An Insurrection Against Democracy: Watching The News From Washington, D.C.

An Insurrection Against Democracy

Watching The News From Washington, D.C.

By Rabbi Boaz D. Heilman

January 6, 2021

As we watch the incredible events unfold in Washington DC, we find ourselves overcome by many emotions and thoughts—fear, disbelief, powerlessness, shame, anger and many more. The United States Capitol is symbol of not only a great ideal—freedom—but also of hope and the dreams of millions all over the world: to be able to achieve something, to make something of themselves, to express themselves without fear of violence and harassment. The scenes of rioters—domestic terrorists is a better term for them—not only vandalizing the sanctioned halls of the United States Congress, but also disrupting a lawful debate, planting pipe bombs and tearing down and replacing the Flag of the United States with Trump flags create a terrifying vision for all of us who treasure democracy and this Republic.

I suspect that this day will enter our history books as a mark of shame, one that will take weeks and months to repair. While so much of the work that needs to be done now is in the hands of those we elected or appointed as leaders, we—the people—are not helpless. We might feel that way right now, but with so much to be done to shore up our confidence in our democracy once again, we will need to be engaged in the rebuilding of America. 

Voting is the first step, but sometimes that’s not enough. We must demand accountability from those who instigated the violence, who called for it and supported it. We will have to ask why security around the US Capitol was not enhanced on a day when we anticipated and should have expected violence. 

And we must also ask another, even more difficult questions,  whether a sitting President has the right to incite violence and if his personal attorney can call for “trial by combat.”

Because that is exactly what happened today.

There is no question that our very system of government, democracy, has been attacked—from the inside, not by a foreign government. How do we—The People—deal with this? 

As a nation, what must be done to make sure today’s events don’t escalate and don’t repeat themselves. Those are the big questions that will emerge from today.

As a rabbi, one of my roles is to offer prayer at a time like this. I have often explained my take on prayer: For me, prayer isn’t only wishful thinking. As I see it, prayer is an affirmation, a realignment, of my goals and my moral compass. Prayer helps me remember the difference between right and wrong—and then compels me to live that way. Doing the right thing.

At this time, I think of George Washington’s Prayer, titled “Circular Letter to the States” and dated June 8, 1783. Though by then the United States had won its war of independence, its survival was not yet certain. A peace treaty with Britain had not yet been signed; state governments remained hesitant to yield to Congress’ authority; and several officers in the Army had threatened to mutiny.  

[https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/circular-letter-to-the-states/. Retrieved Jan. 6 2021]

And this is what Washington wrote: 

“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have the United States in his holy protection, that         he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to             Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow citizens of         the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and                 finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to      demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the                         Characteristicks [sic] of the Devine Author of our blessed Religion, and without an humble imitation      of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation. Amen.”

The greatness of this prayer is that it isn’t merely a meditation: It’s a call to action. Democracy is not only a dream: it involves all of us in making it a reality, in maintaining it and keeping it safe.

What we can do is up to each and every one of us. We can start by practicing that “Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind” that Washington spoke of. Simple acts of courtesy and dignity that we can show one another or a stranger on the street. Some of us might be inspired to become involved in politics, or as defenders of the Law, our Homeland, and our Constitution. Whatever path we choose, we must go beyond the outrage we feel right now to something more positive and constructive, and always be watchful for those who would subvert the law and twist it to their own personal needs and greed.

The symbol of American democracy—the halls of Congress—was desecrated today. It is up to us to raise it once again, to rededicate the building as well as its purpose to the high position in which we have held it until today. 

We pray tonight for inspiration, for determination and strength to carry through this purpose, so that our children and grandchildren will always have this Institution of Freedom before their eyes—not only as a faded or disappeared dream, but rather as the solid foundation upon which the promise of the United States of America remains standing strong.

God bless America, God bless us one and all.

© 2021 by Boaz D. Heilman