In the Bible we are told that when Moses went up the mountain to encounter God, he left his people camped below, and left Aaron in charge. When he came back, Moses found the people worshiping a golden calf. Moses asks Aaron what happened, and Aaron replies that he had no idea. “Let not my lord be angry! You know the people, that they are disposed toward evil.” It rings as true today as it did then: if you’re in charge, you’re responsible. You do not give into the mob as Aaron did.
Is President Trump responsible for domestic terror carried out in the name of conservative signature causes? It’s the wrong question. The questions that Moses asked Aaron are the ones that need asking: Where were you and what were you thinking? Where’s the accountability?
Here’s Lincoln pushing a divided nation toward abolition, President Ford trading his political future to heal the nation by issuing an unpopular pardon, Eisenhower enforcing unpopular desegregation, placing the rule of law above politics. That’s presidential leadership. Leading an angry mob is not.
Over the centuries, Aaron’s decision to be popular instead of right is alive in our time.
