Read Time: 3 min 58 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

U.S. NEWS

Command of the Capitol

President Trump is taking the wheel in D.C.

On Monday, Trump announced that he’s temporarily taking control of the D.C. Metropolitan Police and deploying the city’s National Guard. (Washington D.C.’s Guard is under presidential control, unlike state guards.) He’s deploying 100-200 National Guard service members, who will report observations directly to officers. They aren’t expected to carry weapons openly.

Because of the Home Rule Act of 1973, the president can federalize Washington’s police in 48-hour chunks during “emergencies.” (“Federalize” means that the national government has the reins.) The current takeover is expected to last 30 days. 

The president says his goal is to crack down on crime and homelessness in the city. Last year, violent crime in Washington was the lowest it had been in 30 years, but the city still has one of the highest murder rates in the country.

The D.C. police union chief chair says the reinforcements “will have a big impact” and “we welcome all of this help.” Critics call Trump’s move “disproportionate” and politically motivated. A long-term federal takeover would need Congress’s approval, but Democrats would likely block it. 

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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Politically charged announcements are sure to spark heated debate. Remember that both your stance and how you take your stance reflect on Christ.

“My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” 
James 1:19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
Many Americans view the President—and everyone who supports him—as their (political) enemy.

Whether you think you're unhappy with your government for its actions or think it’s being unfairly criticized, believers in Jesus are commanded to love our neighbors and enemies alike (Matthew 5:43-48). That requires speaking about others with dignity and respect, even when we feel like they haven’t earned it. James says it’s senseless for us to use our words to both bless God and disrespect people who are made in his likeness (James 3:9-13). 

We all will have political opinions, and we won’t all agree. But Christian parents can model speaking respectfully about those with whom we disagree, loving them as God’s image-bearers.

How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
Keep the big things big and the small things small.

How the president uses his power and how to protect people from crime are important questions to debate. But unless you live in Washington D.C., there is probably not much you can do about its police force and its citizens—and there are probably causes closer to home that are more deserving of your attention. 

Don’t let interesting debates distract you from your main job: Love the Lord and love your neighbors. “‘Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?’ [Jesus] said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands’” (Matthew 22:36-40).

• Find a close-to-home cause that you’re passionate about and discuss how your family could make an impact among these neighbors.

• Memorize Matthew 22:37-40, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands” (CSB).

• Pray for the good of someone you disagree with. Ask God to soften your heart so that you love them even in disagreement.

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