to read crowds the way entomologists study insect behavior, the inauguration was a treasure trove of decipherable body language and fashion choices.
First lady Melania Trump was wearing personal protective equipment. wide brimmed hat It absolutely screamed “get out of my face”. (Trump tried to peck her at one point, but couldn’t get close enough to kiss her on the cheek.)
Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit residents of the fire-scorched Altadena area later that day. He was wearing a black powered suit. — Better Mourn Our Democracy — It has a goddamn silver zipper. (President Trump, who is scheduled to visit Los Angeles later this week, claimed with baseless cruelty that the fire burned with “no sign of protection.”)
First Lady Jill Biden gave a tight smile.
Lauren Sanchez, the fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, mysteriously… Victoria’s Secret runway vibeshe is wearing a white bustier under a white jacket that exposes her cleavage.
Former President George W. Bush flashed his trademark grin. wink at people It’s like I’m in on a cosmic joke. Former President Obama did the same, and when he arrived, he entered the room with his usual swagger.
Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, later nazi salute At the post-inauguration rally (twice), my head was spinning, as if I had ingested a very pleasant mind-altering substance. Some on social media joked that he looked “dysfunctional.”
Poor Kimberly Guilfoyle, conveniently emigrated to greece The ambassador’s comments came after her longtime partner, Donald Trump Jr., made headlines with the Palm Beach socialite and sat grimacing in the audience instead of on a stage packed with VIPs. I got a job. .
president trump’s speech This was an echo of his first “American Massacre” inaugural address, only with more detail. The humility that characterizes most inaugural addresses was predictably absent.
“I was saved by God to make America great again,” said Trump, who survived an assassination attempt in July.
If the president has his way, he will make life miserable for many people, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants seeking a better life, and the poor. One of his first official acts, he reversed dozens The Biden administration’s executive orders aim to promote equity, protect public health, and address climate change, among other things.
“We will build a colorblind, meritocratic society,” he said, a worthy goal undermined by his history of racist actions and statements.
My 14-year-old niece gasped when she announced, “Starting today, it will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female.” As even American teenagers know, the world has outgrown its limited views on gender, and nothing changes that–believing that their presidency was ordained by God. Even an order from a man who is in charge will not change.
Late Monday, President Trump took an egregious step that undermines American democracy and the rule of law. He pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than 1,500 rioters who engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Capitol Police and desecrated the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to carry out a coup on his behalf.
For many of us, it’s difficult to accept that the man who incited that violence just became our 47th president. President Trump’s flurry of executive orders showed that he has learned something from his mistakes, even if they are the opposite of what many of us would expect. What about Americans? There aren’t that many.
Blue sky: @rabcarian.bsky.social. thread: @rabcarian
