King Charles' Speech Calls Each Of Us To Action

Yesterday, King Charles' finely crafted speech aimed to calm tensions between our two nations and restore our long-held bonds of friendship.

In his speech, five paragraphs stood out:

“...It is here in these very halls that this spirit of liberty and the promise of America’s founders is present in every session and every vote cast.

“Not by the will of one, but by the deliberation of many, representing the living mosaic of the United States. In both of our countries, it is the very fact of our vibrant, diverse, and free societies that gives us our collective strength, including to support victims of some of the ills that, so tragically, exist in both our societies today.

“And, Mr. Speaker, for many here – and for myself – the Christian faith is a firm anchor and daily inspiration that guides us not only personally, but together as members of our community. Having devoted a large part of my life to interfaith relationships and greater understanding, it is that faith in the triumph of light over darkness which I have found confirmed countless times.

“Through it I am inspired by the profound respect that develops as people of different faiths grow in their understanding of each other. It is why it is my hope – my prayer – that, in these turbulent times, working together and with our international partners, we can stem the beating of plowshares into swords.

“I am mindful that we are still in the season of Easter, the season that most strengthens my hope. It is why I believe, with all my heart, that the essence of our two nations is a generosity of spirit and a duty to foster compassion, to promote peace, to deepen mutual understanding and to value all people, of all faiths, and of none."

I liked what he said. But, it’s likely American leaders haven’t a clue how to foster compassion, promote peace, or deepen mutual understanding. And only in a parallel universe might this Congress value all people regardless of faith or lack thereof. 

And, I will add, it would be mind-bending icing on the cake if they also believed in the spirit of liberty for all, not just the monied class. 

But, the King’s speech was thoughtful, and made me wonder if by some miracle we could realize his vision of light triumphing over darkness—despite our mutual history of being mired in wars across the globe. 

And I imagined how we might persuade our leaders to start understanding rather than undermining others, and put everyone's security and stability above one's personal upward mobility in Congress. 

King Charles obviously gave our nation’s leaders much to applaud and think about. But it will be up to us to hold their feet to the fire.

How do we do that? 

First, we have to believe that this country deserves better. We deserve better. Our neighbors deserve better. Our kids deserve better. And so do their kids.

In November we have an opportunity to act on that belief by going to the polls and voting only for those candidates who have a proven track record of doing right by their constituents in every previous office they've held. To do otherwise is like going to the racetrack and placing bets on an imaginary winner.