One of the most poignant images on election day, were the “I Voted” stickers attached to the memorial for Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Both were killed by ICE during Metro Surge in Minneapolis. Investigations into their deaths have been stymied by the Department of Homeland Security’s refusal to release evidence to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, or the local County Attorney. “I Voted” stickers were a message to the world, the voter chose candidates who would work to rein in ICE, it’s tactics, lawlessness, violence and unconstitutional actions.

High prices caused by both an unnecessary war with Iran, and tariffs, fueled part of the backlash in this week’s elections across the country. But there was also frustration with the maliciousness of ICE enforcement and executive overreach. All of it led to a seismic shift, as Democrats won elections, no one thought they could, in places MAGA was sure of.   It turns out, decency matters.

David French, in today’s New York Times opinion piece, looking at this week’s MAGA reckoning said, “Donald Trump is to blame, but no one — absolutely no one — made you imitate him.”

Republicans lost for so many other reasons. The war and economic chaos that followed it . . .  The on again, off again tariffs that mess with every business, Trump’s focus on building monuments to himself in Washington instead of people’s needs, and cuts to medicaid. But, that is only part of it. Exit polls reported great concern about corruption from Trump and family, amassing millions and billions, while in office.

But underlying it all, is the immense cruelty of ICE as they invaded cities,  killed citizens, rounded up long time neighbors and detained people in dehumanizing conditions.

In the midst of all of this Republicans, checked their conscience at the door,  refusing to confront injustice or executive overreach. They chose silence in the face of suffering, fearing the wrath of the president, instead of the wrath of God.

David French continued in his piece, “They made the conscious decision to follow, defend and pledge allegiance to an unstable, hateful man, and now — at long last — they’re experiencing the inevitable consequences of their inexcusable moral compromises.”

It turns out, decency, goodness, mercy, justice, integrity and compassion matter.

“The righteous walk in integrity leaving a blessing for their children.” Proverbs 20:7