Dear Friends

First of all, as a first step, Congress should immediately, at the very least,  vote for a resolution to censure the president. Shame on any members who refuse---they don't deserve to continue to represent our country. I would welcome anything else that can realistically be done in the next two weeks (without enflaming the situation) including the 25th amendment. And, of course, the Justice Department and state of New York has work to do starting January 21^st . A real leader who loved this country more than self, would resign today. But for us to say or do nothing is to be complicit. It is not enough to just condemn the violence.

In the meantime, I don’t know what I can add to all the other words being written and spoken right now. But I found these words from former Trump chief of staff John Kelly especially worth sharing:

“We need to look infinitely harder at who we elect to any office in our land---at the office seeker’s character, at their morals, at their ethical record, their integrity, their honesty, their flaws, what they have said about women and minorities, why they are seeking office in the first place and only then consider the policies they espouse.”

Not all who voted for Trump are the same. I hope and pray that the otherwise good and decent people who did, people who would never accept or tolerate the characteristics of this person in their spouse or son-in law, in their children’s or grandchildren’s teacher or coach, in their pastor or doctor, would take Kelly’s words to heart. Trump isn’t the only one who can promote your policies!

Lord have mercy upon us and our country. Help us heal. Help us not shy away from the hard work of reconciliation ahead.

John

P.S. Let us all pray for Joe Biden and all in his new administration, that, as they promote their policies, they might "do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God". And let us keep praying for our medical heroes (who are now going to have to treat more people infected with Covid-19 because of yesterday’s rally, march and invasion.)