Decency, crisp on the screen. Values above personal gain. Respect for our laws and the peaceful transition of power in this American nation.
At dinnertime on Tuesday—like many of you—I watched a last-minute hearing of the Jan. 6 House Committee.
Sitting tall, with tension visible on her face, Cassidy Hutchinson was methodically telling the truth that she lived while working as aide to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. Hutchinson is 25 years old. I am half-filled with hope.
That this young woman is a Republican makes her statements especially potent. She can’t be suspected of bipartisanship, or ulterior motives, or insignificance--although she has been falsely accused of these, and vilified.
As an immigrant and naturalized citizen I stubbornly hold on to the dream.
The United States is guilty of the original sin of slavery; of international aggression for misguided self interest; of allowing the Dollar to dominate our public policy as in our indecent proliferation of guns at the expense of human lives. I could go on and on.
When I arrived in the US in the l960s I admired the resourcefulness and resilience of Americans. Their rough warmth and easy openness, not especially intellectual, but curious. Everything was possible. I want to believe that Americans can still exhibit common sense, basic fairness, an ability to compromise essential to a democracy.
Cassidy Hutchinson, Bennie Thompson, Liz Cheney, and really many others are heroes and inspire us to endure. It’s up to us to do the work.
Estados Unidos, Todavía te quiero. Feliz Cumpleaños!
A new Soy/Somos is under way! A conversation with Natalia, a young attorney with the Appelate Division of the NY State Supreme Court. Natalia was raised in poverty and has found her calling. She, too, gives me hope for the future of our world. Be on the lookout for the next Soy/Somos. Sign up to get these if you haven’t already.
An eagle’s wings (MMBaraf)
Outside the precinct
the American flag at half mast
is furling and unfurling
an eagle’s wings,
nagging faith
furling
and unfurling, wildly