This is an important voice among a community of great dignity. I have had many colleagues and clients during my business career who were LDS members. The common thread I found was their character. They did not lie, cheat nor steal. I am still amzaed that Trump can obtain a single vote from a Mormon in America. 2020 will be different.
236
I grew up in the Mormon church in Salt Lake City and attended services until I was 16. I'm liberal and an atheist now, but I still share many values held by Christians: honesty, kindness, respect for others, etc. I know that many devout Christians--Mormons included--tend to vote Republican because it is the party of religious values. When the Republican party nominated Donald Trump, a candidate with no apparent values, I assumed that conservative Christians and I had a lot of common ground to stand on. That assumption was incorrect and I am baffled when I visit the hometown of my childhood and hear people of faith disparage liberals and Democrats more overtly than before. Essentially, the religious right has been exposed as having no true concern for morality and religious values--like Donald Trump they care only about power and "winning." I greatly appreciate the rare, principled stands taken by people of faith like Sharlee Mullins Glenn and Mitt Romney. Unfortunately, they don't exactly constitute a critical mass of moral outrage.
254
From my Quaker-informed atheist perspective, this op-ed seems so right on. The fear-stoking (of the GOP and other groups similarly aligned) is the mechanism for controlling us. What the world needs now is love...and kindness and care.
325
God bless you, and your endeavors. Your mother had a wonderful insight, was wise, and passed the insight and the wisdom on to her daughter.
I have to be honest with you: I have, in the past few years, come to develop new respect for your religion and the culture it provides, although I participate in neither. This editorial cements that respect. Thank you for helping to broaden my mind and to listen better.
200
Thank you! Keep up the good work! Every Christian should be fighting against Trump because he is, despite his ridiculous proclamation that he is the Chosen One, the least Christ-like person imagineable. Christ wasn't a bully and he preached forgivence and humility. As you noted, Christ preached Love while Trump encourages hate. Christ chose to take the hit for our collective sins, but Trump cares about no one but himself.
50
Bravo Sharlee! I'm a Buddhist and feel compelled by my spiritual practice to eschew fear, too. Fear is a choice, and we must choose to ignore it. Trump is a monster balloon pumped up by the fear of millions of people who need respect and care and are not getting it.
Anyone who treats others with focus and respect, especially those in need, is a spiritual person. The particular set of beliefs is irrelevant. We can join together to poke a hole in the fear balloon. There is much to be done once we get rid of the hot air.
41
I am so pleased to see some religious conservatives see the folly of backing Trump. So many are blind to the lies and distortions he spews. I truly hope such ideas spread and save us from further hate and division.
30
Thanks for this!
14
The “ election “ of Trump proved to me that the greatest hypocrites in the USA are Republicans.
PERIOD.
32
I'd all but given up on Christians, who represent one of the major groups that support Donald Trump and his hatred. You go girl!
I suggested in a comment in the NYT once, and only once, that perhaps Christians should be asking themselves what Jesus would do. He was that kind man who spent the last three years of his life working with the poor, the sick, the children, and forgiving the sinners. I kinda thought that a comment like that would get some response.
It did. I was told that those sorts of thoughts were no longer applicable in the modern world! Few recommendations and no other comments. I guess hatred is in and love and sacrifice is out.
OK ... I guess Evangelical Christians have their own beliefs and all the rest of the Christians seem willing to remain silent. What happened to "He who is not with me is against me." No neutrality or silence is acceptable. ... Only, those ideas are passe'.
This column is a refreshing glow of light and hope. Ms. Glenn has a long way to go, but has gotten a good start. I already had reached a very positive view of Mormon's with Mitt Romney's vote for Trump's removal. The only Republican patriot just happens to be Mormon.
37
We are reminded that once upon a time, people from both sides of the aisle could and did join together to fight for the common good. Now one party is completely beholden to a man who promotes hatred and fear of the other. Thank you for reminding us of who we once were and hopefully can become again!
26
And such people will keep voting GOP until the vague unspecified changes happen.
8
Thank you for reminding us of this guiding principle. It is simple and it is powerful. It's depressing to be sneered at - as we sometimes are in our small town - by those who think we are naïve and weak in our beliefs that openness and inclusiveness are the path to the future. We need the boost that comes from your convictions! Preach, Sister!
20
Thank You for your activism, Ms. Glenn, I agree with all of your points.
Yet since you openly declare your self Mormom, I would encourage you to apply your moral code which has served you so well in your examination of president trumps corruptions to your own church in how it regards members of the LGBTQIA community.
As you probably know, your church has opposed efforts worldwide to confer rights to that community, expending millions upon millions of dollars to prevent gays from being able to marry the person they love, or for trans kids to have a unisex bathroom at their school. These efforts extend far beyond your beloved Utah.
I dont want to be overly critical Ms. Glenn, because the cause you have chosen is just, but your Mormon Church has some serious human rights issues to deal with too.
17
Thank you so much for this simple clarion call to love.
10
Guess what, Sharlee, we don't care what religion you are. Mormon, muslim, buddhist or atheist - everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you are against (or for) Trump you must have some better reasons than belonging to this or that group. If you want to convince someone to oppose Trump with you, you should make your case by stating those reasons clearly and persuasively, not by resorting to tribalist arguments. That is just not a good look to congratulate oneself for bravery of opposing Trump despite your religion (though it is not immediately obvious to me, what one has to do with the other). Everyone opposes Trump in NYT pages, so if anything it just sound more like an example of heard mentality. Now, if you said "I am a regular NYT reader but I support Trump", that would really mark you as an independent thinker. And if NYT printed that, one might even think that it is an honest and unbiased newspaper.
6
As a 50-something LDS woman, I say, good for you, Sharlee! There's so much vitriol being hurled these days that it's refreshing - and a relief - to see people being calm and level-headed and productive in this way.
13
This woman acts like she understands the New Testament.
Trump and his followers do not, and are not true Christians.
16
Bless you Sharlee. Your mother taught you well and what it means to be a true christian. Keep up the good work. I lived in Utah as non-mormon for many years and experienced many contentious issues, but what you've expressed here is the road map towards living in harmony with others. thanks.
12
I can't thank you enough. Love over hate sounds corny but it is the only way. Have courage. If we stick together we can defeat this authoritarian monster.
19
The Bible is an inspirational force in many lives, as is the Koran, as are the works forming the bases' of a multitude of beliefs. One test of all is whether or not they inspire love or hate.
Hate cannot result in anything except pain and suffering, maybe deaths---millions of deaths.
Why address Christians with the Bible? Because Christian form a necessary core of Trump's support.
Apparently, there is one book important to Trump. He has admitted to reading no others. As first reported by Ivana, his first wife, Trump enjoyed reading a book of Hitler speeches in bed. He is widely quoted, without objection, as admitting the same. He said a Jewish friend gave him the book. The supposed 'friend' has denied that. So the manipulation continues.
7
I feel as if this same exact sentiment is reiterated weekly in the NYT. I think it is a beautiful one, and perhaps I notice it more being from the mecca of the LDS faith. I just find it so strange (albeit, good strange) that I have now read so many pieces of Mormons distancing themselves from a man who could not be further from Christina man in this newspaper.
8
Thank you Sharlee Mullins Glenn. Thanks for speaking out.
