We’re getting two pandas from China.

Trump and Xi Jinping joked about a picture of Joe Biden’s autopen on a White House wall today.

And, then, of course, there’s the state dinner. They were asked about Jimmy Lai. The question was not acknowledged.  

There had better be some real pressure happening behind the scenes.  

I worry that we don’t represent the same beacon of freedom, true encouragement to the persecuted around the world, that we once did.  

Jimmy Lai’s release in the coming days would change that. It would remind people that we truly are different. That there is good in the world, and we exist to protect it when we can.  

I often think we are so not worthy to be living at the same time as Jimmy Lai. Some of his prison writing is the stuff of saints.  

I find human courage so amazing.  

And, of course, when you realize he is only seeking to do God’s will, it is all the more edifying.  

May it be contagious.  

God bless Jimmy Lai. And his daughter Claire, fighting cancer. I want to see those two reunite. It would be right for them to.  

I understand it’s diplomacy and all. But I find it disdainful that Xi is getting a state dinner while Jimmy Lai doesn’t get to see sunlight. All because Jimmy Lai stands for freedom.