The Reverend Joseph Lowery, 87, Southern Methodist preacher-turned-early civil rights leader, gave the benediction to end today's inauguration. His prayer concluded:

"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around ... when yellow will be mellow ... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen."

...

"Eat lightly. Drive carefully"

This inscription accompanied two $50 bills in this years iteration of Grandma's Christmas card. It is the pure distillation of 85 years living with the trauma of poverty and forced migration.

I marvel at the clarity of thought and prudence with words exhibited by the aged; especially those increasingly rare individuals indelibly marked by their experiences in times of great crises.