This week, it seemed like empathy might be in short supply. But we continued to look for signs of grace in a heavy world and recommitted ourselves to loyal antagonism, challenging as it sometimes is.
We found examples of transpartisan collaboration nearly everywhere on Tuesday as people rallied for National Voter Registration Day.
This great piece in The Hill was co authored by two women from opposite sides of the aisle: Alison Lundergan Grimes is Kentucky's 76th secretary of State and a member of the Democratic Party. Kim Wyman is Washington’s 15th secretary of State and a member of the Republican Party.
These corporations are making an effort to increase voter participation. “This is about recognizing that a vibrant democracy relies on engaged citizens voting, and that business can play a vital role by removing barriers.” - Rose Marcario
And a reminder that your vote is nearly sacred, treat it with reverence. “The right to vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool or instrument we have in a democratic society. We must use it.” - John Lewis
On Wednesday, West Wingers hit bookstores. CtK.Campfire Alums Heather Foster and Julie Rodriguez had their essays featured among those from 18 members of the Obama Administration. Added bonus: it was named one of NY Post’s Best Books of the Week!
On Thursday, just as hyperpartisanship seemed to reach peak levels, CtK’ers on the West Coast got a visit from Lori Brewer Collins. New alliances were forged. Old friendships were rekindled. The Campfire burns a little brighter and continues to add members. (Thanks to Sam Corcos for hosting a gathering in San Francisco!)
How do we recap Thursday’s SCOTUS hearings? This blogger spent Friday morning talking to her loyal antagonist, parsing opposing perspectives, and trying to assemble viewpoints from writers across the political spectrum:
Right
From The Federalist, Brett Kavanaugh’s Testimony Leaves Senators with A Clear Choice by Emily Jashinky
From National Review, Kavanaugh’s Testimony Was His Joseph N. Welch Moment by Victor Davis Hanson
From The Weekly Standard, Six Takeaways from the Ford-Kavanaugh Hearings by Jonathan V. Last
Left
From Salon, Brett Kavanaugh’s best defense: Loud shouting and conspiracy theories by Amanda Marcotte
From The New Yorker, The Ford-Kavanaugh Hearings Will Be Remembered As A Grotesque Display of Patriarchal Resentment by Doreen St. Felix
From Jezebel, The Cruelty of A Woman’s ‘Civic Duty’ by Clover Hope
Center
From The Chicago Tribune, Column: Brett Kavanaugh is afraid of something — possibly the truth by Rex Huppke
Religious
From America: The Jesuit Review, The Editors: It is time for the Kavanaugh nomination to be withdrawn by The Editors
There is no question that this week’s hearings left our country feeling more starkly divided than ever — and emotionally raw. We continue to believe that having faith in one another, supporting survivors, and treating all people as fully human are nonpartisan positions. And we head into the weekend looking for equipoise.
“equipoise |ˈekwəˌpoiz|
noun
balance of forces or interests
verb [ with obj. ]
balance or counterbalance (something).
ORIGIN mid 17th cent.: from equi-‘equal’ + the noun poise, replacing the phrase equal poise.”