# Praying for our president and our country
*2020-01-20*

> Bill Young reflects on the political division in America and the impeachment of Donald Trump, calling for Catholic charity and the protection of the unborn.

## Political Bias and Christian Charity

It is a very sad day in our country where political bias is at its extreme. Looking at the articles of impeachment, it seems to me that this has come down to a place where the far left and the Democrats simply hate Donald Trump and what he stands for. I recently spoke with a woman who identified as Catholic but expressed a deep hatred for the president. I tried to explain to her that we are all sinners. Jesus sat down with tax collectors and prostitutes—people considered the worst of the worst at the time—and He forgave them.

As Catholics, we must remember the meaning of what Jesus taught: love thy neighbor and love your enemies. We should be promoting that message. Even for those like Nancy Pelosi or Bernie Sanders, whom I disagree with fundamentally, we must still pray for them. God's mercy is for all of us, and we should pray that they repent.

## The Sanctity of Life

One of the most pressing issues is the Democratic party's support for abortion. We know that from the moment of conception, it is a human life. In many states, if a pregnant woman is killed in an accident, the perpetrator can be prosecuted for two deaths—the mother and the unborn child. This proves that, by law, the unborn baby is a human life that should not be taken for any reason.

It is heartbreaking to hear figures like Michael Bloomberg speak callously about abortion. The press remains silent because of political affiliation, but we must stand against the killing of the unborn. Every abortion takes away a potential life—perhaps a future parent, a scientist who could cure cancer, or a future president. Those who support abortion are seriously wrong, and I pray that they find the grace to repent.

## The Role of the President

We need to pray for our president because he is the leader we elected. I believe President Trump is doing his best, though I will admit he could be more diplomatic at times. However, he has kept his promises—from appointing conservative judges who will fight for the unborn to making historic deals with China and updating trade agreements like NAFTA. He is a businessman and a deal-maker, which is why we elected him.

This impeachment feels like a farce. Holding back aid for a few weeks is not treason; the president has the right to request investigations. I believe the opposition is pursuing this path only because they know he is likely to win the next election in a landslide.

## Finding Strength in the Passion

During the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, I am reminded of the Transfiguration and the voice of the Father saying, 'This is my chosen son. Listen to him.' It reminds me that God the Father is present and speaking to us. 

To President Trump, I would say: you are in good company. Jesus Christ was the most innocent man to ever live, yet He faced false claims, a rigged trial, and conviction because of the jealousy and fear of the high priests. While the president's trials are not the same as the Passion, we can find strength in knowing that the truth eventually prevails. We must continue to pray for our leaders in the Senate and for the peace of our nation.

*Regardless of political affiliation, Catholics are called to love their enemies, pray for their leaders, and steadfastly defend the sanctity of all human life.*