Jon Meacham: History isn’t comforting, ‘it should be inspirational’

When there is so much on the line, remaining politically engaged is more important now than ever. “It’s always going to be really hard,” Presidential historian Jon Meacham reminds Americans, but there are principles that can’t be abandoned. "There was never a 'once upon time' in American history, and there’s never going to be a 'happily ever after.'"

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[OpticsOnOrganisms]

Many thanks John Meacham for the historical and principled contexts that we need to reflect on.

[alanruffin]

I don't think anyone who voted for Trump would really comprehend what Jon Meacham has just said. They don't possess the tools to really understand this post. But thank you for preaching to the Choir we need it right now.

[patriciaduffymusic]

I'm Canadian, and this man's words have made me cry. Beautiful, poignant, articulate, inspiring and hopeful. Thank you, Ali, for your perspectives, and for having Mr. Meacham move me so deeply with his.

[SteveBrant]

This is the "Sunday morning sermon" everyone needs to hear! Thank you!

[michelemarr]

My Grandfather fought in WWII, I have three Military brothers. My Grandmother left Nebraska for CA to build ships! My Mom and I both fought for womens rights and equal pay. I know my Grandparents and my Mom from the Greatest Generation are rolling in their graves. We MUST continue the fight!

[enzos]

You know what they say "People don't appreciate what they have until it's gone" ..

[krisdiperna]

I appreciate all of his words. I have not entered into a state of despair yet. I'm still trying to deal with my teeth clenching anger of the voters. Do they not teach history or civics in school any longer? This has happened before!

[ajrimmer]

I'm with Pritzker and Newsome. The Resistance begins Now.

[patcomerford]

Thank you Mr. Meacham for your calming words after Americans choosing a convicted criminal to be their President. 💙💙💙

[WestSacExpert]

Thank you Mr. Meacham. You reminded me who we are!

[lesterchin]

Why is there a need for Trump to take an oath to the Constitution on Jan 20, 2025, when he already trashed his oath on Jan 6, 2021?

[antoninonicolasmartinez]

😢 💙 Venezuelan, recently American citizen. America, you can count on me to fight for the democracy I lost back home. Not again, not this time 🇻🇪 🇺🇸

[AI-xsfp]

It's some comfort to hear a respected voice of reason.

[jessicaTX]

The folks that have embraced tyranny are the ones who have broken the faith... the rest of us despair at the thought of having to fight all of those fights all over again. It cheapens the memories of the men on Omaha beach, of the civil rights leaders, of Frederick Douglas and Harriet Tubman when we throw away everything they sacrificed for with two hands. Continuing to have hope in incremental progress forward is one thing, but watching our country go backward, seeing our freedoms and rights being eroded, and being powerless to stop it is soul crushing. In the greater view of history, it may well be that we will overcome, and light (or right) will prevail. I do believe it will, but I also understand history enough to know that a lot of individuals will be hurt along the way, and I'm terrified that one of them may be my little brown daughter. So I appreciate your effort to be inspiring and help people see the bigger picture, but please don't dismiss the very real magnitude of what has happened with "you win some you lose some, but you gotta hang in there."

[MrPotsy]

My father was there on D-Day at 18 years old. I know it is a fight that continues and we will be there. Mobilize!

[clifftanch]

Trump is about as inspirational as a foul odor.

[brucebartup]

Beyond pain, beyond fear, anger, grievoius loss, hope despair; tainted flags and absent honor - there is resolve. We go on because we choose to do so. Because the only other option is to quit. We choose not to do that.

[heathergittings]

Beautiful pointed comments, thank you sir.

[misterfunnybones]

51% of the popular vote is not much of a majority. Sure, it's all you need to win, but governing requires a perspective that acknowledges the 49%.

[mr.perfect]

When Trump takes the oath everyone should just burst out laughing because that's a complete joke. Meaningless for him, he just wants revenge.