The Constitution is a moral document, the Preamble succinctly describing it’s Spirit, and it is getting kicked in the teeth, punched in the solar plexus .
Clearly, this moment calls for strategists, moral leaders and an army of patriots who must, and will, come together to engage in a third and lasting reconstruction of our sacred democracy.
This interview gets to the heart of what and why we must resist the takeover of the very morals of our nation and our Constitution. It is our moral duty.
Ok! Thanks! I was curious for others who may not be able to afford a subscription because I am new to the app!
Im not sure if Bishop Barber remembers me, I was the senior organizer, Chair and Spokesperson and created the Maryland Coalition To End Hunger. (Basically became the face and “only true expert” for welfare both nationally and internationally) The legislation that my group created was what was implemented for welfare reform. I have been active for decades and involved with MANY organizations nationally and local here in Maryland for decades as well. I would love to help and get involved again on all levels! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist with all that’s going on! I just recently, for several years was the single caregiver for both of my parents until their passing and had to place all of my energy and attention on them. I’m READY to Fight!
Also, I am a Voter Registrar and during Welfare Reform I was able to register over 250,000 voters in one day and now in my area “We” can no longer register voters. Everything is done at our local Motor Vehicle Administration or Department of Social Services. Do you all know how I can again register voters when they no longer give out registration cards or allow citizens to do that? Please email me directly @ cindymcdonald0123@gmail.com.
Been demonstrating every week and reading now The Constitution aloud at all these rallies and giving pocket copies of it away to people there! Thank you all three for all this! Just realized as a theologian that stability is now in our churches to help those who are feeling the effects of DT's and EM's chaos! We will prevail!
3rd reconstruction-Yes!! Right on Rev. Barber! So true! We have wachet auf-awakened in this moment and as Eddie Glaude has also said - we can become a better union, but we have dig out the remnants of Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Klan, and slavery-Christian Nationalst/Fundamentalism, clean it out, dust if off, and arrive at a new day of democracy, solidarity of freedom and "Begin Again" as Baldwin says from Rev. 2:5-"do our first works again!" We are in liminal space before the dawning of a new country that will be more free, more equal, more of, by, and for the People! We are doing it, but it's painful! We can do it and we will!
"we have dig out the remnants of Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Klan, and slavery-Christian Nationalist/Fundamentalism,...)
Well stated. So many, many monstrous skeletons of the past 400 years in North America have been given new life by the present Tyranny. ALL of those "past" "remnants" you mentioned are ALIVE AND WELL.....just waiting for their time with the present MAGA movement to rise up out of the shadows were they have been waiting, preparing and hoping. RACISM is so deeply ingrained in the human spirit and, obviously, in the entire history of colonial North America to present day. SO MUCH needs to be dealt with. SO SO MUCH.
I get so angry and frustrated with fellow veterans where I volunteer at (The World War 1 Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Mo.) who believe in and follow this MAGA evilness. I cannot understand how they could serve in the military to protect and defend our Constitution while laughing with glee at how that same Constitution is being raped and burned on a daily basis by MAGA. Mind boggling. Their behaviors certainly prove, once again, how Nazism, or any other dark time in history, can take over the minds and hearts of otherwise highly intelligent human beings to do its work of human misery and carnage. I fear things will get much worse, perhaps even warfare on our street in the cities, etc, before this is all over with. And I say these things NOT as a doomsayer. I am anything but. But history teaches us what is going on in our midst if we dare to read, learn, understand and imagine her lessons...
Thank you for your thoughtful reflections. Yes, Racism is very deeply ingrained and White-fragility is part of the equation that we have to work through as well. I was taught racism, but knew it was a taught construct when I was 7 when our parents would not let my twin sister and I play with 2 little black children on the train to Calif. in 1957! I've been reacting against that now more than ever. We can be non-racist, but we have to work at it and all the dredging up is cleaning out the past, especially for us white-folks
I can't tell you how super angry I get too at the MAGAs--neo-Nazism (I'm half German/Polish and grew up knowing what happened in WWII) and I fear the violence in our streets too before this gets better, but I think Barber said we can keep the temperature down since we are on the good side of this. We just have to keep softly pushing with soft power. We won't convince them, but we can raise as much awareness as possible, we have to not get tired, but keep on keepin' as the song tells us and also speak to each other in all forums because we build solidarity and unity to support each other. Hang on to our ideals and we can change this country for the better. It's dark now, but I think we have the light on our side. Educating about history is sooo important-yes! Peace, brother!
