Thoughts for the Day, MLK Day 2025: A peaceful transition of power.

Martin Luther King Day

Quote of the Day: “Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life; longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land! So I'm happy tonight, I'm not worried about anything! I'm not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!^”

Excerpts from MLK’s mountaintop speech in Memphis the night before he was assassinated.

Please see my Video of the Day.

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The Peaceful Transfer of Power

Today we saw the peaceful transfer of power when the outgoing president hands over the keys to the country in a peaceful fashion in front of all to see. It occurred today like it has occurred following every election in the country’s history except for 2021, when former president Donald Trump refused to attend the inauguration of President Joe Biden following his defeat of Trump in 2020.

Isn’t it ironic that in 2025, the roles were reversed and Biden and Vice President Harris, who Trump defeated in 2024, both understood this important pillar of our democracy. As a result, they chose to attend today’s inauguration just like every outgoing president, but Trump, has done since George Washington.

Isn’t it also ironic that on this Martin Luther King Day that Donald Trump is taking the oath of office in the rotunda of the Capitol where Trump’s insurrectionists on January 6, 2021, caused the confederate flag to be flown for the first and only time in history of the Capitol.

President Donald Trump has proven time and time again he has no respect for our democracy or the oath of office he has sworn to honor. Unfortunately, a majority of the voters have chosen to ignore Trump’s misdeeds, lies, sexual assaults, and felonies. As a result, Trump II starts today.

Thoughts on the Trump presidency

The next four years will be a challenge for me to maintain the highroad as I watch Trump II playout. The following excerpts from The Beautiful Mess by John Pavlovitz summarize my approach for the next four years. I have made modifications to personalize it.

“Look, I don’t have a clue what’s coming or how to best prepare and I’m not sure any of us truly do. What I do know, is that I’m not letting Trump win

I refuse to allow Trump, and his disciples get the best of me—and I hope you won’t either

And the way I’ll do that, is by

• fiercely holding on to empathy because that is what makes us different,

• staying laser-focused on what matters so that we remember why we live when it gets terrifying or infuriating (because it will),

• loving well, laughing often, embracing strangers, by healing and helping and giving.

• defiantly living with joy so that we do not become as devoid of it as Trump and his coven of relentless grievance and insatiable hatred have become.

I don’t know what the future will record about these days but I damn sure know that right now, with my voice. my circle of influence, my time, and my work, I won’t make it easy for those who worship him to write the epitaph for America.

Today and every day may I stand strong.

Thank you John Pavlovitz

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The Lions

Like every other Lion fan, I am disappointed by the Lions’ loss to the Commanders on Saturday. As I look back, I should not be surprised by the outcome of the game. I knew after cornerback Akim Robertson went down with a broken arm early in the game the Lions were doomed. In the NFL great quarterbacks when they have the time will pick even the best defenses apart. And Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels had plenty of time.

The Lions entered the game missing their top three defensive linemen, including two potential All-pros. They were missing two of their top four linebackers, and three of their top four cornerbacks. When Robetson went down, the Lions were forced to scramble on defense, including playing someone who had only played one snap in the NFL prior to playing more than half the game on Saturday.

No matter how well the offense played, the Lions defense was not going to stop the Commanders from scoring. The game on Saturday was a replica of the game with the Bills when the Lions scored 42 points but lost as Bills’ QB Josh Allen picked the Lions’ defense apart.

Rather than grieving the loss, I am celebrating a team that went 15-2 with a decimated defense that was put together by duct tape and gum. It is a tribute to the Lions’ players, coaches and staff that the Lions did so well during the regular season. I trust that the Lions will continue to do well in the future. This organization is too strong from top to bottom to not succeed.

I cannot wait until next year.

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College basketball is being ruined by official reviews

Yesterday, I was watching the MSU/Illinois basketball game. It was a close game that was ruined by all the official reviews in the last two minutes of the game. During the many reviews I was texting my friend George complaining about how the reviews were ruining the rhythm of the game. Furthermore, I do not believe that any of the officials’ calls were overturned. The game ended up lasting well over two hours. Little did I know that it was nothing compared to what would happen in the Michigan/Northwestern game.

When I started watching the Michigan game, it was 2:45 CST and there were 9 minutes left in regulation. During the last two minutes of regulation and the overtime, there were so many official reviews that it took 55 minutes to play the last 13 minutes of game time. The game did not end until 3:40.

There were so many official reviews Michigan did not have to make any substitutions to rest their players because they were getting 2- and 3-minute rests during the official reviews. Because of all the official reviews both teams were able to save their timeouts until the end, further extending the time of the game. The game ended up lasting over 2 hours and 35 minutes, which is ridiculous.

One of my friends texted me during the end of the Michigan game saying he was falling asleep because of all the official reviews.

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Quotes of the Day: See above under Martin Luther King Day

Orchid of the Day: Biden and Harris for respecting the importance of the peaceful transfer of power, which is a pillar of our democracy.

Onion of the Day. In honor of Martin Luther King, there is no onion today.

Lyrics of the Day: One man come in the name of love. One man come and go. One man come, he to justify. One man to overthrow. In the name of love. What more in the name of love. In the name of love. What more in the name of love.

If you know the answer to the above lyrics, send me your answer in the comments section below.

Answer to January 15, Lyrics of the Day: Aqualung, performed by Jetro Tull, written by Ian Anderson and Jennie Franks

Question of the Day: As I am watching OSU demolish Notre Dame in the CFP Championship game tonight, I keep wondering how did Michigan beat OSU and Alabama in Michigan’s last two games of the season?

Video of the Day: Bono’s tribute to Martin Luther King

U2 "Pride (In The Name of Love)" 2009 Remix for MLK Day and the Obama Inauguration

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