On the same day he announced a significant ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a poignant farewell address from the Oval Office. As his family gathered to watch, Biden expressed his hopes for the incoming administration while issuing stark warnings about the concentration of power among America's ultra-wealthy. He drew attention to the dangers posed by an emerging "tech-industrial complex," warning that "so much is at stake right now."
Biden's address highlighted his administration's achievements, including job creation, infrastructure investment, healthcare improvements, and leading the nation through the pandemic. He emphasized that "it will take time to feel the full impact of all we've done together, but the seeds are planted, and they'll grow and they'll bloom for decades to come." However, he cautioned against complacency, asserting that Americans "are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power."
The president took particular aim at social media platforms like Meta, which recently announced plans to eliminate independent fact-checkers. He stated, "Social media is giving up on fact checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit." His remarks resonated with echoes of President Dwight Eisenhower's 1961 farewell address, urging Americans to "stand guard" over their democracy against a "military industrial complex."
During his speech, Biden addressed the risks associated with a "dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a few ultra-wealthy people," seemingly alluding to individuals like Elon Musk. He expressed concern over an oligarchy forming within the United States, saying, "Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that really threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedom."
The president also reflected on his challenging role in negotiating the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. He described these negotiations as some of the toughest of his career but took credit for helping finalize the deal. The ceasefire is set to take effect on January 19, just one day before Donald Trump assumes office.
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