Joe Biden was just sworn in as the 46th president of the United States.

And people everywhere on Earth are breathing a sigh of relief.

The experiment in democracy — a work in progress, to be sure — that is America may well not have survived another four years with Donald Trump (and his assorted enablers, apologists, and bootlickers in the Republican Party) in power.

Today also marks another milestone — one of sorrow, not celebration.

• It was exactly one year ago that the first person in the U.S. was hospitalized with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

• Since then, over 400,000 Americans have officially died from the coronavirus.

• By tonight, we will likely have exceeded the number of Americans who died fighting in all of World War II.

So — on a day that is historic for both hopeful and harrowing reasons — a two-part message to Joe Biden:

First, congratulations.

Second, the whole world is counting on you. There is no time to waste. There is no room for error. Business as usual will not address the unprecedented and even existential challenges confronting this country, all of humanity, and our planet. We need you to push big and bold solutions to these challenges. And as much as we may all wish for a national joining together in this moment, aspirations to “unity” must not stand in the way of action.

Add your name.

Thank you for taking action.

For progress,

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen

P.S. For half a century, Public Citizen has been advancing policies that put the needs of everyday Americans before the greed of billionaires and Big Business. That legacy of progress and that ongoing work could not matter more right now, as our nation transitions to a Joe Biden presidency that will be as progressive as we — you and Public Citizen, together — make it.

Of course, we’re also busy undoing damage the Trump administration has already done and watching out for whatever shenanigans a lame-duck Donald Trump tries to get away with. And — like so many nonprofits and small businesses — we continue to experience financial strain related to the coronavirus pandemic.

If you can, please make an emergency donation today to support the critical work we’re doing together or even join our popular Monthly Giving program. Thank you.
 
 
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