The Letter

My letter to President Biden, written the day after I returned from Florida after testing positive for COVID-19 at jail

From January 20, 2021

Thank you all for having me.

Those of you who have joined me in past events will likely note my markedly different tone here today. 

While I will, as always, cover the numbers in Florida later this morning, I’m sure you’ve heard the news of my latest run of bad luck - driving to Florida, Covid-stricken to turn myself into police in fear they would come to my new home and again terrorize my family. 

I begin today’s presentation by asking a favor of all of you. 

Never. Back Down.

Not in the face of flagrant fascism, nor under the mounting pressure of complacency from those who would be resigned to do so.

Be a voice for reason, for science, for truth, for all those voices too parched, too cracked, too-long thirsty for justice.

I have been honored to serve as such a voice this past year. But none of us alone can cover the breadth of social and environmental issues we face today.

I want to read you a letter I have been writing to President Biden. If you are inclined, share the…