Bishop Edgar Budge’s bold appeal: Speaking truth to power from the Pulpit
Bishop Edgar Budge did not “budge” an inch in speaking the truth to power. He openly and politely appealed to Donald Trump, right from the pulpit, to show mercy.
The powerful Bishop spoke truth to power by urging the most powerful man in the world, next to Almighty God Himself, to please temper justice with mercy.
He called for a little kindness toward the millions of Americans suffering due to the vicious policies Trump had swiftly enacted after being sworn into one of the highest offices in the world.
Just 11 days earlier, the 39th President of the United States, the late and beloved James Earl Carter, had used that same office to do so much good in the world.
It is precisely this same power that Donald Trump would go on to abuse, perpetuating much harm in America and around the world with the stroke of his pen, moments after assuming office as the vindictive 47th President of the United States.
One could tell from his body language, and that of his Vice President, that they would have ordered the Bishop to beheaded or sent to the gallows or gas chamber, much like King Louis XVI of France, Adolf Hitler of the Third Reich, or Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada of Uganda might have done.
But thank God the U.S. Supreme Court, which Trump had effectively manipulated, did not possess such powers. It could never have given him the absolute authority he would have eagerly used to silence the audacious and fearless Bishop forever.
I rest my case.
Prince Dr Wumi Akintide a public affairs analyst writes from Oyemekun Terrace New York City
