This election has the hallmarks of a pivotal moment in US history. The voters have decisively rejected the status quo candidate, but elected a man the other half of the country views as unfit for the presidency and who faces sexual assault allegations to which his own recorded words lend credence. One of the most conservative Supreme Courts in a century will likely be locked in place for at least a generation, perhaps finally overturning Roe v Wade after pro-life efforts had failed for over 40 years. Repeal of the Affordable Care Act will be a top priority, though what might replace it is entirely unclear. Immigration laws will almost certainly be dramatically toughened and deportations and breakup of families will greatly increase. Climate change and income inequality will likely be ignored, and Trump’s policies will likely contribute to the climate crisis and increase wealth inequality. President Trump will likely be "tougher" on terror, but will that mean boots on the ground or tactical nuclear weapons or pacts with Russia or a drone program even bigger than Obama's? Who knows?
On the other hand, his supporters have pointed out that, beyond wanting to build walls and other questionable goals, Trump demands high performance, can't be bought, knows how to make deals, and will ban White House officials from lobbying foreign governments, which most of us probably see as good things. And he actually seems to be on the side of "free trade" opponents, which could be good for American and perhaps even foreign workers, something which if it happened Fr. Dehon would surely applaud. Or will supporters of trade pacts like NAFTA and the TPP get him to change his mind?
I'm curious how SCJs are feeling this morning. Do you feel depression and despair, or are you glad to see the status quo shaken to its core? Do you see ways for the country to come together after such a divisive and ugly campaign? I've heard that a number of SCJs supported Trump. Did his opposition to abortion (fairly newly acquired and some might consider suspect) compared to Clinton's staunch support of abortion rights make you feel you had no choice? Or did you feel that there were other elements of Catholic social teaching that Trump upholds better than Clinton as well?
I especially wonder what you preachers will say on Sunday. Will you try to promote harmony and support of the new president and call on him to heal our nation's wounds? Or might you be pondering other messages?
I asked several people, SCJS and other Catholics and non-Catholics whom I deeply respect, to share any “words of wisdom” for those of us who are stunned by what has just happened, or worried about the future, or who wonder what is the role for justice and peace promoters in this new world. John Czyzynski, SCJ, wrote, "I feel sad and embarrassed at whom my fellow citizens have chosen to lead us. This probably sounds very simplistic but in my powerlessness all I can do is trust that somehow we are in God's hands and we will come through this." Fr. John Celichowski, former provincial of the Midwest Capuchin Province, offered words of hope. “However hard it may be to believe in the present moment, this nation has been through worse, far worse, before (1860-1865) and somehow we survived and became at least a little better...though we were and remain patria semper reformanda. My other hope is that President-Elect Trump, who has surprised so many in his improbable run to the White House, may further surprise us by being a better president than any of us expect.”
Eli McCarthy of CMSM sees this as “quite a moment for reflection and hopefully deeper, more effective organizing.” He offered the following article that I thought was simply excellent: http://davidswanson.org/node/5341
Norbertine Br. Steve Herro wrote that “every legislative visit, letter to the editor, column, and letter to a representative on the need for immigration reform, stewardship of the earth, civility in the public square, and the budget as moral document (I am very fearful that Paul Ryan's budget, embraced by Mr. Trump a few months ago, is a near done deal) seems for naught” and that “the public policy agenda of the Catholic Church is out the window.” Nonetheless, he added, “We are good at writing, preaching, etc. about ‘giving control to God’ as ministers in the church, but I guess it is time for us to really hand it over.” Then he shared this John Allen column that talks about what the Catholic Church might be able to do at this juncture that no other institution could.
For myself, I only know that things are about to get interesting. I would love to hear your opinions on both the election and the best way for our justice, peace and reconciliation efforts to move forward in this new context. You can post your comments below.
On the other hand, his supporters have pointed out that, beyond wanting to build walls and other questionable goals, Trump demands high performance, can't be bought, knows how to make deals, and will ban White House officials from lobbying foreign governments, which most of us probably see as good things. And he actually seems to be on the side of "free trade" opponents, which could be good for American and perhaps even foreign workers, something which if it happened Fr. Dehon would surely applaud. Or will supporters of trade pacts like NAFTA and the TPP get him to change his mind?
I'm curious how SCJs are feeling this morning. Do you feel depression and despair, or are you glad to see the status quo shaken to its core? Do you see ways for the country to come together after such a divisive and ugly campaign? I've heard that a number of SCJs supported Trump. Did his opposition to abortion (fairly newly acquired and some might consider suspect) compared to Clinton's staunch support of abortion rights make you feel you had no choice? Or did you feel that there were other elements of Catholic social teaching that Trump upholds better than Clinton as well?
I especially wonder what you preachers will say on Sunday. Will you try to promote harmony and support of the new president and call on him to heal our nation's wounds? Or might you be pondering other messages?
I asked several people, SCJS and other Catholics and non-Catholics whom I deeply respect, to share any “words of wisdom” for those of us who are stunned by what has just happened, or worried about the future, or who wonder what is the role for justice and peace promoters in this new world. John Czyzynski, SCJ, wrote, "I feel sad and embarrassed at whom my fellow citizens have chosen to lead us. This probably sounds very simplistic but in my powerlessness all I can do is trust that somehow we are in God's hands and we will come through this." Fr. John Celichowski, former provincial of the Midwest Capuchin Province, offered words of hope. “However hard it may be to believe in the present moment, this nation has been through worse, far worse, before (1860-1865) and somehow we survived and became at least a little better...though we were and remain patria semper reformanda. My other hope is that President-Elect Trump, who has surprised so many in his improbable run to the White House, may further surprise us by being a better president than any of us expect.”
Eli McCarthy of CMSM sees this as “quite a moment for reflection and hopefully deeper, more effective organizing.” He offered the following article that I thought was simply excellent: http://davidswanson.org/node/5341
Norbertine Br. Steve Herro wrote that “every legislative visit, letter to the editor, column, and letter to a representative on the need for immigration reform, stewardship of the earth, civility in the public square, and the budget as moral document (I am very fearful that Paul Ryan's budget, embraced by Mr. Trump a few months ago, is a near done deal) seems for naught” and that “the public policy agenda of the Catholic Church is out the window.” Nonetheless, he added, “We are good at writing, preaching, etc. about ‘giving control to God’ as ministers in the church, but I guess it is time for us to really hand it over.” Then he shared this John Allen column that talks about what the Catholic Church might be able to do at this juncture that no other institution could.
For myself, I only know that things are about to get interesting. I would love to hear your opinions on both the election and the best way for our justice, peace and reconciliation efforts to move forward in this new context. You can post your comments below.
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