The Fraternal Order of Police, which endorsed Trump, “is not having it” and their statement against the release. Sorry, FOP, but I’m not having your after the fact pearl clutching. Trump said he was going to release them, and you endorsed him anyway. What part of “I’m going to release them” was so hard for you to understand? You endorsed a convicted felon. Why would you not think he’d release members of his tribe? I have been saying for months that the chickens were going to come home to roost for the MAGA’s. Just happening sooner than I thought.
They were “all in” on the other stuff like roughing up ‘suspects’, ignoring civil rights without consequences and not enforcing or canceling existing DOJ agreements & monitoring of law enforcement agencies where their history of patterns & practices was violating laws & rights.
IOW, they wanted the policy to be only we can commit felonies without accountability.
I suspect they figured he would do some symbolic pardons - like the older woman who has acknowledged her wrongdoing (actually said she won’t accept the pardon).
Yes, it should be a clear warning to maga groups that what you wish for will come back to bite you. And the price of eggs will not be addressed.
The tragedy of this moment cannot be understated and serves as a sordid backdrop to these ordinary American heroes. They are standing in the breach. They are standing with their faces toward the light and their backs to the shadows. They are the personifications of goodness and mercy and justice, attributes with which we must gird ourselves. Every. Single. Moment. Of. Every. Single. Day.
One extremely important aspect of those who stand up as helpers is that it encourages others to do the same. Right now everyone is feeling overwhelmed and frightened, but while a single voice in the wilderness is inspiring, a crowd and a wave of resistors and those speaking out and sticking up for decency is what can ultimately make the difference.
“But we can and should take strength from these helpers. They all may not define themselves as members of the opposition, but in their respect for American institutions that support justice and the rule of law they are demonstrating that good people will be the bulwark against the degradations of the Trump regime. Like first responders putting out fires now in California, they are bravely facing an emergency. And that makes us all safer.”
“Let’s not simply applaud them, though. Let’s follow their lead, even if they don’t all see themselves as leaders. Because each of us has the potential to be a helper now—to minimize the destruction that the worst among us relish.”
The National Council of Jewish Women and their state affiliates do good work. They are strong supporters of the right to choose & voting rights. Our local chapter has worked hard for decades on issues related to families, domestic violence and good social policies.
Thanks for this piece. Many who are opposed to what is happening are at a loss for “what” to do and “how” to do it. The examples provided show the way. A former colleague was a signatory to the letter that had Trump revoke 51 security clearances… retribution in action, based on some convoluted combination of lies and conspiracy. The company she worked for immediately terminated her employment. While at once serving to normalize very abnormal behavior. As was written here: “the federal bureaucracy is not a loyalty corps to the President, but instead to the Constitution”. I sent a note to the company, exhorting them to understand their actions go deeper… the employer’s lack of courage in a moment they could have stood for what’s right, offering “business reasons” for the firing as the rationale, served to undermine democratic principles of the employee’s individual rights and decency.
For months during the campaign we all watched Trump falsely accuse other countries of emptying their prisons and releasing dangerous criminals into the country. As it turns out, he's the only one doing that.
While we're writing notes, what about sending an email to Mitch McConnell, reminding him of his anti-Putin past and asking him not to approve Pete, Tulsi, Kash and Bob. Not that it will matter, but a pal in Alaska let Sen. Murkowski know he thought Pete was unsuitable and she isn't voting for him. I'm sure he wasn't the only voter doing that. I don't know if it will do any good but it's something I can do. I'm not surprised by the Bishop--it's part of our Episcopal tradition to show mercy and to try and lead others to it--but I am relieved. The Evangelical Lutheran Church made its position know immediately after the election.
Writing politicians is good even if they agree with you. It helps them take the temperature of constituents & to justify their votes.
To be honest, McConnell has paid almost 0 attention to his voting constituents for eons - unless they are major donors or a necessary part of his re-election / political network. He pays 0 attention to voters outside his district. The contact form requires that info. This is typical of elected officials If they are not elected to represent you & you can’t cause them to lose voters.
