One wonders not about the politicians who have sold their souls to the fossil fuel industry but how they have convinced their constituents that there is no climate crisis and that they can just keep rolling along the way they always have. These politicians have somehow managed to convince their people that their anger should be directed towards D.C.
The frustration of the poor, especially the rural poor, gets exemplified in songs like “Rich Men North of Richmond” by Oliver Anthony. The YouTube is worth looking at because it reflects a deep frustration that the ultra-right uses against social progress. If you can’t understand the words, the lyrics are available on the internet; they should be read.
Comments like people hanging onto their guns and Bibles only exacerbate the anger of people who are desperate and afraid of changes they see as threatening. Listening to people afraid of change and acknowledging is the first step towards bridging this gap, essential if we are to survive as a country and a society.
Prayer for the Day
As storms rage about us and we fear our ship will take on water
Calm us, enabling us to see through the mist of our daily lives;
As the sky shakes with thunder and we find ourselves overwhelmed,
Quiet us, O God, pointing us to the sun breaking through the clouds.
Bring us to the place where we can search our hearts and open them to you,
Leading us to the shore of our minds so we can find your truth and peace.
In the name of the One who shared your truth with us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown
- H.P. Lovecraft, American novelist (1890-1937)
Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less.
- Marie Curie, scientist (1867-1934)
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation;
For you I wait all day long.
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
For they have been from of old.
Psalm 25: 6