Looking toward the light
The sun shines across Route 4 in Woodstock, Vermont. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
Shaken to the core. That's a good way to describe how many felt when democracy was threatened at the U.S. Capitol this week, but as we know, democracy prevailed some hours later.
Still, after that crucial electoral victory was confirmed, the impact of that historic day persists, and does not relent. People remain shaken, and it's a struggle to handle the lingering fears and doubts. A Capitol desecrated, five people dead after the riot, and the world watching as a mob invaded the building - these are things that used to be unimaginable. Now, an effort is underway to impeach a sitting president, for the second time in his first term in office. A House vote on that could come as soon as the middle of next week, news outlets reported Friday.
Wednesday's chaos dealt a body blow to democracy in the U.S., and our political divisions seem as rife as ever. But even as this historic week comes to a close and so many questions linger, there remains certainty. That certainty involves other moments from Wednesday, that show our common humanity and prove that something beyond the turmoil is at work.
On the PBS NewsHour on Friday, U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), the House majority whip, described one of those moments, when asked to point out his most enduring memory from that day.
"My most enduring memory would be the conversations I saw taking place between (Speaker of the House) Nancy Pelosi and (Senate Majority Leader) Mitch McConnell when we were bunkered down," Clyburn said. "I saw how the government ought to work: Nancy and Mitch coming together, saying what we needed to do to get back to the Capitol, to get back on the floor, and continue doing what's necessary to have a peaceful transfer of power."
Sometimes out of dark days, come shining examples of our greatest qualities. On Wednesday and into Thursday morning, Congress completed its lawful work, with peaceful debate and a commitment to upholding the rule of law, together, as one people. After four years where meaningful, bipartisan action has been rare in Congress, this could potentially encourage more such collaboration. It could be the moment that awakens leaders and citizens to the true value of working together to get meaningful things done, while letting our common humanity light the way.
We each have a role in upholding that value, and the past year showed we are equal to that task. Many times while dealing with the impact of the pandemic, we showed an infinite capacity to love our neighbors and help others. We learned up front, that there is much more that unites us, than divides us. And going forward, we can use that common goodness to take steps forward, together. Now is the time to take that resolve and commitment into 2021.
— Gareth Henderson
