I keep coming back to this feeling that "no progress can happen" for the next four years, like it's all going to be a wash, at best. But that's a fallacy, I think. There is never a "good time" to start a movement... thus the need for the movement! And I remember if more of us are thorns in the sides of these people, then, at the very least, we can take away their enjoyment in committing these heinous acts. When you are so wealthy you can insulate yourself from every problem all the time, then even the slightest inconvenience--the one person who refuses you the deference you take for granted--can have a big impact. I actually think being simply annoying is more powerful than we realize, especially when Trump in particular can't help posting at 3am about every little thing that gets under his skin. Make them fight for every inch and make them feel miserable about it because that's what normal people have to go through in fighting for our rights every day!
Well said. They can talk big from press conferences in Washington DC but they can't actually control each of the millions of communities across the US and abroad, who say "No. That's not how we do it here." If civil disobedience means being merciful, and adhering to principles of justice, duty, and solidarity with your fellow human beings then I say bring it on.
"I don’t actually know what JD Vance was thinking. But goodness I know that look. He looked like he wanted to complain to Bishop Budde’s manager (God)." OK, this is not a funny topic, but that got a chuckle out of me.
Also... Ross Douthat has a podcast?!?!?!?! Garrett, there is only so much one man can endure. I think I can speak for your readership when I say we don't ever expect you to listen to Ross Douthat's podcast. Personally, I'd rather read both of Kristi Noem's books.
Sue, of the four podcasts I listened to, Ross Douthat was far and away the interviewer who challenged Andreessen the most? Now, did he challenge him in any substantive way? NO, NOT AT ALL! But comparared to the other three, it was basically Nixon/Frost.
You know I love that everyone’s talking about a sermon! And your take was spot on, Garrett, thank you. I’m grateful events conspired as they did for your essay to emerge. It made me think of something my spiritual director told me in one of our many conversations about how to navigate this moment as someone who has a fierce conviction to love all people and also to preach the gospel (which sometimes hurts like hell to hear!). She said: “sometimes all you are going to be is a glitch in their algorithm. But that’s not nothing.” Watching that clip of Trump, Vance, et al hearing that sermon was like seeing that glitch in real time. A beautiful and heartbreaking thing. In the meantime, we take care of each other! ❤️🙏🏼❤️
I was, not surprisingly, thinking of you and all the other preachers I love and respect as I wrote this-- what a gift (sometimes terrifying, but beautiful) to hold love and grace and truth-telling all at once. Grateful for all the prophetic, caring voices from the pulpits.
I’ve learned a lot from you and your work about holding all those things together. There’s a preacher in you for sure. And 2025 as the year of homiletics is the best take on this year I’ve heard!
Thank you Garrett -- I thought Bishop Budde's homily was such a beautiful offering of what this moment calls us all to do: tell the truth, mercifully defy corrupt "authority," and recommit to protecting and defending the dignity, safety, and belonging of all people, especially the most vulnerable among us. And to use a pulpit to do it-- this preacher's kid felt some pride.
This was beautiful Garrett!! As a neighbour to the North (Canadian), it's so heartening to hear about the Americans who will stand up for what is right in the midst of such depravity. ❤️ And I am now such a massive fan of Bishop Budde! That lady has ovaries!!
This is a “Have you no shame”/Joe McCarthy moment, but sadly I don’t think it will matter this time. Bishop Budde probably isn’t Republican, she is female without Botox or eight inch heels, so she’s just nasty and “not smart” and should apologize for not respecting the divide between “Church and State” that Christian Nationalists abuse all the time.
I appreciate you saying this, Sandy, because one of the central questions I kept asking myself as I was writing this is "if I don't expect this to change Trump or his followers' beliefs, why did it matter?" and it made me realize was that its impact was on how it modeled a course of action for me and others who are potentially feeling hopeless right now.
Thank you so much for this - I didn’t watch and hadn’t heard about the bishop. I needed to hear that, even tho it also sort of felt like I was reading a passage from a dystopian fantasy novel. I needed to know that someone acknowledged the cruelty.
My understanding is that the presiding Bishop of the National Cathedral (so the Episcopal Bishop of Greater Washington) typically gives the inauguration sermon, since it's always held at that specific location, though I may be wrong.
The hope of a Garrett Bucks essay powered me through the inauguration and days after. And yes, it’s everything I hoped for! I’m glad you found a way to talk about this event, with also giving minimal time and space to DT. Thank you!
But also someone has to say it and the other fans won’t so I must. Hamms?! 😂😉
At least Usha Vance was polite enough to put on her best Very Concerned face. Everyone else who was part of the crew heard nothing but "Zub zub WOKE, zub zub WOKE." Lord have mercy.
I keep coming back to this feeling that "no progress can happen" for the next four years, like it's all going to be a wash, at best. But that's a fallacy, I think. There is never a "good time" to start a movement... thus the need for the movement! And I remember if more of us are thorns in the sides of these people, then, at the very least, we can take away their enjoyment in committing these heinous acts. When you are so wealthy you can insulate yourself from every problem all the time, then even the slightest inconvenience--the one person who refuses you the deference you take for granted--can have a big impact. I actually think being simply annoying is more powerful than we realize, especially when Trump in particular can't help posting at 3am about every little thing that gets under his skin. Make them fight for every inch and make them feel miserable about it because that's what normal people have to go through in fighting for our rights every day!