In view of the sickening arrest (albeit in the Rotunda) of Revs. Barber and Wilson-Hartgrove yesterday, I was fuming at the sight this evening of folks set up on the West side of the US Capitol, tables and chairs and mic, the Capitol police just chatting away nearby, to do a Genesis-to-Revelations read-aloud marathon. I believe the organization is doing the same thing at all 50 state capitols. How very meaningful.
So much in this discussion. I completely agree that we need the 3rd reconstruction. This time it must be accompanied by the necessary economic and legislative systems and moral clarity that will lead to its success. We have an opportunity to build a country that truly meets the ideal of liberty and justice for all. Leaders such as these must come forward. Thank you
who is training the millions in the streets now in disciplined non-violence? Too many folks I know are coming to these rallies with no idea what to do if the police attack
First one criticism and a request. You never did talk of registering thousands of the diesnfranchised request Great to actually see Bishop Barber [and Jonathan Wilson-Hargrove] on The Warning with you Steve. I have heard about him and heard him Quoted many times. So powerful watching him actually answer and speak to your questions. I found Jonathan’s astute contributions very important. The “disciplined” non violent resistance this time calls for; “good trouble” again; civil disobedience as protests. I believe one of the major reasons to make our voices heard is to awaken people to the realities of what’s going on right now! To educate about History. Fascism is coming for all of us except those relatively few people orchestrating a downfall that is already and will continue to benefit only them.
Your discussion so succinctly showed the advantage and power of righteous anger turned into a moral unified movement.
“Woe!” This Evil must be stopped and the Good will be LOVE. The battle cry that turned into a revolution that changed the world grew out of The Summer of Love in 1969. Changed the world for a time. One of the most powerful tools still remains and will forever: our MUSIC. A poet lead us with his lyrics and a gravely voice.
Fabulous discussion and Interview! I so enjoyed listening in with Bishop Barber’s words! I look forward to seeing what you have in store for your next program Steve!
I am a retired ELCA Lutheran pastor. I had to quite in 2018 due to health issue. I am so ANGRY and DISAPPOINTED at our Lutheran so-called "leadership" and clergy for NOT SHOWING UP in this moment!!! Seriously, where in the hell are the Dietrich Bohoefers or Martin Luthers or Bishop Gomezes of our moral moment in history today???? How long, how much suffering and injustices does it take for these "leaders" to STOP what they are doing and SHOW UP at the nearest protest which are not hard to find????
In addition, ANY of these leaders KNOW that the media will come to them as the proverbial moth to fire if they wanted to make a public statement on TV. They don't even take advantage of that! That is a low bar! A mere phone call to a major TV station of the city. That's it. How pathetic these "leaders' are when they are nowhere to be found, much less heard. It is a total lack of intentionality, of movement, of mere agency. It is a MORAL FAILURE of our so-called "Christian Leadership" in the ELCA.
Thank you, all 3 of you, for doing what you can to raise this DEMAND for ACTION!!! Our nation is now, in the present, firmly in the hands of authoritarian and fascists rule. No question. Our court systems, at all levels, have been told, already, that they play only a minor part (when needed by them!) in this Neo-fascists government we are witnessing.
I want to help, but I feel powerless. As you say, this is NOT a religious moment only. It is a MORAL moment in human history in one part of the world that does, indeed, effect and affect ALL the world.
NOW is the time. There is no more waiting. The privilege and/or luxury to wait and watch has long sailed. God help us all. The world is watching.
Fantastic interview.
The Constitution is a moral document, the Preamble succinctly describing it’s Spirit, and it is getting kicked in the teeth, punched in the solar plexus .
Clearly, this moment calls for strategists, moral leaders and an army of patriots who must, and will, come together to engage in a third and lasting reconstruction of our sacred democracy.
