Joe Biden's Oval Office, January 20, 2021
This post keeps coming back to me, particularly in light of the previous message from Bobby Kennedy, and reminds me to celebrate those that carry the torch - and are happy to grab a smile along the way!
Ann: Bobby, would you talk to me about busts of you and Martin Luther King Jr. flanking Biden’s desk in the Oval Office?
Robert Kennedy: Yes, indeed. Do you remember that I told you that sometimes a death can create more change than a life? Well, here we have proof of the vitality of the vibrations that have resonated through the years only to come to the surface when there is a new determination to make a change. I am thrilled beyond belief, not for my own sake but for the indication of the directional force of this presidency.
With these and other reminders in his Oval Office, Biden is saying that he will not allow himself to forget those who came before, the injustices they sought to address, where they left off, and where he can begin. He is taking the baton that was passed from Martin and myself and all who worked with us - witness, God love us, the bust of Caesar Chavez in that office - urging him to reignite a new war on poverty and injustice.
Yes, he wants unity but he sees clearly what he is trying to accomplish, and he will not be deterred.
John McCain: Sorry Bobby, I just had to break in here so thrilled am I at the way Joe has picked up the reins. We’ve got a fighting chance now.
Now, you know I didn’t believe in a lot of big government, but after what I’ve seen of the previous presidential debacle, I'm with Joe to use everything at his disposal to put us back on the path of equality under the law. Clearly there will be no convincing those liars and cheats without the power of the Congress and the courts behind him.
Dead silence.
Ann: OK, well, that shut the whole thing down. You guys didn’t get along?
Bobby: Never had the chance to find out, but he was a road block to civil rights. However, my baby brother* loved him so he couldn’t have been all bad.
John: Yeah, and that wisecracking brother of yours would sidle up to me, friendly as can be, and know just where to sink the shiv in.
But you’re right, we loved each other. And I loved Joe and Joe loves you, so I guess we’ll all just have to figure out a way to get along.
Bobby: Shouldn’t be a problem, John, two of us are dead.
John: And that do make it easier. But we’re both celebrating tonight so let’s just leave it at that.
January 20, 2021
*Edward M. Kennedy ("Teddy"), 1932- 2009, Senator from Massachusetts 1962 - 2009.