We don't do Kings in America
Rise up with us on No Kings Day, 6/14
State of Belief
Navigating the Narrow Bridge: Congressman Eric Swalwell and the Fight for Democracy
On a particularly timely edition of The State of Belief host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA). Congressman Swalwell shares his insights on the current state of American democracy, the importance of courage in the face of adversity, and the role of faith communities in promoting compassion and kindness during challenging times. Inspired by the example of his strictly-by-the-book Republican police officer father, the legislator describes the courage each of us needs right now in the face of lies and fearful self-preservation so many of our leaders are choosing right now.
You'll hear about the significance of showing up for one another in moments of crisis; the impact of recent political events, including the January 6th Capitol attack; communicating authentically in an age of scripted messaging; and how each of us can take action and engage more deeply in our communities.
Paul also takes a few minutes to share the words he spoke at a recent Multifaith Monday gathering in New York City on the power of love and courage as essential components of democracy, and the mandate to be the change we wish to see.
Congressman Eric Swalwell is a seven-term member of Congress, representing California’s 14th District. A former prosecutor who led the Hate Crimes Unit in Alameda County, Swalwell's experience in local government prepared him for his Congressional role, where he served on the House Intelligence Committee and played a key role in the investigations into Russian interference and President Trump's impeachments. Rep. Swalwell currently sits on the House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Homeland Security. He founded the Congressional Future Forum, focused on issues and opportunities for millennial Americans.
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Ray Kirstein is the producer of The State of Belief podcast.
Leah Greenberg, Indivisible, and No Kings: "You do not need permission to get started"
This week on The State of Belief – getting ready for No Kings Day on June 14th, an initiative of the national grassroots organization Indivisible. Co-founder Leah Greenberg explains that No Kings Day is a forceful nationwide response to the royal pretensions on display in Donald Trump's demand for a multi-million dollar military parade on his 79th birthday. Leah joins Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush to discuss the importance of getting involved rather than discouraged, share past Indivisible successes and lessons learned, and the essential role faith leaders and communities play in giving credibility to public actions like this.
Jim Wallis and a Moral Budget: The June 10th Procession at the Capitol
A powerful conversation with Rev. Jim Wallis. We dive deep into his upcoming event on June 10th at the Capitol, A Pentecost Witness for a Moral Budget, which aims to address critical issues surrounding the Reconciliation Bill and its potential cuts to vital programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
Everybody Can Do Something: Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum
June, traditionally Pride Month, is almost here, and this year, Pride will test the courage of our nation. It has been a challenging time for the LGBTQ+ community – with attempts to erase trans people, roll back civil rights for the wider LGBTQ community, ban Pride flags, and in 10 states there are bills to take back the right to marry… as well as pressure for corporations and faith groups to distance themselves from Pride celebrations.