Tired of this topic? Not everyone has that luxury!
The last testimony submitted at Trump’s impeachment trial was an exchanged conversation. McCarthy had just called Trump and told him of the horrific danger faced as the rioters closed in on Congresspeople. Trump responded to McCarthy “Well Kevin I guess these people are more upset about the election than you are.” Incredulous at Trump’s indifference McCarthy responded: “Who the F*** do you think you’re talking to?”
The house managers concluded the trial by showing how the rioters breached the Congress walls while the body was in the process of performing their constitutional obligation of legally verifying the fair and free election of President Biden! They showed that but for Trump’s incitement of rage through his “stop the steal” lies the Jan. 6th riot never would have happened. Trump’s inaction to protect and defend those doing their duty caused death and injury. Despite the desecration including Trump’s sacred oath, the Senate delivered a not guilty verdict.
Through the verdict what are our children learning to desecrate? Equal justice under the law! The treasured center of our republic! Our police officers! Our laborers in the capital! The vote of each person! Our constitution!
What will our children remember? They’ll remember the disgusting hypocritical ruse of Trump embracing and kissing a group of flags towering over him! Our children will remember that while American flags were being used to break into Congress and impale policemen, the confederate flag was flapping loudly. They’ll remember the lynching rope on the ready for people trying to verify votes in which people of the underclass prevailed.
They’ll remember that if you are a white man in power who can pull donors to you like a money magnet, you are supreme and others of your supreme caste will have your back. Not of their caste? Those legislators will never stick their necks out for you.
How can we save our republic as around the world democracies quake and autocrats rejoice at what they just witnessed? We can honestly share our grief, hopelessness, disappointment and rage with our children and help them process their feelings. We can admit our national fork in the road: Systemic Racism or Anti-racism.
We can recommit to the sacredness of the REAL AMERICAN DREAM: of the people, by the people and for the people. In the midst of horrible darkness, Americans of all ages and races can relight the torch of Lady Liberty and lift high the Light. Instead of a suffocating lynching rope, let’s each release the power of a hammer of justice, a bell of freedom, and a song of love between our brothers and sisters all over this land. Yes, let our un-constricted hearts and throats ring a resounding full-throated chorus of renewed hope.
- Caste by Isabel Wilkerson – recommended reading
- If I Had a Hammer lyrics adapted. written by Lee Hays and Pete Seeger. Sung by Peter Paul and Mary.
Dona Palmer Feb. 15, 2021