7
A lot of Catholics have a similar reflection, then conclude with "Yes, but abortion, it's preeminent after all." And all of that goes out the window.
I would love to hear a Mormon take on this particular problem.
9
My teen asked me just the other day if I was impressed with Mitt Romney for voting to impeach Trump. I asked her if I would be impressed by a senior in high school that could add 2+2. Fighting against Trump, the liar, the known and proven criminal, the tax cheat, the sleaziest and most childish individual I've ever heard of? The only real question is if he is indeed a traitor. Thanks, I'm so glad you're fighting against Trump.
11
You realize, of course, that Trump is going to go after Utah where he can. Kentucky, and Russia, will help him.
3
Donald Trump would have all who oppose him be fearful of what he can do to them today; The Christian Right that supports him would have us all be fearful that when we die we will be gone unless we obey. Two con jobs with multiple artists.
6
Once again, Mormons demonstrate that their faith is an actual faith. That Mitt (kinda wishy-washy) Romney echoed Thomas More's reverence for an oath, echoes for everyone of conscience.
Public life entails myriad compromises, but there are limits. This hollow man in the White House inadvertently demands that those with a sense of true self, of soul, speak into the vacuum - yes, with love.
62
As an immigrant, I support any group that fights xenophobia and nativism. Still, I am a little surprised by the title. Is being a Mormon supposed to give you some unique insight? I studied the history of Mormonism and its theology, and I hope the author will forgive me for saying both are quite problematic. Without entering into a scholarly debate as to whether it is compatible with historical Christianity, let us just stop dragging our religious beliefs into a political debate. To be honest, Ms. Glenn’s religious affiliation makes me less willing to listen to her, not more.
22
Thank you for this thoughtful essay, Ms. Glenn.
As a homosexual child who came of age in evangelical Indiana, I steer clear of all religion. But your writing reminds me of the good that is possible from thoughtful faith.
14
I am not a religious person, but I have nothing but respect for people who understand and try to live up to their religious beliefs. Sadly, there are not nearly enough of them.
10
It’s amazing what one person can do, for good or evil. Thank you for using your faith to shine a light on a path forward. I hope your work in the Mormon community will inspire others to create non-partisan groups who believe in goodness and compassion.
10
Thank you for taking the time to express your views and show how religion can be a force for love and community--as opposed to the Trump cultists who dare to call themselves "religious."
As a recent transplant to northern Utah and a former Catholic, I have been very impressed by our LDS neighbors and their commitment to the family, children, the elders, and the well being of the larger community.
We are older, and on some of the snowiest mornings, we find our driveway and sidewalk have been cleared by someone. Sometimes the neighborhood children leave little plates of cookies and candies or handmade cards with loving messages outside our front door. One of their valentines said, "Please remember you are never alone." Another said, "We always love you."
They love to do good deeds and be secretive about it. And when we figure out which neighbor did such a very nice thing and we thank them, each adult or child acts as if this is all perfectly natural, and why wouldn't we help our neighbors.
So it seems there are those religious people who actually live out the loving and responsible values of their faith, and those who use their religion as a weapon.
19
"Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger." Psalms 8:2. Psalm 8 advises the reader to stand in love for the powerless in our society. Merely by loving, the foe or avenger is defeated. Trump stands against children and infants and their allegorical equals. Trump casually promises revenge. He uses language of violence and war against those he believes are enemies. There is no way to be a follower of Christ and also be a follower of Trump. Trump's language of fear, battle, revenge and hatred is antithetical to all that Christ taught. I cannot comprehend how followers of Christ supported and voted for him. Thankfully politics makes strange bedfellow. I, an agnostic Massachusetts liberal, stand with Ms. Glenn and others like her. We may hold different beliefs and reject Donald Trump for different reasons, but we all stand for "children and infants," the powerless and weak in society. Trump stands against brown skin; against diversity; against children; against the poor; and, against the powerless and disenfranchised. No matter what drives us, I am heartened that there are those who stand for all the things Trump is against. I hope your higher power blesses and inspires you to continue standing for a loving mankind.
21
Very good, Sharlee Mullins Glenn. From a different Christian perspective, liberal Calvinist Congregationalism, the essayist and fiction writer Marilynn Robinson reached the same position, a few years ago, and also denounced the fear that is so prevalent in right-wing politics.
BTW, the name of the book of the New Testament from which Ms. Glenn's mother drew inspiration is the Second Letter to Timothy.
10
"So shines a good deed in a naughty world"
Thank you Ms. Glenn for shining a light in the weary world Trump and his supporters have created. There is still hope that Americans will see the light in November and elect a Democrat.
21
This historical account reads like a sign there must be a thousand points of light out there. Such courageous refusal to be intimidated under any circumstances deserves the highest respect.
38
We need more action to combat this growing evil. I suggest and some psychologists indicate that we need mass protests to stop this evil from taking permanent root. I suggest that 60's style music events based on love and peace could make a significant difference. We need headliners and a promoter to set this into motion. Democratic candidates are too focused on splitting the spoils of the Evil's demise to focus on the root of the problem, an epic battle between love and hate.
22
Thank you for noting it is the calling of all Christians to call for love. I hope you would agree it is also the calling of all people, not only Christians.
All the best in your work to help elect a different president in November.
61
As thoughtful and sincere as Ms. Glenn's essay is, I couldn't help but think through my entire reading of it why people as sensitive and intelligent as she need to channel supernatural figures or read ancient texts of questionable origin in order to live good, meaningful lives; to do the right thing.
The writer's experience reminds me of Mother Teresa's story of being motivated to act when, looking into the face of a starving child, she saw the face of Jesus. I always wondered why, when looking into the face of a starving child, she couldn't simply see the face of a starving child and act accordingly. Why bring a supernatural figure into it?
There's also no small irony in Ms. Glenn's not wanting to live in fear when the Christianity she practices is based in no small part in fear: The fear of eternal damnation, the separation from God. I ditched that fear decades ago and never looked back. I refuse to live in that fear.
24
@RJ Steele
Doing the right thing out of fear is better than doing the wrong thing out of hate. I agree with your thoughts and words but realize that many “believers” will probably never evolve from their erroneous doctrines.
3
@RJ Steele Not all Christians believe in eternal damnation and the "fear" (in the usual sense) of God.
2
"Then she quoted from the second book of Timothy: “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”"
Superb advice. One of the unattractive (and unanticipated) artifacts of our age of instant communication is that fear has gone viral, and charlatans of every stripe manipulate that fear for their own greedy purposes. Freedom is nonexistent when the mind is enslaved by fear.
One cannot help but be impressed by the fact that, among conservative Christians, Mormons have been more resistant than most to manipulation through the politics of fear. That speaks favorably about the depth of their faith.
Mitt Romney is not by nature a rabble-rouser. When he explained his impeachment vote, his pain at violating the rule of the herd was palpable. But his commitment to principle was more powerful than his fear and saw him through the ordeal. It was an impressive moment. Trump is right to regard him as a threat.
76
This was beautifully said, Sharlee. Thank you.
59
I have belonged to this group near their beginnings. I have utmost admiration for Ms. Glenn and the others who are tireless in their efforts to spread love through advocacy. I applaud and thank them for their leadership.
