Look to the heavens — but not the moon

December, a time of darkness. We light it up with twinkling, colored lights and Jesus’ teachings of love and compassion.

But can we light up the darkness in our politics? It’s the darkness of division, not a government takeover or corporate greed. In bringing the light, is it possible to enlist religious teachings: Want to know how to solve homelessness in Chico? Uncertain about universal healthcare in our country? Read the New Testament. We’re following the teachings of Jesus when we take care of each other. If only we could agree on that.

And there’s another darkness that is keeping us from being united. It is bending the truth. Recently, on national television, Doug LaMalfa, our Representative to Congress, outlined his reasons for supporting a lawsuit brought by 18 states and supported by 126 members of Congress in their objective of overturning the results of our national election even though all 50 states had certified their results, and as many lawsuits brought to the courts by supporters were struck down. He referred to our state as “crazy California” as he put forth the idea that no evidence of fraud doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist using landing on the moon as an example of something we couldn’t prove. I’m certain our Representative knows that Joe Biden won the election.

When the light emerges, what do we plan to do differently in 2021? Embrace the truth? Move to a more compassionate spirit? Actually follow the teachings of Jesus?

— Bonnie Bennett, Chico