Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable source of information, inspiration, and action for the post-election period. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it.

Today is Monday, December 9, 42 days before Inauguration Day. In this edition, we cover President-elect Donald Trump’s alarming and sometimes contradictory statements in a recent television interview, report on the Biden administration reportedly considering preemptive pardons for some of Trump’s political foes, and update you on the ongoing situation in Syria following the end of the Assad regime. We also offer opportunities for action to support the Senate’s role in confirming political nominees, as well as an opportunity to commit to non-military solutions in Israel-Palestine. As always, we offer spiritual resources for the road ahead during this second week of Advent.

– Rev. Adam Taylor and Rev. Moya Harris, Sojourners

In the News

Here’s what we know at the time of writing:

1) Over the weekend, Trump gave a wide-ranging television interview in which he made a series of alarming and sometimes contradictory statements about mass deportations, retribution against political opponents, pardons for Jan. 6 perpetrators, and more. He reaffirmed his plans for mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship (protected by the 14th Amendment) while also expressing openness to working with Democrats to protect Dreamers. Trump stated that “retribution will be through success” rather than prosecuting President Joe Biden but also said members of the Jan. 6 committee, including Bennie Thomspon and Liz Cheney, “should go to jail.” Additionally, he pledged to consider pardons for those involved in the Jan. 6 insurrection on his first day in office.

2) The Biden White House staff is reportedly discussing the possibility of issuing preemptive pardons for some of the officials Trump has threatened to prosecute. Such officials could still be prosecuted for state crimes or sued for civil offenses, but pardons could protect them from federal criminal penalties for acts taken before Trump’s second term. Issuing such pardons is controversial, with even some Democratic members of Congress expressing concern that it could set a troubling precedent.

3) In Syria, rebels overthrew the authoritarian government of Bashar-al-Assad this past weekend, ending five decades of Assad family rule and a devastating 13-year civil war. The fall of the Assad regime is a blow to both Russia and Iran, who each played a key role in keeping Assad in power. The country now faces an uncertain future, with many factions vying for control. The civil war displaced 7.2 million Syrians within the country and forced over 6 million to flee as refugees.

Take Action

Tell your Senators: Say no to Trump’s recess appointments! Trump is attempting to exploit a Constitutional loophole and circumvent accountability by the legislative branch by using “recess appointments” to install Cabinet members and other key positions, regardless of their qualifications. If the Senate were to allow this, it would amount to a serious abdication of Senate leadership with dire consequences. Contact your Senators today and urge them to defend the checks and balances essential to our democracy.
Join Churches for Middle East Peace’s “Advent, Not Arms” Campaign! CMEP is calling on those in power to work toward a peaceful end to the conflict in Israel and Palestine. They urge all sides to lay down their arms and call for the release of hostages and prisoners held without due process. While all sides of the conflict have been accused of war crimes, the U.S. government is only sending weapons to the Israeli government. The U.S. should reject military might as a solution to the conflict by suspending its sales of offensive weapons to Israel and doing all it can to push for an immediate and lasting ceasefire. In this second week of Advent, when many traditions emphasize the importance and power of peace, let’s recommit ourselves to nonviolent solutions to conflict.

Deep Breaths

They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace. — Jeremiah 6:14

As you continue to breathe during this second week of Advent, consider what type of peace seek. Is it a peace that reflects a state of mental and emotional calmness, free from anxiety, stress, or disturbance? Perhaps you are looking for a state of harmony within your community, characterized by the absence of violence, oppression, or conflict? Maybe both.

Sit with both definitions. Contemplate on how you will move toward peace in this season.

Let there be peace on earth. 🎶🙏🏽

— Rev. Moya Harris, Director of Racial Justice, Sojourners

P.S. You can access previous Truth and Action Roundup playlists here.

The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff:
President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor
Director of Racial Justice: Rev. Moya Harris
Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson
Senior Adviser and Director to the President’s Office: Elizabeth Denlinger Reaves
Director of Campaigns and Mobilizing: Sandy Ovalle Martínez
Director of Congregational Outreach & Education: Rev. Andrea Saccoccio
Digital Communications Associate: Lexi Schnaser
Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims

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