If those responsible are not held accountable, and if Congress does not act responsibly, this will remain a cancer on our constitutional republic, undermining the peaceful transfer of power at the heart of our democracy system.

Liz Cheney, 7-27-21 Investigative Committee

Liz Cheney perfectly summarized what is at stake in these investigations with respect to our commitment to freedom and democracy, almost a civic religion. Going forward, Cheney’s concerns will be the most lasting, with an impact for generations to come.

But she didn’t cover everything at stake. If we look at the code we live by with respect to our humanity, then surely there is nothing less at stake than fidelity to spiritual compassion, that part of us that says “we will protect those who protect us, at all costs,” the promise we make to those who endured so much suffering. We will respect and honor their sacrifice. This is no less than the religion of our humanity.

Representative Adam Kinzinger seemed to focus on the important second message, in his questioning as he fought back tears:

“I never expected today to be quite as emotional for me as it has been.”

Adam Kinzger, 7-27-21 Investigative Committee

There is hardly any shame in that. Quite the opposite, any man or woman who heard the officers’ testimony today and did not feel the emotions well up inside them is failing that second code, the one to our humanity, the one that we can no less fail than the one to freedom, and democracy. If we lose either one, we lose the other. Remarkable, but both reminders came from Republicans. Talk about fidelity to country.

Many of us share Kinzinger’s tears and Cheney’s moral outrage. Anyone who doesn’t feel both isn’t thinking hard enough.

Thank you, @RepKinzinger. pic.twitter.com/0V0ApRwiwp

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) July 27, 2021

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