However, as a constituent I actually received a response - an appropriate one on topic - regarding my objection to the nominees. That’s a first. It is also the first time he’s likely not concerned with running for re-election. Still, he wants to retain some influence in the Senate. I hope he will vote no. But if there are only 3 & not the 4 needed, it would not surprise me if he went the other way.
I need to hang on to the positive news for my mental health and to maintain hope. These gangsters do not even know what hope is. I won't let them convince me that there is no hope. I'm looking for the voices and actions of love and mercy. And magnifying them.
You are a Helper. So many, many journalists these days are Helpers. Many times I have cringed when I have heard and read certain things come from the mouths and pens of these courageous people, imagining what horrible consequences could await them. But they/you continue. I am forever in your debt.
Thank you for so eloquently and truthfully pointing out the helpers. These people have been clear, judicious and unafraid, as have you. May we all speak up and stand up however we can.
What an excellent encouraging piece Steven, reminding us how it is that individuals and groups can be a “helper” defending our threatened democracy. Such an unassuming word, helper, one not associated with heroic efforts or looking for adulation, but signifying a singular person willing to assist another person; a cause, even a country —by contributing their voice of truth. What a concept, right? I constantly hear and read about people asking what they can do to help? Voila, being a helper is step one.
The Fraternal Order of Police, which endorsed Trump, “is not having it” and their statement against the release. Sorry, FOP, but I’m not having your after the fact pearl clutching. Trump said he was going to release them, and you endorsed him anyway. What part of “I’m going to release them” was so hard for you to understand? You endorsed a convicted felon. Why would you not think he’d release members of his tribe? I have been saying for months that the chickens were going to come home to roost for the MAGA’s. Just happening sooner than I thought.
They were “all in” on the other stuff like roughing up ‘suspects’, ignoring civil rights without consequences and not enforcing or canceling existing DOJ agreements & monitoring of law enforcement agencies where their history of patterns & practices was violating laws & rights.
IOW, they wanted the policy to be only we can commit felonies without accountability.
I suspect they figured he would do some symbolic pardons - like the older woman who has acknowledged her wrongdoing (actually said she won’t accept the pardon).
Yes, it should be a clear warning to maga groups that what you wish for will come back to bite you. And the price of eggs will not be addressed.
My sentiments exactly.
Absolutely spot on. Did they seriously not believe him? Or now professing dismay because the majority of Americans disagree?
The tragedy of this moment cannot be understated and serves as a sordid backdrop to these ordinary American heroes. They are standing in the breach. They are standing with their faces toward the light and their backs to the shadows. They are the personifications of goodness and mercy and justice, attributes with which we must gird ourselves. Every. Single. Moment. Of. Every. Single. Day.
And address for Thank You notes:
The Right Reverend Mariann Budde
Episcopal Church House
Mount St Alban
Washington D.C.
20016-5094
Already sent. Thanks.
Another helper: Hakeem Jeffries https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wglbN7qzp7o
Absolutely agree on Hakeem. He is so prepared and speaks with great clarity and impact.
A helper and a LEADER!
One extremely important aspect of those who stand up as helpers is that it encourages others to do the same. Right now everyone is feeling overwhelmed and frightened, but while a single voice in the wilderness is inspiring, a crowd and a wave of resistors and those speaking out and sticking up for decency is what can ultimately make the difference.
Fantastic account!
“FOLLOW THEIR LEAD”
I love this from your essay;
“But we can and should take strength from these helpers. They all may not define themselves as members of the opposition, but in their respect for American institutions that support justice and the rule of law they are demonstrating that good people will be the bulwark against the degradations of the Trump regime. Like first responders putting out fires now in California, they are bravely facing an emergency. And that makes us all safer.”
“Let’s not simply applaud them, though. Let’s follow their lead, even if they don’t all see themselves as leaders. Because each of us has the potential to be a helper now—to minimize the destruction that the worst among us relish.”
