Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Friday, January 13, 2023

Hakeem Jeffries

Barbara of When I was 69 (now 80) posted a link to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' speech to Congress in her post this week.  I had read portions of the speech but not heard it in entirety.  It is magnificent.  Check it out if you haven't heard it.

But at least read below his closing - a stunning use of alliteration.


 “We will never compromise our principles. House Democrats will always put American values over autocracy. Benevolence over bigotry. The Constitution over the cult. Democracy over demagogues. Economic opportunity over extremism. Freedom over fascism, Governing over gaslighting. Hopefulness over hatred. Inclusion over isolation, Justice over judicial overreach. Knowledge over kangaroo courts, Liberty over limitation. Maturity over Mar-a-Lago. Normalcy over negativity. Opportunity over obstruction, People over politics. Quality of life issues over QAnon. Reason over racism. Substance over slander. Triumph over tyranny. Understanding over ugliness. Voting rights over voter suppression. Working families over the well connected. Xenial* over xenophobia. Yes, we can over you can’t do it, and zealous representation over zero sum confrontation.”

*xenial means hospitality.