38
If we had this author as President, maybe our country would have a chance--however slight--of bridging the Partisan divide. Alas, loving your neighbor and caring for the poor doesn't seem to win elections any more, if it ever did.
But as the old saying goes, one thing to always measure a man (or woman) by is how they treat those who are below them, and cannot do anything for them. By separating young, foreign children from their parents, by caging the former and deporting the latter, Trump is right up there with a most horrific score, on this particular gauge. But he scores comparably on pretty much every other gauge of human decency, honesty, and compassion. One has to wonder when Justice will be meted out to this man.
34
Your wonderful Senator Romney has stated his support for straight marriage and opposition to both same-sex marriage and civil unions. This is certainly nothing to be so proud of. He is just trying to get his name in the spotlight for the next time he tries to run for President. Any why only Mormon Women for Ethical Government? Why not all people for ethical government if you are trying to be so inclusive?
6
@Mark I agree with you about Romney (and I live in Utah), but he sure timed that speech well. Don't worry though, he will do something else terrible soon enough.
1
Thank you! I agree with everything you wrote, especially the message of judging where a political statement or position comes from: love or fear. If all professed Christians -- nay, all professed believers in any love-centered religion -- would apply that test, I think the results would be a radical improvement in our lives.
25
Thank you Sharlee. I'll try, try again to act always as your mother taught you, and my mother taught me.
20
Can your organization, using love, turn the majority of voters in the Mormon faith tradition away from voting for Republicans?
Without accomplishing that single item, you may feel righteous, but are you are simply perpetuating the hate-filled fearmongering.
That includes Mitt Romney, because he supports the Republicans in Washington enabling Trump's continued campaigning of using hate to invoke fear.
10
Thank you Ms Glenn,for a beautiful essay.In these troubling times their are many who find it difficult to look deep inside themselves and find love and compassion.Fear is an easier softer way than love.Fear is anger at someone or something.The questions that you ask that have come from Timothy are good orderly direction,which are great tools to navigate in all moments in life.You have taken action when so many turn inward.I wish you great success,God bless!
11
Beautiful Op-Ed article. Thank you so much for your wonderful, positive, heartfelt words and actions. We must all be involved as you are to rid our country of the current disastrous administration and Senate.
37
Thank you for this beautiful column. I find so little these days to feel positive about, and your column gives me badly needed hope. Hopefully, enough of us will remain hopeful to finally rid the country of the monstrous presence in the White House.
28
To the author, thank you for writing this, it gives me some hope in a very dark time. I have to be honest, I didn't have a very good impression of Mormons, I always viewed their faith as one that seems to a lot of the time do the same thing as the evangelicals do, especially if you read the pronouncements of the church elders. My view is changing , I noticed that Utah passed laws against discriminating against gay people, because they didn't want to be seen as hating anyone, and Romney's stance against Trump was one of both moral stance and also I suspect represented the fact that a lot of people in Utah supported him. The problem with hate is you stop forgetting the other person is human, and I try to remember that. As angry as I am at Trump supporters, I don't hate them, I want to see them have good lives and flourish. Someone asked me why I can't respect what often passes for conservatism these days, especially the religious form, and I explained it is because their religious faith seems to be based on forcing it on others, and worse, using it to hate others, which in turns means they are using it to feel superior. I can argue economic theory with someone, I can talk about faith and agree to disagree, where i draw the line is where it is based in hate, that somehow if someone else is allowed ot live their life as they see fit, it diminishes theirs, or they have the right to tell others how to live or use their beliefs to hurt others.
17
@music observer , please don`t conflate what happens in the Utah state legislature to the desires of the Mormon Church. Salt Lake City is only minority Mormon and so there is a vocal majority there to advocate for the LGBTQIA community. But the Mormon Chruch in its doctrines is still virulently anti gay.
3
@music observer Think again. I live in Utah and I can tell you that "The Church", as we call it, is just trying to produce good PR. They are as opposed to LGBT rights as they ever were. A far right business enterprise posing as a church. Oh, and they don't want to be called "Mormons" anymore.
4
Thank you Sharlee for your thoughtful comments and your story. I couldn't fail to notice that the editorial section includes another opinion piece tackling with the culture of hate brewing in our country that is accompanied by a photo of the back of a man wearing a jacket with the words, "Make Liberals Cry." It made me cry - even though I'm more of moderate/liberal democrat. I too became an activist after Trump was elected - something I'd never done before. I hope more people take your lead, especially before the next election .... thank you again. <3
25
Much of the GOP economic platform has been and continues to be based on fear too. Fear that “job creators” will pack up and leave if we raise minimum wages to a place that enables a decent standard of living (and doesn’t require the gov’t to subsidize big business via welfare). Fear that people will stop working hard if taxes are high enough to adequately invest in our children, people, and infrastructure in a way that enables everyone to reach their potential.
The GOP has always been about fear and division—you need scapegoats if you want to make the rich richer and everyone else worse off in a democracy. Trump has just been more unabashed about it.
18
Thank you for all you've done to stand up for everything that is to be hoped for and aspired to in our public life. I'm just an anonymous person out there whom you don't know reads your group's statements but I can't tell you how much you and your group have done to maintain hope for me. And I assume many others.
11
I could not agree more. Thank you so much for sharing this. May your message reach the hearts of those who need it the most.
18
Very well stated Ms. Glenn. And few people understand that the fear we inherited is a remnant of evolution required for survival long ago, but not in today's world. I believe if everyone understood this basic principle, we would all be less fearful and the world would be a better place. It is the root cause of all the hatred and conflict in the world and should be blatantly obvious. Nobody seems to realize this perhaps because everyone thinks they take in information, process it and reach a rational conclusion. They are wrong. We are predisposed to unconscious, automatic "thinking". The fear is on a continuum, we all have different amounts and the more you have, the further right on the political spectrum you go. The most common symptom: the sense that everyone is out to get you. Make sense?
8
Amen!!
6
The message I take from this is that the way to respond to hate is NOT to work again hate. Hate is merely the symptom. The evil to be addressed, the evil to work against, is fear.
16
@David Martin Insightful statement! That would mean that working against hate can increase it due to the fear that underlies it. Love is the antidote, but does not involve directly working against hate.
Courage in the face of fear is something to think about, too, because most people will feel fear as part of being human.
7
@David Martin Fear is absolutely normal. It's an evolutionary adaptation that's helped us survive throughout human history.
1
That does not mean we should let fear control us. We are reasoning beings capable of examining our fear; the fear before us is not one of imminent demise although the fear mongers would make it seem so. It is the fear of the ‘other’ which deflates as we seek to build bridges.
The other facet of using this fear to feed hate is to emphasize the ‘us’ vs
‘Them’. If the ‘us’ is big enough it occludes the possibilities of understanding because the island is so large
4
The author writes, “Where we go from here, and where we finally end up, will be determined by whether we choose love or whether we choose fear. That may be the defining question of our time.”
It’s not being against fear alone, it’s being against the totality of what fear brings and what America has been experiencing since Trump was inaugurated in 2017- tyranny, dictatorship, authoritarianism, white supremacy, misogyny, trampling the rule of law, xenophobia, chaos, absurdity, banality, pettiness, meanness, garishness, superficiality and stupidity.
