Truth can be a bothersome gnat! Consider the prophet Amos. A farmer during the reign of King Uzziah and King Jeroboam, Amos stepped up to speak truth to power, a buzzing gnat!

“For the three transgressions of Damascus…., of Gaza…., of Tyre…., Edom…., Ammonites…., Moab…., Judah…., Israel…. So I will press you down in your place….”

What a contrast to President Trump’s action plan. “You’ve got to deny, deny, deny and push back on these women. If you admit to anything and any culpability, then you’re dead…. you’ve got to deny anything that’s said about you. Never admit.” (FEAR by Bob Woodward, p. 175)

Amos spoke the truth about societal ills. The President urges denial of truth. The WASHINGTON POST keeps a tally of his lies and half-truths, presently at around 8,400 and counting. “Fake news” is a mantra for attacking the free press. Obfuscate! Dumb us down! Censorship is anathema to truth. Amos demanded truth. No fake news, denial or censorship for him!

Wednesday, the U.S. House conducted a hearing on gun violence prevention. Such a hearing had been gathering dust for ten years. The U.S. House of Representatives is proposing gun violence prevention (GVP) laws through H.R. 8. A Republican House member tried to silence two fathers of Parkland students killed last February. Similarly, nearly all Republican committee members walked out of the hearing when the conversation began. Don’t bother me with the brutal truth.  In 2019, the Minnesota House is proposing two GVP bills. Will there be another walk-out?

It is time. The gnats are buzzing! The analytics are clear. Lives are at stake. Actions can save lives. I urge you to contact your state and national elected officials and urge truth. For more truth, go to: www.protectmn.org, www.thetrace.org and www.engageelca.org.

No more denial! Face the truth! Feel the gnats!

Peace!

Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes