After years of writing columns mainly about environmentalism or gun sense, today I need to address what makes it possible to work together on either topic. Without a system based on the rule of law, the work we do to save lives through environmental and gun sense policy and legislation goes for nothing. We are in a dangerous time. But people in Adams County and all over the country are working hard to defend our democracy.
On this coming President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 16th, a Vigil for Democracy will be held at 4 pm at the Chapel of the Gettysburg Seminary, snow date Feb. 17th. Many people are working for the common good in this tough time, and it can be helpful to stop for a moment to address our losses, and to gain strength by gathering together before we march forward.
The vigil will include Stations of our Grief, allowing us to mourn American losses in: Human rights, Rule of law, Ethical governance, Creation care, and the Constitutional separation of powers. Five local faith leaders will give brief thoughts on our losses in each topic, before those gathered move to the stations, where candles can be lit and thoughts written. We will have a chance to sing and meditate together, with the help of piano and hammered dulcimer music.
Environmentalists are especially concerned about the cancelling of wind power projects, the return to the damaging burning of coal and additional fossil fuels, and the removal of environmental protections in National Parks and elsewhere. In addition, the withdrawing of our nation from the Paris Agreement removes an opportunity for us to work collaboratively with other world nations, to address climate change and other pressing crises that will damage our environment for generations to come. People, plants, birds, and animals all suffer when we ignore the importance of caring for God’s good Creation.
Our Constitution was written with the assurance that people of integrity, like George Washington, would serve in the position of the US President. The current administration of Donald Trump has instead become known for using federal power to damage political opponents, and even to make money for the Trump family. And the balance of power has been corrupted by a Congress elected through widespread gerrymandering, one that has failed to resist the usurping of its power by the executive. There are now millions falling into starvation in Sudan, after the executive branch, operating through Elon Musk’s “DOGE,” dismantled the largest aid organization on earth, USAID. Yet USAID was an agency created by the Congress, which should never have been touched by anyone else.
One of our most serious griefs is that we can no longer assume that the power of our government is based in law. Instead, the corruption of our system of checks and balances moves us towards an authoritarianism where so much is determined by the personal ideas and grievances of the president. Wind farms are not Donald Trump’s favorite, therefore funds already allocated for this excellent form of energy have been taken away. This is wrong on many levels, and there are numerous other examples. Join us in encouraging one another, as we gather together to address these heartfelt concerns. All are welcome to attend the President’s Day Vigil for Democracy.
