For years we’ve been lectured by the radical right-wing on family values–their family values–who we can and should love, how we can and should love, how we should punish our children, how marriage should be limited.
Now our President took a step towards immigration reform. This step will keep 5 million hardworking families together. As a result, the radical right-wing are going absolutely nuts. Some say they’re gonna sue him, others threaten they’re gonna impeach him.
The President’s executive action represents the best of America, the words on the Statue of Liberty, our compassion instead of hatred and anger, our open arms, the refusal of the mass of our country to turn against others.
The President’s action is not enough. It doesn’t cover everyone, which is why we have to keep fighting for this massive, powerful country to be a force for justice and compassion internally and externally.
Humankind has struggled throughout the existence of the species between hatred and subjugation on one hand and compassion and liberation on the other. Slowly and very painfully the forces of compassion and liberation have won that fight–never easily nor completely, but consistently. We are in the midst of that battle today.
As the Scripture says, “Let us not become weary in doing good” – Galatians 6:9. As populist leader and writer Oscar Ameringer wrote in his great book, “If [we just] don’t weaken.”
We seek nothing for ourselves but the pursuit of our values, the conviction of our consciences, the following of the Inner Light as the Quakers say, the guidance of the still small voice inside as my tradition says.
May we rejoice in the righteous action of our President and know we are one, our hearts and souls are knitted together for love and compassion.
Photo source: Greg Knapp on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)