This interview gets to the heart of what and why we must resist the takeover of the very morals of our nation and our Constitution. It is our moral duty.
Ok! Thanks! I was curious for others who may not be able to afford a subscription because I am new to the app!
Im not sure if Bishop Barber remembers me, I was the senior organizer, Chair and Spokesperson and created the Maryland Coalition To End Hunger. (Basically became the face and “only true expert” for welfare both nationally and internationally) The legislation that my group created was what was implemented for welfare reform. I have been active for decades and involved with MANY organizations nationally and local here in Maryland for decades as well. I would love to help and get involved again on all levels! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist with all that’s going on! I just recently, for several years was the single caregiver for both of my parents until their passing and had to place all of my energy and attention on them. I’m READY to Fight!
Also, I am a Voter Registrar and during Welfare Reform I was able to register over 250,000 voters in one day and now in my area “We” can no longer register voters. Everything is done at our local Motor Vehicle Administration or Department of Social Services. Do you all know how I can again register voters when they no longer give out registration cards or allow citizens to do that? Please email me directly @ cindymcdonald0123@gmail.com.
Cindy - a note to acknowledge and thank you for what you've been doing and continuing to do. We need more of you!
Thank you !!!
The most inspiring and hopeful message yet from these two scholarly leaders! This will stay with me. Thank you Steve!
Been demonstrating every week and reading now The Constitution aloud at all these rallies and giving pocket copies of it away to people there! Thank you all three for all this! Just realized as a theologian that stability is now in our churches to help those who are feeling the effects of DT's and EM's chaos! We will prevail!
Does Substack have any discounts or programs to help people on fixed income, low income or no income
subscribe?
Cindy, Our Moral Moment is free. Hope you’ll subscribe and help build a movement for this moment.
Thank you for the immensely thoughtful discussion and uplift. Very inspiring.
3rd reconstruction-Yes!! Right on Rev. Barber! So true! We have wachet auf-awakened in this moment and as Eddie Glaude has also said - we can become a better union, but we have dig out the remnants of Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Klan, and slavery-Christian Nationalst/Fundamentalism, clean it out, dust if off, and arrive at a new day of democracy, solidarity of freedom and "Begin Again" as Baldwin says from Rev. 2:5-"do our first works again!" We are in liminal space before the dawning of a new country that will be more free, more equal, more of, by, and for the People! We are doing it, but it's painful! We can do it and we will!
"we have dig out the remnants of Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Klan, and slavery-Christian Nationalist/Fundamentalism,...)
Well stated. So many, many monstrous skeletons of the past 400 years in North America have been given new life by the present Tyranny. ALL of those "past" "remnants" you mentioned are ALIVE AND WELL.....just waiting for their time with the present MAGA movement to rise up out of the shadows were they have been waiting, preparing and hoping. RACISM is so deeply ingrained in the human spirit and, obviously, in the entire history of colonial North America to present day. SO MUCH needs to be dealt with. SO SO MUCH.
I get so angry and frustrated with fellow veterans where I volunteer at (The World War 1 Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Mo.) who believe in and follow this MAGA evilness. I cannot understand how they could serve in the military to protect and defend our Constitution while laughing with glee at how that same Constitution is being raped and burned on a daily basis by MAGA. Mind boggling. Their behaviors certainly prove, once again, how Nazism, or any other dark time in history, can take over the minds and hearts of otherwise highly intelligent human beings to do its work of human misery and carnage. I fear things will get much worse, perhaps even warfare on our street in the cities, etc, before this is all over with. And I say these things NOT as a doomsayer. I am anything but. But history teaches us what is going on in our midst if we dare to read, learn, understand and imagine her lessons...
Thank you for your thoughtful reflections. Yes, Racism is very deeply ingrained and White-fragility is part of the equation that we have to work through as well. I was taught racism, but knew it was a taught construct when I was 7 when our parents would not let my twin sister and I play with 2 little black children on the train to Calif. in 1957! I've been reacting against that now more than ever. We can be non-racist, but we have to work at it and all the dredging up is cleaning out the past, especially for us white-folks
I can't tell you how super angry I get too at the MAGAs--neo-Nazism (I'm half German/Polish and grew up knowing what happened in WWII) and I fear the violence in our streets too before this gets better, but I think Barber said we can keep the temperature down since we are on the good side of this. We just have to keep softly pushing with soft power. We won't convince them, but we can raise as much awareness as possible, we have to not get tired, but keep on keepin' as the song tells us and also speak to each other in all forums because we build solidarity and unity to support each other. Hang on to our ideals and we can change this country for the better. It's dark now, but I think we have the light on our side. Educating about history is sooo important-yes! Peace, brother!
