It’s crazy times, my friends. Over the past few years, we have been constantly told how profoundly and uniquely our country is divided. Sure, we are told this by those who profit off a deeply divided citizenship (as in, their fortunes are tied to pitting one side against the other). And sure, we might find a different story if we just put down our phones and talked with our neighbors. Yet there can be no denying that from the infamous actions of January 6th to the assignation attempt on Trump, things seem to feel like they are spiraling dangerously out of control.
As the news was coming in Saturday afternoon, I checked social media to get the latest updates but somehow didn’t feel all that shocked. Saddened, to be sure, and perhaps a little frightened. But not too surprised by a gunman taking a shot at the former president. Maybe it was the years of panicked rhetoric likening Trump to Hitler and a possible second term as the end of democracy itself. If there is truth in this, if this is the case being argued, then it seems to be reasonable to assume that at some point, someone would try and play the hero to end the greatest threat to our country and freedoms.
And then, I remembered that scene from the Clint Eastwood epic Unforgiven where the hired gun English Bob is discussing with the barber the assignation of President Garfield:
English Bob: Well, there’s a dignity royalty. A majesty that precludes the likelihood of assassination. If you were to point a pistol at a king or a queen, your hands would shake as though palsied.
Barber: Oh, I wouldn’t point no pistol at nobody, sir.
English Bob: Well, that’s a wise policy, a wise policy. But if you did. I can assure you if you did, that the sight of royalty would cause you to dismiss all thoughts of bloodshed, and you would stand… how shall I put it? In awe. Now, a president… well, I mean… why not shoot a president?
The discussion centers on understanding a president’s nature and purpose. And specifically, whatever a president is, it pales compared to actual royalty. There’s substance and majesty inherent in royalty. It is anchored to something more significant than the electoral wishes of the masses. A president, well, that’s just one of us; after all, anyone can grow up to be president—or so we were told.
Just think about it: What are we supposed to do with presidents and former presidents and presidents to be? We may want them to play the part of royalty, to be that image of majesty and dignity that inspires and humbles the rest of us. But they aren’t. Like the Duck of Death asserts (bonus points if you get the reference), a president is just one of us. You are the proud and senile old man who will destroy it all for one more chance at glory. You are the boastful and arrogant ones who will bend the truth to fit your own narratives no matter the cost. These men that we saw in the so-called debate, these men that we see bumbling around in confusion, asserting blatant lies or now being shot at out of hatred, this is America, baby.
Take a good look! This is us.
It isn’t majestic, and it certainly isn’t royalty. It isn’t the kingdom of heaven or the foundations of your eternal home. However, it does present a multitude of opportunities for love, kindness, and forgiveness. A good rule might be something like this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. And love your neighbor as yourself. And it is easy to see many neighbors who could use your love.
