TRUMP: Women take a stand

I found it interesting that Pamela Hemphill, a 71-year-old retired drug and alcohol counselor from Boise, who took part in the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot, rejected a pardon from President Trump. Her stated reason for doing so: “It’s an insult to the Capitol police, to the rule of law, and to the nation. If I accept a pardon, I’m continuing their propaganda, their gaslighting, and all their falsehoods about January 6th.” A woman standing up for her moral core and not taking the easy way out. Kudos, Pamela.

In other news. The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, gave a sermon asking the president to show mercy for marginalized people within our society. Our president has since called her a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater,” been dismissive about her sermon, and has demanded an apology for what he apparently sees as a slight against him. There was no slight against him, only a plea for openness to the Gospel teaching of mercy. Another woman stands up for her faith, speaking truth to power.

Meanwhile, foreign countries, corporations and individuals are considering ways to curry favor with President Trump, perhaps by funneling cash to any one of his numerous businesses or by promoting economic opportunities for Melania. It seems that if you have money, you can arrange to be taken care of. Don’t worry about those people who harvest your produce, pack your meats, and clean your homes and businesses. Surely, there are others who can take their place.

ERNEST WARNER

Coeur d’Alene