In view of the sickening arrest (albeit in the Rotunda) of Revs. Barber and Wilson-Hartgrove yesterday, I was fuming at the sight this evening of folks set up on the West side of the US Capitol, tables and chairs and mic, the Capitol police just chatting away nearby, to do a Genesis-to-Revelations read-aloud marathon. I believe the organization is doing the same thing at all 50 state capitols. How very meaningful.
So much in this discussion. I completely agree that we need the 3rd reconstruction. This time it must be accompanied by the necessary economic and legislative systems and moral clarity that will lead to its success. We have an opportunity to build a country that truly meets the ideal of liberty and justice for all. Leaders such as these must come forward. Thank you
I stand with all of these men! Glad to see real character, the character many in this country claim to have, but don't.
who is training the millions in the streets now in disciplined non-violence? Too many folks I know are coming to these rallies with no idea what to do if the police attack
First one criticism and a request. You never did talk of registering thousands of the diesnfranchised request Great to actually see Bishop Barber [and Jonathan Wilson-Hargrove] on The Warning with you Steve. I have heard about him and heard him Quoted many times. So powerful watching him actually answer and speak to your questions. I found Jonathan’s astute contributions very important. The “disciplined” non violent resistance this time calls for; “good trouble” again; civil disobedience as protests. I believe one of the major reasons to make our voices heard is to awaken people to the realities of what’s going on right now! To educate about History. Fascism is coming for all of us except those relatively few people orchestrating a downfall that is already and will continue to benefit only them.
Your discussion so succinctly showed the advantage and power of righteous anger turned into a moral unified movement.
“Woe!” This Evil must be stopped and the Good will be LOVE. The battle cry that turned into a revolution that changed the world grew out of The Summer of Love in 1969. Changed the world for a time. One of the most powerful tools still remains and will forever: our MUSIC. A poet lead us with his lyrics and a gravely voice.
Yes we need the music to stand up. We had it during the Vietnam
war protests. We need the common songs to move forward in unison
Fabulous discussion and Interview! I so enjoyed listening in with Bishop Barber’s words! I look forward to seeing what you have in store for your next program Steve!
I am a retired ELCA Lutheran pastor. I had to quite in 2018 due to health issue. I am so ANGRY and DISAPPOINTED at our Lutheran so-called "leadership" and clergy for NOT SHOWING UP in this moment!!! Seriously, where in the hell are the Dietrich Bohoefers or Martin Luthers or Bishop Gomezes of our moral moment in history today???? How long, how much suffering and injustices does it take for these "leaders" to STOP what they are doing and SHOW UP at the nearest protest which are not hard to find????
In addition, ANY of these leaders KNOW that the media will come to them as the proverbial moth to fire if they wanted to make a public statement on TV. They don't even take advantage of that! That is a low bar! A mere phone call to a major TV station of the city. That's it. How pathetic these "leaders' are when they are nowhere to be found, much less heard. It is a total lack of intentionality, of movement, of mere agency. It is a MORAL FAILURE of our so-called "Christian Leadership" in the ELCA.
Thank you, all 3 of you, for doing what you can to raise this DEMAND for ACTION!!! Our nation is now, in the present, firmly in the hands of authoritarian and fascists rule. No question. Our court systems, at all levels, have been told, already, that they play only a minor part (when needed by them!) in this Neo-fascists government we are witnessing.
I want to help, but I feel powerless. As you say, this is NOT a religious moment only. It is a MORAL moment in human history in one part of the world that does, indeed, effect and affect ALL the world.
NOW is the time. There is no more waiting. The privilege and/or luxury to wait and watch has long sailed. God help us all. The world is watching.
Yeah! Captions