Congressman Elijah Cummings (RIP) took congressional oversight seriously. Overseeing the Department of Homeland Security, he is like a mother bear protecting her cubs. His judgment rises from compassion. Addressing convicted felon Michael Cohen, he speaks like a grandfather to a grandson.
We have met the enemy
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa broke through the wall of apartheid. Can a process of honest confession (truth-telling), and forgiveness reconcile us in America?
In the real world, I have often confused good and evil. I come up short until I remember that I live in Pogo’s world. “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” Like the biblical prophets, Elijah Cummings confronted the worst in us and encouraged the best in us. “We can do better,” he says. I wonder if we can. “We’re better than this.” I wonder whether we are.
STOP! Listen up!
“If you bite and devour one another,” wrote the Apostle Paul to a church whose people were biting and devouring each other, “watch out that you are not consumed by each other.” (Epistle to the Galatians 5:15). The warning is more than a suggestion. In the Greek text, “WATCH OUT!” is to morality and ethics what “Halt!” is to soldiers: “STOP! LISTEN UP!”
Groaning too deep for words
What makes us human is not power or the capacity to create chaos and division. Or to make noise. Or to take center stage. Noisy gongs and clanging cymbals distract us from hearing the groaning that rumbles deep within every human heart. These groans are the labor pains by which a better Michael Cohen, a better Donald Trump, a better America, a better world, and a better us are born.
Gordon C. Stewart, public theologian, author of Be Still! Departure from Collective Madness (2017 Wipf & Stock), Brooklyn Park, MN, July 16, 2025.
Views from the Edge 
Gordon, We moved to Maryland March 2016 and were privileged to be represented by Elijah Cummings. I developed a phone relationship with his special assistant and former law partner. Cummings always stood for the good. Mfume became our Congressman at Cummings death. Former head of NAACP Mfume has been a stalwart for justice and equality.
Then by an act of redistricting we were thrown into Andy Harris, Chair of Freedom Caucus, district.
Harris met regularly in Willard Hotel to plan January 6th insurrection. He bussed constituents to DC for that travisty.
He keeps emailing me about all the ways he is representing me. I keep responding to this emails asserting there is NO Way in any form he represents me in any way.
I don’t get responses from Andy.
i expressed concerns to Mfume . I get regular correspondence from him as my exofficio Congressman. We need a lot more Cummings, Mfume representatives. Fewer Mike Johnsons.
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Thanks for the timely wisdom from Elijah & Pogo, Friend!
Anna and I just returned from a quick 6-day trip back to Arizona
for a SURPRISE 80TH BIRTHDAY BASH for a long-time friend!
‘Always good to renew friendships – but also good to be “safe at home!”
Love to you and Kay – 🐴
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Once again, you inspire. You ask readers to face important questions – questions that we must answer and respond to in the face of the reality of evil and greed. To quote another iconic leader, who like Elijah, left us too soon, it’s time to make “good trouble” (John Lewis). The time is now or never. Thank you for your words.
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