After almost four years of enduring the dangerous and indecent reign of a narcissistic fool, we have wisely chosen a leader that our nation’s founders envisioned. Joe Biden, and his capable running mate, Kamala Harris, bring to their offices both civility and common decency, as well as a commitment that embraces the U.S. Constitution’s values of equality and inclusion to rebuild a damaged Republic.
Like a breath of fresh air on a chilly morning, the President-elect offers new promise as we look toward rebuilding the institutions that have been systematically dismantled in an effort to line the pockets of the super-rich. Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris have their work cut out for them undoing four years of regressive policies by an administration that sowed chaos, fostered division, and gave credence to hatred. They know too well that ideology takes a back seat to the paperwork of pragmatism.
Their stated views of building an America that offers to meet the needs of its people—all of its people—and endeavor to unite a deeply divided nation seem true and well-intended. They seek to offer government that is needed—needed to meet the needs of we, the people. It is their mandate.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “We should have only the government we need, but we should have all of the government we need.”
In that spirit, I’ve selected several quotes from politicians whose words were intended to inspire each of us and provide hope for a united future. (And just for fun, I’ll challenge you, dear readers, to match the quotes to the speakers, who are listed at the end of the compilation.)
“We have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly. A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.”
“We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more.”
“The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.”
“Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.”
“My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over … Our Constitution works; our great Republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule. But there is a higher Power, by whatever name we honor him, who ordains not only righteousness but love, not only justice but mercy.”
“We observe today not a victory of party but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end as well as a beginning—signifying renewal as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three-quarters ago. … So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”
“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”
“It’s important to make sure that we’re talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.”
“If I had my life to live over, I would do it all again, but this time I would be nastier.”
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
“Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.”
“Stronger than all the armies is an idea that’s time has come. … The time has come for equality of opportunity in sharing in government, in education, and in employment. It will not be stayed or denied. It is here!”
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”
“People have got to know whether or not their President is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook. I’ve earned everything I’ve got.”
“The only trouble with capitalism is capitalists; they’re too damned greedy.”
“For those of you who don’t understand Reaganomics, it’s based on the principle that the rich and the poor will get the same amount of ice. In Reaganomics, however, the poor get all of theirs in winter.”
“While many of our citizens prosper, others doubt the promise, even the justice, of our own country. The ambitions of some Americans are limited by failing schools and hidden prejudice and the circumstances of their birth, and sometimes our differences run so deep, it seems we share a continent, but not a country. We do not accept this, and we will not allow it.”
“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.”
“Mark my word, if and when these preachers get control of the [Republican] party, and they’re sure trying to do so, it’s going to be a terrible damn problem. Frankly, these people frighten me. Politics and governing demand compromise. But these Christians believe they are acting in the name of God, so they can’t and won’t compromise. I know, I’ve tried to deal with them.”
“We believe in a government strong enough to use words like ‘love’ and ‘compassion’ and smart enough to convert our noblest aspirations into practical realities.”
“I do not believe it right for one group to impose its vision of morality on an entire society.”
Who spoke the words above? John McCain, Mario Cuomo, Richard M. Nixon, Herbert Hoover, Everett Dirksen, Abraham Lincoln, Jeanette Rankin, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, Jimmy Carter, Mo Udall, Harry S Truman, Barry Goldwater, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Nelson Rockefeller, John F. Kennedy, George Washington, Gerald R. Ford, Thomas Jefferson
The body of Jewish civil and ceremonial law and legend is embodied in the Talmud. This passage seems a fitting guide as we move forward to a kinder future.
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief.
Do justly, now.
Love mercy, now.
Walk humbly, now.
You are not obligated to complete the work,
but neither are you free to abandon it.
Photography by Courtney A. Liska
Salmone alla nuotare
This was one of the most popular seafood dishes I offered at Adagio, the restaurant I owned and cooked at for almost twelve years. It is simple and delicious—an impressive dish to serve to guests.
For 2 servings
3-4 stalks asparagus
unsalted butter
1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 6-oz. skinless, boneless salmon filets
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded
1 cup white wine
1⁄4 cup frozen peas
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh tarragon
1 tsp. finely chopped fresh chives
1 tsp. finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1⁄2 tsp. finely chopped fresh dill
Trim and slice asparagus on the bias in half-inch pieces. Set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt 1 Tbs. butter. Add shallots and cook to soften, but not browned. Season salmon filets with salt and pepper and place in skillet. Scatter mussels around filets; pour in wine with 1⁄2 cup water. Boil, and reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, covered, until mussels open, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside, covered, to let steam until fish is just cooked through, 3–4 minutes. Transfer fish and mussels to a baking sheet, leaving broth in skillet. Keep fish and mussels warm.
Place skillet over high heat; bring broth to a boil. Whisk in remaining butter, 1 tbsp. at a time, until smooth. Add asparagus and peas; cook until tender, 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tarragon, chives, parsley, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour over salmon and mussels in broad soup bowls.