Yesterday morning, I was preparing for the upcoming season of Lent and came across Jesus’ words in John 12, “Now my soul is troubled, and what should I say?” I carried these words with me as the events of the day transpired and domestic terrorists, far-right extremists, stormed our nation’s Capitol while Congress was voting to affirm our next President. Oh, how our souls are troubled, dear Highland family. And what should we say?
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Today news coverage has kept me captivated. Far-right protestors and supporters of President Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress certified electoral votes. A woman was shot and killed. This siege coincided with violent demonstrations at other state capitols throughout the country, including Ohio. That Capitol Police officers escorted the white perpetrators out alive without handcuffs (and even took selfies with them) demonstrates the fatal racial double standards of this nation's law enforcement system.
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What we see taking place in the US Capitol this evening may be shocking, but it is not terribly surprising. We’ve watched the ingredients of white supremacy, Christian nationalism, and conspiracy theories spread through social media eventuate in armed protesters entering the Michigan statehouse, the planned kidnapping of a Governor, and now the disruption of democratic processes. I am grateful to hear so many lawmakers from both parties denouncing these acts, but I am also wary of their messages that say something like, 'This is the type of thing that happens in other countries, not in the U.S.' This does happen here. It is happening here. We’ve watched the recipe taking shape over time. So, yes, shocking to watch, but not terribly surprising to see.
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Today and in those to come, we are called to live in the fullness of our commitment to our Christian values and our humanity. We are called to be Be more, to Be patient, to Become peacemakers in the midst of a difficult time. In this moment know that the power of the Spirit moves among us even in chaotic situations. As we continue to monitor inconclusive election results this morning, it’s even more important to make sure every voice is heard. As peacemakers, we must demand that all votes are counted as it is a matter of justice.
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There were many definitions that were given for Mexico in the elections of July 2018, as the future of the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) and its current ruling clique was decided. Questions included the importance that the dirty wars would ultimately have, whether anger or fear would prevail in the voters, and whether it could be possible for the opposition to make credible for the population that it could be a positive change for the country. But, above all, this election was an opportunity for Christians to become citizens and to give a breath of fresh air to public life, an opportunity for us to turn the vote into an option for citizen power.
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While Mexico’s 'aristocracy' does not want a change of direction and adheres with pleasure to the idea of continuity, in the other Mexico there are millions of people who have been victims of poverty and violence who do – all the more so because they are full of disgust and indignation at the corruption and impunity brought to the ultimate expression in the government of President Enrique Peña Nieto.
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