My husband and I have started re-watching old episodes of the TV series, The West Wing. Aaron Sorkin brought a depth and insight into politics I’d seen only in The Candidate, a movie staring Robert Redford, In the seventies. I went to see it with my beloved great-uncle, a long time D.C. resident, and we both came out at the end from the theater going “wow.”

I know why we’re watching this old show - it is so refreshing to see people, even fictional characters, trying, and often succeeding, in doing the right thing. Humanity and empathy are never in short supply in this imaginary White House. The common goal is the betterment of life for the American people. Each character cares deeply about seeing the greater good succeed. I need this at this time in our nation’s descent into chaos, hatred for others, and isolationism.

Particularly today - when John Lewis is lauded at his funeral in Atlanta before being laid to rest. His goodness is a badge of honor no one can tarnish. In admonishing us to make “good trouble” he has let us know he’ll be watching from above and cheering us on. Good Trouble, indeed. If only we had more people like him, so willing to lay it all on the line for the common good.