“We can write our senators, particularly now this week, when funding for these agencies is being debated. Perhaps the most important message of all is that this is our moment to determine who we are as Americans, who we are as the United States of America.Minnesota is showing us all the way. We can follow their example wherever we are and do what we can to recreate and restore the decency and kindness that sustain us all.” Bishop Marian Budde
Yesterday, I spoke with gentle Emma in Lisa Murkowski’s office and felt better. I know she cares.
Today I reach the answering machine. I thank Lisa for her Op-Ed supporting NATO. I tell her that my grandfather was in the French Legion of Honor because of his work in the resistance in WW II. Racing the time limit, I say that since she and Senator Dan Sullivan are friends, could she please remind him that he is a Marine and we need him now to do what honorable, courageous and committed Marines do? I thank her quickly for not giving ICE any more money right now, assuming she won’t, and my time is up.
Hello Senator Sullivan, I say to the answering machine. It’s Heather Lende in Haines, again. You are a Marine and say your Catholic faith influences your decisions. In that case, I implore you to do what you know is right as a soldier and a Christian. Don’t give ICE more money. Speak out against abuses. You have always been a NATO supporter. Please stop the president from wrecking it. I still hope you will do the right thing one of these days. God bless you and have mercy on your soul.
–Or something like that.
I don’t have a script. I just talk fast and calmly, so I won’t overthink it.
I call Alaska’s only congressman often. Nick Begich’s phone is not out of order like it was yesterday. I hope the nice young man that answered a few days ago will pick up. Then, I told him about a conversation I had with a MAGA friend that said he is as sick of the Republicans as he is of the Democrats, because all politicians, Trump included, only care about billionaires. The aid seemed appreciative of my comments. Today, he does not answer. I tell the recording that I have never wished I was a Republican congressman until now.— I envy you because your opinion matters more than anything I say and more than over what half of all Americans say. What an opportunity for doing good. Have courage — I tell him that I admire his political family and know that what is happening right now in Minneapolis or the world doesn’t reflect Begich family values. Time runs out.
I hang up and think about the horrific killings in Minneapolis and pray for little Liam who looks just like my grandson Teddy– being grabbed at school and dragged away to a Texas prison —of masks, guns, screaming, hiding, show me your papers—Is this what 1938 felt like? It could be the Kristallnacht campaign.
Episcopal Bishop Budde says, “This is our moment to decide who we are as Americans, who we are as the United States of America.” Tomorrow, I’ll say that in my calls. Just that. Quietly, maybe even repeat it since there will be time on the recording. Like a prayer. Like Lectio Divina.
