Today is my last full day at @protectdemocracy.org. Thank you, PD, for everything! And thank you to all of the amazing patriotic people across the country who have partnered with us during my time here. I've learned so much from you.

New adventures ahead! More soon!

I asked Chat GPT to provide a fact check and analysis of two separate pieces of writing today, and twice it confirmed that it has no idea that Pope Leo exists.

Love this.

"And I enjoy the city, above and below, the streets, piazzas, taverns, and a pizza eaten on an outside table, which has quite a different flavor from the one that's delivered to you: I'm a citizen at heart."

Here's what you can do:

Find your people.
Join a Faith in Action federation.
Speak up to those in power.
Join an economic protest.

I am begging you.

"Todos. Todos. Todos." Everyone.

That is Pope Francis's legacy. He inspired us. He challenged us. He loved us.

Let us pray for him on his journey home.

Give him eternal rest, O Lord.
May light unending shine on him.

Receive his soul, O Holy Ones.
Present him now to God, Most High.

@hcrichardson.bsky.social's remarks at the Old North Church last night:

"And once in a great while, someone will light a lantern—or even two—that will shine forth for democratic principles that are under siege, and set the world ablaze."

heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/april-18-2...

These resources for resilience outline security best practices to prepare for a wide range of challenges.

I'm starting my Lenten fast early: Off of all social media.

See you after Easter. Probably.

Following last week's Munich Security Conference, I have been thinking a lot about John McCain's final message to that group - a letter that @cindymccain.bsky.social delivered with tears in her eyes.

Precious things are still entrusted to our care.

Be brave.
Be useful.
Keep the faith.

I am reflecting tonight on Pope Francis's very first appearance as Pope. Before he gave his blessing to the crowd in St. Peter's Square, he asked them to pray for him. Let's pray for him that same spirit tonight. For his health, for peace of mind, and for a closeness to the Lord.

With disruption (at the very least) of PEPFAR services, I am thinking back to closing remarks from Michael Gerson at an event we did at Georgetown years ago on Christianity and public life. Stirring words, still:

BTW, note the portion of this graph that has the fewest voters. That little empty section is who you appeal to when you say that "mind your own damn business" is the Golden Rule.

From the collection:

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

These days (and most days) I'm drawing inspiration from Fannie Lou Hamer's story. In the face of state-sanctioned violence & assassination attempts, she did not give up hope. I anchored my remarks at Notre Dame on her story. You can read the prepared text here:
millennialjournal.com/2024/12/10/t...

NH Gov-Elect (and my old boss) Kelly Ayotte smoked me in this morning's 5K in Nashua!

161 years ago today, Abraham Lincoln delivered what we now call The Gettysburg Address. It is worth re-reading today.