This resonates so deeply, Gretchen. I love how you put it: "There is never a 'good time' to start a movement... thus the need for the movement!"
Here's to being tenacious and annoying.
Well said. They can talk big from press conferences in Washington DC but they can't actually control each of the millions of communities across the US and abroad, who say "No. That's not how we do it here." If civil disobedience means being merciful, and adhering to principles of justice, duty, and solidarity with your fellow human beings then I say bring it on.
"I don’t actually know what JD Vance was thinking. But goodness I know that look. He looked like he wanted to complain to Bishop Budde’s manager (God)." OK, this is not a funny topic, but that got a chuckle out of me.
Also... Ross Douthat has a podcast?!?!?!?! Garrett, there is only so much one man can endure. I think I can speak for your readership when I say we don't ever expect you to listen to Ross Douthat's podcast. Personally, I'd rather read both of Kristi Noem's books.
Sue, of the four podcasts I listened to, Ross Douthat was far and away the interviewer who challenged Andreessen the most? Now, did he challenge him in any substantive way? NO, NOT AT ALL! But comparared to the other three, it was basically Nixon/Frost.
Wow, I was not expecting that. Um... way to go, Ross Douthat?
You know I love that everyone’s talking about a sermon! And your take was spot on, Garrett, thank you. I’m grateful events conspired as they did for your essay to emerge. It made me think of something my spiritual director told me in one of our many conversations about how to navigate this moment as someone who has a fierce conviction to love all people and also to preach the gospel (which sometimes hurts like hell to hear!). She said: “sometimes all you are going to be is a glitch in their algorithm. But that’s not nothing.” Watching that clip of Trump, Vance, et al hearing that sermon was like seeing that glitch in real time. A beautiful and heartbreaking thing. In the meantime, we take care of each other! ❤️🙏🏼❤️
2025 is the year of homiletics, Amy!!!
I was, not surprisingly, thinking of you and all the other preachers I love and respect as I wrote this-- what a gift (sometimes terrifying, but beautiful) to hold love and grace and truth-telling all at once. Grateful for all the prophetic, caring voices from the pulpits.
I’ve learned a lot from you and your work about holding all those things together. There’s a preacher in you for sure. And 2025 as the year of homiletics is the best take on this year I’ve heard!
❤️❤️❤️
What a beautiful, beautiful MUCH needed piece right now!!! Many thanks.
Thank you!
Thank you Garrett -- I thought Bishop Budde's homily was such a beautiful offering of what this moment calls us all to do: tell the truth, mercifully defy corrupt "authority," and recommit to protecting and defending the dignity, safety, and belonging of all people, especially the most vulnerable among us. And to use a pulpit to do it-- this preacher's kid felt some pride.
Above average preacher move, that's for sure!
This was beautiful Garrett!! As a neighbour to the North (Canadian), it's so heartening to hear about the Americans who will stand up for what is right in the midst of such depravity. ❤️ And I am now such a massive fan of Bishop Budde! That lady has ovaries!!
What a heroine!
This is a “Have you no shame”/Joe McCarthy moment, but sadly I don’t think it will matter this time. Bishop Budde probably isn’t Republican, she is female without Botox or eight inch heels, so she’s just nasty and “not smart” and should apologize for not respecting the divide between “Church and State” that Christian Nationalists abuse all the time.
I appreciate you saying this, Sandy, because one of the central questions I kept asking myself as I was writing this is "if I don't expect this to change Trump or his followers' beliefs, why did it matter?" and it made me realize was that its impact was on how it modeled a course of action for me and others who are potentially feeling hopeless right now.
That’ll preach, Garrett.
You can take the boy out of Methodist youth group, but...
Thank you so much for this - I didn’t watch and hadn’t heard about the bishop. I needed to hear that, even tho it also sort of felt like I was reading a passage from a dystopian fantasy novel. I needed to know that someone acknowledged the cruelty.
How is the bishop chosen for the inauguration?
My understanding is that the presiding Bishop of the National Cathedral (so the Episcopal Bishop of Greater Washington) typically gives the inauguration sermon, since it's always held at that specific location, though I may be wrong.
The hope of a Garrett Bucks essay powered me through the inauguration and days after. And yes, it’s everything I hoped for! I’m glad you found a way to talk about this event, with also giving minimal time and space to DT. Thank you!
But also someone has to say it and the other fans won’t so I must. Hamms?! 😂😉
Sorry I wasn't ready with an essay right on election day!
As for Hamm's: How else am I going to represent the land of sky blue waters?
At least Usha Vance was polite enough to put on her best Very Concerned face. Everyone else who was part of the crew heard nothing but "Zub zub WOKE, zub zub WOKE." Lord have mercy.
Usha Vance is the only one in the current administration trying to keep the door open for a future columnist spot at the Atlantic or the Times lol