Another group of helpers is the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the membership organization of Reform American rabbis. Here is a link to their statement on the Exeecutive Order regarding gender. https://www.ccarnet.org/central-conference-of-american-rabbis-condemns-federal-governments-attacks-on-nonbinary-and-transgender-americans/
The National Council of Jewish Women and their state affiliates do good work. They are strong supporters of the right to choose & voting rights. Our local chapter has worked hard for decades on issues related to families, domestic violence and good social policies.
Thanks for this piece. Many who are opposed to what is happening are at a loss for “what” to do and “how” to do it. The examples provided show the way. A former colleague was a signatory to the letter that had Trump revoke 51 security clearances… retribution in action, based on some convoluted combination of lies and conspiracy. The company she worked for immediately terminated her employment. While at once serving to normalize very abnormal behavior. As was written here: “the federal bureaucracy is not a loyalty corps to the President, but instead to the Constitution”. I sent a note to the company, exhorting them to understand their actions go deeper… the employer’s lack of courage in a moment they could have stood for what’s right, offering “business reasons” for the firing as the rationale, served to undermine democratic principles of the employee’s individual rights and decency.
Terrible story about what was done to your colleague. Wonderful story about how you stood up for her.
Bishop Mariann E. Budde is my new hero!
For months during the campaign we all watched Trump falsely accuse other countries of emptying their prisons and releasing dangerous criminals into the country. As it turns out, he's the only one doing that.
While we're writing notes, what about sending an email to Mitch McConnell, reminding him of his anti-Putin past and asking him not to approve Pete, Tulsi, Kash and Bob. Not that it will matter, but a pal in Alaska let Sen. Murkowski know he thought Pete was unsuitable and she isn't voting for him. I'm sure he wasn't the only voter doing that. I don't know if it will do any good but it's something I can do. I'm not surprised by the Bishop--it's part of our Episcopal tradition to show mercy and to try and lead others to it--but I am relieved. The Evangelical Lutheran Church made its position know immediately after the election.
Writing politicians is good even if they agree with you. It helps them take the temperature of constituents & to justify their votes.
To be honest, McConnell has paid almost 0 attention to his voting constituents for eons - unless they are major donors or a necessary part of his re-election / political network. He pays 0 attention to voters outside his district. The contact form requires that info. This is typical of elected officials If they are not elected to represent you & you can’t cause them to lose voters.
However, as a constituent I actually received a response - an appropriate one on topic - regarding my objection to the nominees. That’s a first. It is also the first time he’s likely not concerned with running for re-election. Still, he wants to retain some influence in the Senate. I hope he will vote no. But if there are only 3 & not the 4 needed, it would not surprise me if he went the other way.
We can support Mariann Budde by purchasing her book. (Maybe donate a copy to a church?)
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705987/how-we-learn-to-be-brave-by-mariann-edgar-budde/
It was sold out the day after she spoke at the National Cathedral! I got on the waiting list. Yay Bishop Budde!
I need to hang on to the positive news for my mental health and to maintain hope. These gangsters do not even know what hope is. I won't let them convince me that there is no hope. I'm looking for the voices and actions of love and mercy. And magnifying them.
You are a Helper. So many, many journalists these days are Helpers. Many times I have cringed when I have heard and read certain things come from the mouths and pens of these courageous people, imagining what horrible consequences could await them. But they/you continue. I am forever in your debt.
Thank you for so eloquently and truthfully pointing out the helpers. These people have been clear, judicious and unafraid, as have you. May we all speak up and stand up however we can.
You get a standing ovation at my house for this post. 👏👏👏
Thank you.
What an excellent encouraging piece Steven, reminding us how it is that individuals and groups can be a “helper” defending our threatened democracy. Such an unassuming word, helper, one not associated with heroic efforts or looking for adulation, but signifying a singular person willing to assist another person; a cause, even a country —by contributing their voice of truth. What a concept, right? I constantly hear and read about people asking what they can do to help? Voila, being a helper is step one.