No News and Notes today. No songs. I just want to say thank you to our outgoing president — someone for whom I’ll harbor deep respect and gratitude for the rest of my days.

Above you’ll find video of his farewell address. If you haven’t watched it, I recommend you do — and not just for the way he makes you feel feelings near the end when he thanks Michelle and Joe Biden does finger guns. Watch for the way he steadfastly and convincingly projects hope for the future, even in the face of… you know.

I watched last night and felt genuinely hopeful when he was done, which is better than the way I felt before I watched. That hope may be irrational, but it’s essential in equal measure. To quote Martin Luther King Jr. via Matthew E. White via Monday’s post: “Darkness can’t drive out darkness. Only light can do that.”

I’d also like to post a couple of links to pages where you can donate to worthy causes, in case that feels right today. Here’s where to give to the ACLU, and here’s where to give to Planned Parenthood.

I love you guys. Thanks for reading this blog.