One of the great things about being Catholic is that you can do whatever you want to do, go to confession, say a few Our Fathers and Hail Marys, and all is forgiven — you are healed and free to start over! Except... that's not really how it works. At least, not the way it's supposed to work.
Despite the trope of confession being something of a "get out of hell free card," it's not really intended to be a transaction — it's more about providing an opportunity to reflect and truly consider your actions and behaviors. It's an act of contrition. To get to the point of forgiveness, you need to figure out what you did so you can reconcile with it and commit to being a better person.
I don't believe it's an exaggeration to say that Donald Trump has never been contrite. And of all the issues I have with him (and there are plenty), this may be the most foundational. His complete unwillingness (perhaps inability) to apologize for anything precludes healing. Further, he actively salts the earth by doubling-down and selling that behavior as a virtue.
It is not possible to forgive, it is not possible to "get over it," it is not possible "bring us all together" until Trump and his enablers come to terms with their sedition and reconcile with it. Obviously that won't happen on its own. So that's why we must follow the rules set in the constitution and prosecute.
Then the healing can begin.
John Auchter is a freelance political cartoonist. His views are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Michigan Radio, its management, or its license holder, the University of Michigan.
