I have so many thoughts about the riot at the capitol and I can’t promise that they will flow cohesively. But I wanted to put them down and publish them before they escape me.
When I saw what happened the first thing I felt was the need to resign my Republican Party affiliation and become an Independent. It’s not off the table.
As I watched the news coverage, listened to the commentary and saw the absolute, utter chaos of what was going on I was ashamed and embarrassed for our country, Republicans and especially people who blindly supported President Trump.
I listened as people called for an immediate condemnation by the President of the rioters and their actions. And I heard them reiterate that the election was fair, accurate and legal and that there is no constitutional path for the congress or senate to overturn it.
But I knew also, that the President wouldn’t do as they asked….
As I watched the President, essentially, congratulate these rioters and reaffirm their belief that the election was fraudulent and stolen I was angry. To continue to perpetuate lies in the face of this kind of violence was the height of irresponsibility! And to link arms with lawless people when claiming to be law abiding was hypocrisy in the highest.
I felt a longing in my being for decency to infuse the political process again. What happened to the give and take that once existed?
When the mention of invoking the 25th amendment to remove the President happened I shouted “YES” at the TV. I had hope that decent Republicans could stand up and shine in the face of this and help to redeem the party’s image.
The phrase “too little, too late” came to mind…
I reminded myself that the Republicans that I personally know are nothing like these rioters.
I felt a longing in myself to see our country break down the partisan walls and find a new way of going forward. To learn and dialog instead of assume and judge.
As Bruce watched he wisely said “America will survive this too” though his heart is broken. His love for our country is deep, passionate and loyal. His personal ethic is as pure as it comes.
I reminded myself that this is a microcosm of conservative voters, not representative of the wider majority.
I also thought that these people have essentially made it impossible for decent conservatives to speak in the political arena with authority, possibly for decades to come.
And then I woke up to this,
“Our hope is not placed in an outcome but in the Lord”
Psalm 146: 3-5 “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose HOPE is in the Lord their God.”
And now I am convicted
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