So where we go from here, and where we finally end up, will be determined by whether we choose to vote for Trump or whether we choose to vote him out.
If you want love to overcome fear, vote out Trump and I guarantee you’ll have it.
22
@Gaston Corteau All Republicans enabling Trump in Washington must also be voted out to overcome the fearmongering. If love is to triumph, the message must be loud and clear.
17
@Gaston Corteau
Excellent comments - Concise, each easily confirmed through minimal research. I have intelligent friends who choose to close their eyes and "believe" Donald Trump's fear-inspiring daily diatribes without questioning their truthfulness or validity. Our Nation is genuinely at risk.
9
Thank you for demonstrating that love knows no political boundaries–something my liberal friends and I tend to forget! My motto is "when in doubt about what's true, choose what's kindest." Fortunately, the more compassionate option is usually clear and so less complicated by fear and regret, etc. That's why we refer to a "moral compass", I suppose.
20
Thank you for sharing this. I've always felt that people with a strong moral core based on love, something higher than themselves, and a community is what is needed most against hate. This was Martin Luther King's message, evidenced by his non-violent stance. Thich Nhat Hanh stood up to hate with love and courage during the Vietnam War in his country. Jimmie Carter, too, is an inspiration in this regard.
I appreciate it when politicians stand up to be counted on the side of conscience. So, thanks to Mitt Romney who did that. George Romney was the governor of Michigan and is still praised by people from both parties in the state. I'm glad to see Mayor Pete discussing his faith as his moral core. As long as he's not trying to impose his beliefs on others, this gives us an idea of part of his character.
I am for a strong separation of church and state. One reason is that religion has long been used to wrongly foster hate, tribalism, and persecution. I am not against religion itself. Religion provides a way for people to look to higher principles, to the better angels of themselves. It can sometimes provide a community of support for stances that take courage.
We will need, courage, I suspect, in the days to come.
29
Inspirational!
11
As an atheist I am forced to agree with that portion of the Bible. Since we have a finite life it makes sense to spend it loving and uniting, not hating or dividing. Can we discuss eternal damnation, original sin, the atonement and the necessity for shedding blood?
3
@Sean O'Brien It may depend on how you understand these things. Here's mine:
Eternal damnation to me means that if you violate your core moral code, you will suffer, and continue to suffer as long as you do so. If you make a serious mistake that changed your life for the worse that is eternal. No way to return to the way it was before the mistake. (I don't know if there is or isn't an afterlife).
Original sin for me means that we all have the potential for wrong as well as right. It also involves humility, seeing when you have done wrong. It shouldn't mean being shamed for things that aren't wrong.
Atonement means we should make things right as best as we can if we do wrong.
Shedding blood means we need to make sacrifices for the important things. For example, anyone who becomes a parent makes big sacrifices.
I try to look behind the way these things have been interpreted to find the important truths there.
People reject religions for good reasons. In light of this discussion, a main one is the religion using fear instead of love. I think there are universal principles behind all religions but none of these principles involve the use of fear to control people.
Fear and shame have their place. Fear can warn us from danger. Shame is conscience, telling us when we have hurt someone or done a wrong. If a religious leader instead misuses these to control people, they are no longer following the core precepts of their religion.
9
The biggest fear for the country now, and should the president win a second term would most certainly occur, is that the "rule of law" under which we have lived for 230 years will disappear and a form of lawlessness will produce a generation of lawyers who will cite the precedents established by the "so called" leader of the "free" world. Even with all the country's flaws, living under the rule of law, provided for its citizenry a shield, albeit imperfect at times, against the lawlessness being foisted on all of us.
16
Ms. Glenn, Thank you for this article. I have a very religious Christian daughter in law who loves Donald Trump and dislikes Obama. She is not alone in the religious community. Here's what I don't understand. Trump has broken many of the ten commandments. It's no secret. He's very public about it. Thou shall not bear false witness. Thou shall not steal. Thou shall have no other Gods before me. (Money and Power). Thou shall not commit Adultery. Thou shall not kill. His behavior is the opposite of Christian while Obama does not break commandments. And yet Christians support him because, I believe, he has promised to overturn Roe vs Wade. Please encourage your admirable group to vote Democrat this time. And thank you again for your inspiring work.
63
@Mickey McGovern
Obama didn't kill? Guess all those drones missed?
6
@Dave Ask the faithful shot in Jewish synagogues and Muslim temples in countries in active war zones if they are equivalent.
3
@Dave If a president kills someone in a conflict where US troops are deployed, we are all guilty of breaking that commandment since he is acting for America. It's not right, but it is reality.
1
Good for you! As my reaction to the election evolved I began to realize that fear itself is the problem. I applaud your efforts and though I am not religious I feel we need religious voice. We need secular voices too. We need a vision of hope.
33
During the time when Damon Runyan and Walter Winchell were on the New York scene, there were a lot of characters revealed, but they were non-threatening and certainly not belittling, demeaning or denigrating to those around them, even their enemies. But that cannot be said of the current president. How did he become so full of himself and such a blowhard, denigrating, demeaning and dividing the country the way he has? Can it be traced to his father? Who would be the individual or individuals that he would blame for lhis current (last 30 -40 years) period for his present disposition? It certainly would not be the descendents or friends of Runyan or Winchell.
2
Faith drives out fear.
5
I very much admire your work. I hope that people in your organization who are conservative will reconsider the way they vote this November.
Senator Romney's stand for truth and conscience was admirable. But he wrote in his wife's name on his ballot in 2016. That was a vote for the hate that now fills the White House.
Put your money where your values are. Vote for the Democratic candidate no matter how much you dislike a particular policy. Hold your nose, if you must, but don't throw the election to Trump by not voting or with a wasted write-ins. This is an emergency. This is life or death.
Because, all of the Democratic candidates are decent, honorable, normal human beings, with strengths and weakness, yes, but decent, normal people.
Please don't help to reelect a vile excuse for a human being who is happy to win by setting us against each other.
69
@SR
That vulgar, disgusting bully is, on purpose holding a rally in Phoenix tonight. He said he will be seeing his adoring fans. Adoring fans, well perhaps a few. A great many attendees are there for a show because that person sure knows how to put on a show. He's dangerous and to be feared. God help our country and in fact the rest of the world should he be re-elected. I feel sorry for his naive supporters and hope they wake up in time. I have great respect for Rommney.
4
Thank you for this moving story and kind lesson.
17
To all the critical commenters: What do you really fear? Perhaps the answer to those fears is to have mercy on yourself, others and the earth. Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
16
@Andy , YES!!! It’s the smallness on the inside that creates fear and loathing on the outside. First we must love God with all our heart, mind and strength. Then we need to learn to truly love ourselves and THEN we can know how to give love to others without fear and loathing.
All of this takes a lot of personal work from a heart willing to love! It’s the journey of a lifetime. Some seem willing to take the journey, others not so much.
9
@Andy , YES!!! It’s the smallness on the inside that creates fear and loathing on the outside. First we must love God with all our heart, mind and strength. Then we need to learn to truly love ourselves and THEN we can know how to give love to others without fear and loathing.
All of this takes a lot of personal work from a heart willing to love! It’s the journey of a lifetime. Some seem willing to take the journey, others not so much.
