In case you missed it, the above video features President Obama singing “Amazing Grace.” It happened Friday afternoon in Charleston, inside the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church at the funeral of the Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney.
It is one of the most unique and special moments in modern presidential history. It’s right up there with this and and this and certainly this.
And yet, you won’t hear a word of praise from the right. Just as, were Barack Obama a Republican, you likely wouldn’t hear a word of praise from the left.
Why? Because we’ve turned toward ugliness in a real and horrific way. We are America and we are Americans, but we are divided so staunchly that it’s painful. One is no longer allowed, by unspoken law, to be an arch conservative and also say, “Today, Barack Obama was my president.” You can’t, because then you’re a traitor to your beliefs and your side.
I’m off to bed. Dammit.