

When the Warnings Come True: The Big Ugly Bill, ICE Funding
Jul 12, 2025
Three historians delve into the emotional toll of confronting societal dangers, emphasizing the fatigue and frustration of being right too soon. They reflect on evangelical responses to pressing crises and the manipulative timing of legislative consequences. The conversation touches on income inequality, ethical dilemmas related to ICE, and the historical context of taxation. Finally, they advocate for a transformative shift within the Episcopal Church to become leaders of social progress instead of maintaining the status quo.
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"Don't Look Up" as Trauma Anecdote
- Kristin Du Mez shared how the movie "Don't Look Up" triggered deep trauma related to authoritarianism and societal denial of impending crises.
- This personal story illustrates the emotional toll of warning about dangers that are ignored until they manifest.
Historical Lens Reveals Present Dangers
- Historians interpret current political dangers through the lens of history, especially authoritarianism in the 20th century.
- Reading deeply and broadly provides necessary context to understand and respond to contemporary threats.
Deceptive Timing in Legislation
- The "big ugly bill" has manipulative timing: positive benefits precede election cycles, while harmful impacts occur after.
- This structure makes it difficult to mobilize opposition before negative effects become apparent.