@Kerry Exactly. God's mercy is all around us. But we have to first accept it. And then we can share it.
5
Thank you!
11
Brava. Thank you.
11
Thank you for this. Anyone who calls themselves Christian should agree with this. Sadly, too many don't. I wonder where you stand on LGBT rights? And how do you cope with the fact that a majority of Mormons who voted, voted for Trump?
88
@JM Trump did not get 50% of the vote in Utah, and I can assure you there are a lot of Mormons outside Utah who voted for Clinton. For the rest I can only apologize.
25
"I’m wary of people who try to create division or suspicion toward a particular group. Who assert that if one group gets more, we will get less. Who believe that if we extend basic rights to others, our own will be diminished. Who argue that if we allow others into our country, we will somehow have to relinquish our own safety, jobs and identity."
If you throw in "tax cuts for the rich", this paragraph from your essay describes the platform of the (R)s since, say, Goldwater.
Do you still vote (R), Ms. Glenn?
And, while some kudos are due to Romney for supporting one count of impeachment, let's not forget that he got filthy rich by destroying the jobs and lives of many of his fellow citizens through his career as a predatory corporate raider.
Sorry for these brickbats, since I do sincerely appreciate the efforts of anyone who tries to tug the LDS out of the 18th century.
17
I take my hat off to your organization of trying to muster understanding. Fear of anyone different is the reason I left religion behind me so many years ago and the reason you have stayed to try to mend it somehow. Being put into a set box based on fear of anyone not conforming to every facet of belief made my choice clear. We are now seeing the effects of how fear is used in dividing our country. Republicans have used this tactic by understanding how religion works and many religious people have fallen for it. It is tribal and promotes intolerance to anyone different. Religious intolerance is everywhere in the world and very present here in our own country. The only freedom is freedom from religion. It is the only thing that sets one free.
11
I found the quote from Timothy to be one of the most important lessons anyone can learn in any time. It is even more important now when we have whole industries devoted to promoting fear, disinformation and ignorance. Love, compassion and wisdom all go together as a triumvirate. So do hatred, fear and ignorance.
As a society, we need to overcome the instincts of our animal nature that feeds fear.
34
@Fredd R
Excellent comment. Thank you for sharing that.
5
We humans are strange animals, fearless and altruistic for our own tribe, and ferociously cruel and violent towards 'the other'...all at the same time. And now, we have a despicable monster in-chief, convinced he is above the law...while representing the law, incompatible with each other. One that thrives on a mantra of 'fear, hate and division', and a shrewd liar, and denying what is obvious to any thoughtful and well educated man and woman and child: the truth based on evidence, the current (and worsening) Climate Change crisis, the odious economic, and political, inequality, in need of repair, and the urgent wish for true justice. Indeed, that is what 'love' is supposed to represent. What is galling is that Trump denies reality at our peril, which makes him malevolent. And we, the people, complicit for as long as we remain complacent with the current chaos, based on a governmental mafia exploiting our tolerance and, by sheer repetition, convert their lies into the 'gospel' truth. The question is, can we allow the luxury of 'looking the other way'...until no remedy can be found...but the crying?
13
Well said. Thank you for all you are doing to push back against an administration that shamelessly uses fear to push its agenda.
21
Thanks to you, and to your Senator Romney, for having the courage to take the hard road, and show true character.
Reminds me of a guy, who about 2000 years ago, could have let the bitter cup pass him by, but instead drank of it.
16
Aside from the religious overtones, this is game theory - zero-sum vs non-zero-sum. It's not magical.
3
By their fruits, you will know them...
Too many of the GOP have failed to be fruit inspectors, leaving governance to the bad apples at the bottom of the barrel.
I'm not a member of the LDS church, but was encouraged when Senator Romney had the acuity to call out a rotten fruit and suggest it be thrown into the compost heap.
Sometimes showing love is being willing to speak the truth to power and suffer the consequences of choosing the best and highest behavior over lowest and least.
22
@Jay
Exactly.
In the Bible, Jesus is fond of speaking truth to power.
To often, these days, it seems to be about sucking up to power just for the sake sharing that power. Nothing else seems to matter.
2
Much of the "progressive" movement is based on fear of private business.
3
@Jonathan Katz Well, no. It is based on love of equality, of community, of shared wealth and well-being. All those are compatible with private business, so long as those businesses pay their share and contribute to more than just shareholders' pockets.
35
@Jonathan Katz
Hmm, do you mean fear of companies like the tobacco industry, Purdue, McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, Monsanto, Juul, PG&E, Enron, the oil companies? When private business lacks a moral core and government regulation isn't strong enough we all need to be very concerned if not afraid.
53
@Jonathan Katz
Only if you're referring to Communists - which Sanders and Warren are not.
1
I wouldn't say I'm fearful, but I'm certainly apathetic. Trump has worn me out. I don't really pay much attention to him at all any more. I've sort of retreated from my fellow Americans. I read about how they love Trump, and I can't relate or understand any of it. I don't hate them, but I'm certainly perplexed by them. I do intend to vote for whoever is the Democratic candidate, but I'm not hopeful. I think Trump and his followers truly want some kind of quasi-fascist government installed in the US and he is on his way to proclaiming himself president for life. Not much I can do about any of it, as far as I can tell. But, you go on with your work, Ms. Glenn, and good luck to you. Maybe you'll prevail and love will conquer all. But, I doubt it. Hate is pretty powerful, and Americans are full of it.
183
@Ms. Pea
It is vital to remain hopeful and to vote for the Democratic nominee who runs to oust the current occupant of the WH.
Democrats have the numbers, and if they unite, regardless of their preferences in the primaries, they will succeed. Important to keep focussed. Be hopeful, as it gives courage and energy. Unite, as the stakes are high and it is good to work together. And get out the vote, to restore the nation.
45
@Ms. Pea I understand your retreat, although I haven't myself. What Americans are facing with the Republicans is monumental, the battle of truth versus lies, love versus fear, etc., and all the actions that come from that negativity. BUT the power we have still remains this coming November '20 at the ballot box. I applaud your intention to vote for whomever is the Democratic candidate. Believe it or not, that will mean a lot. And, if every Democrat, formerly Republican, Independent, & undecided- votes "Blue No Matter Who", then we will have victory in November by voting this repugnant, corrupt, hateful President-- OUT! Then, we can rebuild.
44
@Ms. Pea I agree with the others replying here, apathy will only get Americans four more hellish years of the current POTUS. As the author of this letter points out, the real battle America faces now is the choice between Love or fear. Make no mistake, it is a real battle for Light, and trivializing it will only lend more power to the darkness. Hold to the Light and let it guide you and everyone who cares about our common future.
21
I support the activism wholeheartedly. This is the right kid of community organization with the right kid of mission statement. Love is an excellent guiding principle for any activism. Well done.
Thinking about it though, I have a concern. Follow love, not fear. That seems simple, right? I start thinking about traditional cultural touchstones and I'm not so sure. Allow me to frame the concern in a different way.
Would you be willing to support a Sanders candidacy over Trump? Republicans will most certainly label Sanders a communist even though this isn't true. More practically, Sanders is an angry sounding man. We would generally think anger is rooted in fear, no?
