Over the past few months we have seen various states re-draw their district lines with the clearly stated purpose of making sur that the November elections will deliver a particular result. Moreover, the states that are dig this make no bones about their intent to squelch any real challenge to the party in power.
It started with the President who urged certain states to cut up certain districts that had voted Democratic in the past, and then Democrats began the same tactic where they have control in their state houses. And the Supreme Court, that purported arbiter of fairness and justice, showed its true colors by upholding one party against the other.
This is very disturbing for the future of our democracy, what is left of it. The fact that any party begins gerrymandering to hold onto power belies the idea that we will have fair elections. Moreover, threats to post ICE in disputed districts in an attempt to suppress minority voters is even more disturbing. What is the difference then between us and some of the rigged elections that we say we abhor in other countries? Not much.
Prayer for the Day
We shudder as we consider our future, O God,
As we prepare to celebrate our independence;
Disturbed by attempts to control election outcomes,
We wonder how far leaders will go to stay in power.
Help us, O Lord, in these times to protect our freedom,
And give us the wisdom not to succumb to evil methods.
In the name of the One who is the fount of wisdom,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Alabama violated the Fourteenth Amendment by intentionally diluting the votes of Black voters in Alabama. That constitutional finding of intentional discrimination is independent of and unaffected by, any of the legal issues discussed in Callais.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Dissent in Supreme Court order
The Alabama legislation, which was signed quickly into law by Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, is part of an effort by Republicans in Southern states to capitalize on a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that significantly weakened Voting Rights Act protections for minorities.
Associated Press story, May 9, 2026
How long, O Lord, will you look on?
Rescue me from their ravages, my life from the lions!
Psalm 35: 17