At its heart, clean energy is more than just an environmental issue — it is an economic one.

Mainline and fundamentalist Protestants have differed for decades over how to get to heaven. Mainline Protestants and Catholics believe we are judged on how we live our lives. Whence the social gospel, by which Christians such as St. Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa dedicate their lives to serving others.

There is a perception, supported by many surveys, that what passes for contemporary journalism is more biased, even propagandistic, than in earlier times. One of the definitions of “journalism” on Dictionary.com will affirm that attitude for many: “writing that reflects superficial thought and research, a popular slant, and hurried composition…”

Journalists have lurched from finding a threat to freedom to the press in every criticism of reporters and news outlets by former President Donald Trump to themselves calling for unwelcome media organizations to be shut down.

Democracy is fragile, and we’ve come closer to losing it than any generation since Lincoln’s. We all should want to answer Biden’s call to save it. But we all should also understand that it cannot be and it will not be saved at the expense of those who have too often and for too long been shut out of America’s lofty ideals. We, too, sing America. Let the GOP learn to accept this. Then “unity” will take care of itself.

According to Sen. Bernie Sanders, “In Vermont, we know something about the cold. And we’re not so concerned about good fashion. We just want to keep warm.”

Neil Diamond’s song was meant as a patriotic celebration of America’s “melting pot.” Given the chaos that will come if Biden’s promise is not retracted, that “pot” is likely to boil over, causing irreversible harm.

When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.