However, you look at his policies and all I see is love. More health care for more people, greater economic equality, greater economic security, and a wish to keep the planet alive long enough for our grandchildren to enjoy it. These all sound like acts of love to me, not fear.
The million dollar question then: Can Utah conservatives reconcile leftist love against Trump's vagrant immorality with something they perceive as fear and sin? Namely, pro-choice positions. Last time activists ducked the question by voting for Evan McMullin. As you might notice though, Trump still won our electoral votes.
Are you prepared to make a different choice this time?
12
@Andy While I support many of Sanders' progressive positions in the LONG term, I don't think they can be enacted at this time. I don't think he is electable for two reasons - 1) the Republicans will pull out his early connections to Russian communists, however hypocritical that is, because Trump's Russian ties don't bother them, and 2) Sanders has absolutely no track record of working with either Democrats or Republicans to enact serious legislation. He becomes a Democrat for brief periods of time, but identifies as an Independent and doesn't initiate or sign-on to carry the water for significant legislation.
4
@Julie Vote for Liz Warren and the country and world will benefit enormously. Read her mission statement and don't be afraid of universal healthcare. After all we're the only western country that doesn't have it and it works amazingly well inspite of the lies from Fox.
I live half the year in France so I have first hand knowledge and it's a terrific system.
9
Most Americans welcome LEGAL immigrants, but do not want ILLEGAL immigrants.
They recognize that the US cannot afford (or chooses not) to support our own citizens: the poor, the ill, elderly, disabled, veterans, et al., and that they and other US taxpayers cannot possibly support the 20 million illegal immigrants already in the US, much less the hundreds of millions of foreigners who would like to come here.
US laws allow foreigners, including refugees, to seek entry and citizenship. Those who do not follow these laws are in this country illegally and should be detained and deported; this is policy in other countries, too.
The cruelty lies not in limiting legal immigration, or detaining and deporting illegal immigrants, or forcing those who wish to enter the US to wait for processing.
What is cruel, unethical and probably illegal is encouraging parents to bring their children on the dangerous trek to US borders and teaching the parents how to game the system to enter the US by falsely claiming asylum, persecution, etc. Indeed, many believe bringing children on such perilous journeys constitutes child abuse.
No other nation has open borders, nor should the US.
9
Mon Ray,
Legal immigration is how all immigrants should enter our country. They are vetted by our government. They are a boon for our country. You mistakenly lump 20 million into one category. I have met many immigrants in my life. They appreciate the freedoms they have found here and are not shiftlessly living on government hand outs. So, you are mistaken to paint all immigrants as a burden to the rest of us.
100
@Mon Ray
Do not forget that this administration has been working assiduously to reduce the number of LEGAL immigrants, to make it harder and harder to become a LEGAL immigrant, especially if you don't come from Europe.
An asylee IS a LEGAL immigrant. There is nothing illegal in walking over the border and asking for asylum. There is no such thing as "falsely claiming asylum": it is applying for a status. A court hearing is supposed to determine whether that status is accorded. If asylee status is denied (a subjective judgment, by the way) and the asylum seeker is sent away, they have still done nothing illegal. Yet they are treated as criminals before they are expelled.
And no, bringing children on this perilous journey is not abuse. It is fleeing abuse and danger in hope of decent life.
Yet we say, in effect, "How dare you seek to become one of us!"
The US had open borders for its first century, it does not have them now. Nor can it afford to, given the state of the world. But it up to us, the people, to decide how many LEGAL immigrants we allow in, and millions of us object to the ever narrowing gate and ever rising walls that this administration is creating. Per capita, many nations have taken and do take many more refugees than we do, despite our wealth and history.
And lastly, even for those who are here without permission, there are at most 12 million not 20 million, and by far the majority of them support themselves.
203
@Mon Ray
"No other nation has open borders, nor should the US."
You will be relieved to learn that no one is advocating "open borders." You have nothing to be afraid of.
101
This wonderful article is the true source of our strength. Thank you.
8
Thank you for this beautiful article. It’s inspiring and grounding.
19
Bravo! Thank you for this informative and spot on testimony.
As the son of a former Mormon who just couldn't take the Church's own fear-mongering and "othering" of vulnerable groups anymore and who decided to serve a higher power in other ways -- as a law professor and specialist of land-use issues -- I admire the stand you're taking and hope for more loving, peaceable reform of the Mormon church in years to come thanks to your organization.
Who knows, you and Mitt Romney might lead the GOP back to sanity and the healing that America so needs to begin.
20
I commend all who would fight against the politics of fear, as the best amongst us. But with the caveat: Only those who stand ready for real sacrifice. This is "compassion". If we were truly "compassionate" we would open up our borders, allow entry to all, and just change into something new. True compassion would mean never fighting again, no matter what's at stake. No hill ever to be taken again because we are compassionate. And, of course, we can afford to be compassionate because "men are as angels". Lincoln appealed to those "angels". An appeal that fell on deaf ears.
But then, why have laws at all?
2
THIS. I so appreciate the author's ability to put into words that which I feel.
I will be sharing this. Thank you, Ms. Glenn!
27
Does MWEG have a Men's Auxiliary?
6
Does this remind anyone else of Marianne Williamson?
5
@Robert No. It reminds me of the basis of America's so-called 'Christian' foundation.
Fear is strong, but God values mercy over judgement. I feel inspired by this article. You?
13
@Robert No.
8
@Robert
Yes.
We all hope and pray for your success, thank you!
8
I met a member of MWEG who was speaking at our senator, Ben Sasse's, town hall (in 2017: he hasn't held one since). She impressed me because she was truly pro-life, not pro-birth. I am adamantly pro-choice, but respect her fidelity to her faith. She has led efforts to save the children torn from parents who were simply seeking safety. She has supported Dreamers and immigrants and all post-born children. She has been an outspoken activist. I respect her and her organization so much, even though they are more conservative than I. And our senator? Sasse has fallen into fear mongering to retain power. He only serves others who fall for it, not all of us. He loudly proclaims his Christian faith, while teaching fear over love. Whose example is worthy to follow?
86
@Amelia To its everlasting shame, NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me gave Sasse a sounding board a couple of years ago. He exhibited a skillful mastery of surface hijinks that concealed the reality that he is simply another mindless trump hack who is contributing to the country's increasingly totalitarian drift.
4
Much of the “fear” that’s out there is the fear that jobs and financial security ARE zero sum games and if one group gets more, another gets less. In the global and increasingly automated economy that fear is real and needs to be addressed. Saying choose love over fear is inspiring but won’t cut it.
6
@Jay Orchard - merely stating a position without any supporting thoughts does not make it so. Fear is not real; it is created. Who created the fear you describe and why do you continue to buy into it? Can you not find a job? Are you less financially secure than anyone else? Dig deeper, my friend. Just because YOU fear the monsters under the bed doesn't make them real.
18
@gb13
I thankfully have a good job but there are many who don't and for whom the jobs their parents had are no longer available. For you to glibly claim that fear is "created" as opposed to it being an understandable reaction is incredibly self-centered. Maybe you should check out what Andrew Yang had to say about this topic.
