I spent a lot of time thinking about whether I should write anything this week. Recent revelations in the news have made me angrier. And I had to really pray about the actual message here, because the anger is so fierce and the feeling of betrayal so raw. I have spent the last four years advocating nonviolence and kindness and dialogue, and the Gospel this week is on forgiveness. You hate to ruin all of that good effort in one reckless blog.
So I decided that this is my message this week: vote. Make sure your name is on the voter rolls, and if not register. Plan your strategy and give yourself enough time to make sure it is effective. Talk to people about voting. Offer a ride to the polls to someone who is homebound. Voting is the duty of all citizens.
Democracy requires active commitment, showing up, participation. We cannot abdicate our responsibility. We cannot trust others to represent us accurately. We need to speak the truth and our conscience, with kindness but without fear.
All I can say is, vote.