3
@Jay Orchard I immediately thought of Yang, too, when I read this comment. His campaign was an inspiring one. We need a new way forward, a way of sharing as automation replaces many jobs. His campaign was the least divisive one because he did not attack others based on fear. He didn't attack right or left. Or right leaning or left leaning within the liberals.
I always felt his campaign was based on love though he would not have called it such. He sacrificed his money and time to bring forward something I'd never heard of before.
2
Thank you so much! I needed this today.
32
so, ICE should not enforce existing immigration laws?
Are congressmen are so useless that they can't change the existing law, if supposedly we all view them as unreasonable?
Those enforcing laws are not evil, they are simply doing their jobs.
It's the job of Congress to re-write laws. Blaming Trump or ICE or others is simply politics to stir up our anger.
6
Trump isn’t following existing laws. That’s a huge problem.
15
@Brenda Snow , actually yes he is. He is following existing law and rule of law.
1
@Joe Game ...Separating children from their families; are you for or against? Its is not about what you do but how you do it.
2
Beautiful and yes fear not.
11
Mitt's statement about his faith informing his vote was massive shade tossed at the evangelicals, who are holding their noses while getting their Judges.....
53
What is frightening is that evangelical Christians in the United States have overwhelmingly rejected the admonition from 2 Timothy and wholly embraced fear.
In doing so, they have ceased to be Christian, and are using an appellation that they have stolen and, on a daily basis, abuse, soil, and corrupt.
131
Thank you for all you're doing.
31
Thank you Mormon Women for Ethical Government and thank you Senator Romney for speaking up. It has become a contest of love or hate. The current person in the White House is all about hate. The consequences of choosing four more years of hate in the White House and Congress is terrifying.
50
Whether one believes or not, to be "Christ-like" (as in the Sermon on the Mount) is what being called a "Christian" means.
Someone please remind the Christians for Trump where their real allegiance should be going and that is to love not hate.
Don't hold your breath.
26
@David Izzo -They can’t, they hate all people who are not as rich as they are. How many millions are these ‘holy’ men and women worth?
2
Great article! Well said.
13
@Mon Ray
Thank God for ALL immigrants for they are the future of our country.
10
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Amen.
He also suggested his burden was light.
He said we should love God, and love our neighbor.
Some of my neighbors are extremely uncomfortable with seeing floods of illegal immigrants taking advantage of benefits, sometimes for services which they cannot afford as working people, and undercuttting wages.
Are you loving these people?
'For verily I say unto you, Till. heaven and earth pass, one jot or one. tittle shall in no wise pass from. the law, till all be fulfilled'.
There survives a notion, among some, that living in a society of laws does not preclude love and charity.
Yet, what I see is compassion poured out on pets, and on strangers there is no need to live with.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there
rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first
be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Matthew 5:23–24
@William "
...floods of illegal immigrants taking advantage of benefits, sometimes for services which they cannot afford as working people, and undercuttting wages."
Except that facts don't bear this out. These are fictions spread by FOXNews and other right wing media to induce fear.
Please ground your opinions in facts - not hateful lies.
41
@CFXK -- You are correct. The facts are that people in this country illegally are entitled to no federal benefits of any kind, and most states also deny them benefits. A handful of states will provide limited benefits to illegal immigrants. And, what are "services which they cannot afford as working people"? All welfare services are income-based. So, people with a salary over a certain amount are not qualified for benefits. William: what benefits can't working people afford that you claim are given to illegal immigrants?
12
@CFXK Don't watch Fox News. My remarks are based on first hand knowledge.
I think you are inviting readers to take your word that the difficulties involved don't exist.
Personally, I object to your assertion that my opinion is grounded in hateful lies.
I'm not going to a great deal of trouble to google up statistics for you, but here is the first bit that came up in a google search:
'Undocumented Immigrants
There are many compelling reasons why having a large undocumented population is a problem for society. It undermines law and order, permits a shadow economy that is harder to regulate, and is simply unfair to the millions of immigrants who have come here legally. Yet, while the undocumented population frequently comes under fierce criticism, the data shows that a large number of the nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants here are working, paying taxes, and even starting their own businesses. They also play an integral role in our economy, often filling jobs in agriculture, construction, and hospitality that would otherwise remain vacant'.
Perhaps that will be balanced enough for you, in the event that balance is of any interest to you.
4
Americans seem to be exceptionally-fearful people. For example, the fear unleashed by 9-11 has virtually destroyed most of the values this country claimed to hold (the Patriot Act, Guantanamo prison, government-sanctioned torture, to name but a few examples of the fear response).
Fear led directly to the senseless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that have destabilized much of the Middle East and north Africa, sending some 60 million refugees toward Europe .
I now await with trepidation the arrival of the coronavirus in the United States and the resulting terror on the part of the citizenry that could lead to martial law and even a fascist state.
22
@Samsara
9/11 was unspeakably tragic. It's also been the excuse for much political chicanery.
2
Ms. Glenn, you are my kind of Christian! With gratitude and respect from an east coast Jewish grandma. Thank you for restoring my faith in goodness in the world.
374
Thank you Ms. Glenn for the beacon of refreshing, hopeful, positive thoughts in the sea of negative headlines day after day.
It didn't take long though for some commentators to devolve into negativity and bickering. Amazing. I am not sure they even read the article!
Keep doing what you are doing Ms. Glenn. I hope more and more people will speak out over the din of bickering and hatred in the USA at this time.
17
Ms. Glenn:
Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!!!! Yes, I too, admire Senator Mitt Romney for the courageous stand that he was willing to take! I have been nauseated by Donald J. Trump's tweets, threats, bullying, puffed-up opinion(s) of himself and his family for quite some time now - even before he decided to run for president. It is quite refreshing to hear of someone willing to speak out and do what she can to protect herself and others from this circle of "fear" that America now finds herself surrounded by. I applaud you in this stand that you are taking. I do not currently have a Facebook page, but perhaps I can look into obtaining one, so that I can join your group as well. Keep up the good fight!
157
Love is the fundamental root of human happiness. Fear is the root of human suffering. Whatever our beliefs otherwise are, they will only express this light or dark reality at the core of our soul. Orient ourself, society, politics with love and humanity will survive and flourish. Thank You for this inspiring article!
27
While I am fearful, it is for all human beings now living and for future generations - as well as for all species, whose fate appears in peril. I have no fear of other people. As Ms. Green eloquently notes, the way to combat the destructive fears of those that separate us and our own concerns for the fate of others is collective, spirit-driven action. Guided by heart, but, importantly, informed by mind, the moral force of "courageous and persistent lovers" will prevail, if perhaps just in the long run of human history. The arc, as it has been said, bends toward love.
10
Impressive. You write with clarity about where the power in our actions comes from. When the source of our own power is fear or hate, our actions are demeaning. Love is our real power, and it is not a soft or sentimental power. It is, indeed, the power of light.
35
What the purveyors of fear forget is one simple thing. Fear of the Other is part and parcel with the idea you or your group/tribe are better than the Other and keeping your control serves some higher good.
But once you can separate one group from another it is also possible to parse this separation differently in a way you yourself become someone else's Other.
This is the thought encapsulated by Rev. Niemöller's famous words: "First they came for the socialists and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist..."
Or Abraham Lincoln's quote on slavery: "As I would not be a slave, so I would not be a master. This expresses my idea of democracy. Whatever differs from this, to the extent of the difference, is not democracy."
Love unites; fear divides. I choose love.
90
@Doug McNeill
The Beatles were right:
All you need is love.
1
I would say hate goes hand in hand with fear, also driven by the person who occupies our White House, and many of his followers.
I have a neighbor who has espoused to being the epitome of an evangelical; attends church weekly, serves in leadership roles including treasurer. And who, for more than 15 years, was very cordial and friendly to me - a progressive who has made it a point to not discuss politics with my neighbors unless I know they're on the same page. Which in his case, I never have. Although I will not hide my beliefs - I'm proud of what I stand for - and he's obviously become aware of what is important to me.
Since Trump came on the scene, he has done a 180 - refusing to talk to me, or even look at me or acknowledge me in any way. I can feel the hatred pouring out of him - not just towards me, I'm sure, but towards any others who don't share his beliefs. I've done my best to try to reach out to him - asking how he is, what vacations he's planning, etc. It only seems to anger him even more
A close family member, who is also an evangelical, has shunned me and shut me out of her life because I don't share her religious or political views.
If Trump wins a second term - which I fear he may - it will be in large part due to his expertise in manipulating others through fear and hate. And those who call themselves religious may not answer for their actions while on this earth, but I do believe they will someday be held accountable
119
@Sue
I'm a retired mental health professional who has studied narcissism in depth. In a long career I've treated the condition in its mild and severe forms. I apply this knowledge to understand Mr. Trump's character, behavior and motives, and publish fairly trenchant letters in my mostly rural, Central Michigan newspaper. I like to think my analysis is effective; I get three fan letters for every damming one.
My friends seem to enjoy them but I've paid a price: three years ago one of my oldest, dearest friends cut me off. He's scion of a wealthy southern banking family &, naturally, sees Trump as a hero. We traded our differing opinions for years & I've been tolerant of his persistent stance that I'm just wrong-headed. I always welcomed his views, even if we differed.
I miss the man. It is sad when a need to be right (i.e. superior) can eclipse long friendship. I imagine this is happening in many relationships in our divided country now.
35
@Sue I share your pain. For almost 30 years we had what I thought was a cordial relationship with our neighbors across “the field”. After trump was elected the relationship suffered because suddenly we were at odds over this president. Fear and hate is what has rebuffed my overtures to them, not an open view to what God has in mind. We both call ourselves Christian. I can not judge another but I do not feel love in this situation.
8
@Sue
Thank you Sue. Your observation indicates that these 2 holier-than-thou Trumpists, who wear religion on their sleeves, are the very antithesis of what Jesus taught. They are not religious one bit; they are cultists who have closed themselves off from love, respect, humanity, compassion, kindness, and forgiveness.
It seems the deeper into the Trump cult they sink, the more closed off from reality and rejecting they become, which is exactly what cult leaders strive to achieve in their fearful followers.
9
Trump is a known quantity; there are no mysteries there at all. So, for the author to state that she will not support his agenda of fear and the division is creates is hardly worth debate. What is more important and worthy of discussion is what she, and those whose politics mirror hers, will do with a Republican Party that has gone "all in" with Trump. Is such a party any better than he is?
27
It was encouraging to see Mitt Romney stand up for decency and vote his conscience the way he did. It gave me hope. Fear is debilitating and paralyzing. Americans used to be known for their generosity and helpfulness. I am praying that will again be the case. God bless you!
114
I would be ok with this except that it's defined by Jesus. I too am alarmed by fear driven belief systems. That's why I am an atheist. Christianity itself is loaded with so many fear driven beliefs that are used by followers to manipulate and control through fear.
Want to really address the widespread use of fear in our society? Change the way Christianity is practiced and look outside religion for answers.
39
@no one Christianity has changed through the centuries. To deny that change is to deny history. Especially for the Catholic Church. For all its current faults and there are many, particularly the lack of oversight of some of its employees and its funds, its central message of love and mercy and salvation is available for all. With inspiration from the Holy Spirit, we respond to God's gift of an eternal soul by the imitation of Jesus through self-sacrifice for the spiritual good of others.
By taking on the Republican fear- mongers, Ms Glenn is doing exactly that.
Republican's (and Democrats to an extent - I am old enough to remember the mushroom cloud commercial) have been promoting fear all my life. But it was the 1988 campaign when they turned up the volume with Willie Horton and have been doing it every since.
Trump, of course, is making a living at it. The fact that he can tear this country and its institution's apart while only Senator Romney from his party defends us shows just how much his fellow Republicans fear him.
19
@no one, changing Christianity is one answer, but unlikely to happen. The scientific fact that we are all evolved over 14 billion years out of one source makes us all brothers and sisters. All of life is one family. This fact gives an atheist like me hope.
13
@no one
The message is to love and show compassion for all regardless of their faith. Although there may be different motivations between religions and atheism I think this message is a good foundation to make the planet livable. It gives me faith in the human race.
25
Outstanding! I was advised many years ago to never vote out of fear. Thank you for writing this essay and for your work.
109
This inspirational and aspirational piece should be read and remembered by anyone committed to saving what's left of our democracy while it's still remotely possible. The power to transform outrage into courage is rare and must once again be revived, one American at a time. E pluribus unum.
141
Thank you, Mormon Women for Ethical Government for carrying the banner of Christian love and compassion. If only everyone who called themselves a “Christian” truly grappled with what it means to be Christ-like, this world would be a much better place.
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@Former New Yorker
Amen!
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Mon Ray -
It is not a question of “open borders” but one of rational borders, and even more, the rule of law. When we deny asylum to someone whose relative has been detained by corrupt police (who have received some support from the US government), we are not engaged in rational borders. We are definitely not engaged in following our laws. Such a person should have a credible fear for their safety if returned to their home country, but we are doing that.
Check out the Reveal podcast/radio show titled “Six Years Separated”. Such treatment of children by our administrations should not tolerated in a country that is supposedly dedicated to the rule of law.
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@Former New Yorker
Most Americans welcome LEGAL immigrants, but do not want ILLEGAL immigrants.
They recognize that the US cannot afford (or chooses not) to support our own citizens: the poor, the ill, elderly, disabled, veterans, et al., and that they and other US taxpayers cannot possibly support the 20 million illegal immigrants already in the US, much less the hundreds of millions of foreigners who would like to come here.
US laws allow foreigners, including refugees, to seek entry and citizenship. Those who do not follow these laws are in this country illegally and should be detained and deported; this is policy in other countries, too.
The cruelty lies not in limiting legal immigration, or detaining and deporting illegal immigrants, or forcing those who wish to enter the US to wait for processing.
What is cruel, unethical and probably illegal is encouraging parents to bring their children on the dangerous trek to US borders and teaching the parents how to game the system to enter the US by falsely claiming asylum, persecution, etc. Indeed, many believe bringing children on such perilous journeys constitutes child abuse.
No other nation has open borders, nor should the US.
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Bravo Ms. Glenn. I applaud you with all my being. And it's with the greatest of joy that I read how quickly your message has spread and prospered. And how wonderful that your mother paved the way for your actions today. I believe that it was Salman Rushdie who said, when asked how he lived with the fatwa on his head: 'find your best self, do the best you can, and hope that it matters.'
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