Why Forgiving (Not Forgetting) Marjorie Taylor Greene May Make Sense for America

Yup, I feel the heat emanating from that headline. Many people will take great exception to this and find it disdainful.

Remember, as you read this, forgiving does not mean forgetting or trusting.

I am not naive. Marjorie Taylor Greene, during her most recent apology tour on cable news, has not yet proven that she has stopped being racist, bigoted, Islamophobic, Antisemitic, or hateful. But we can hold two truths in our minds at the same time. She has been evil and may still be—time will tell. But what if she also served as an instrument to provide some pathways to healing for the country? What if, by working with her, we begin to reverse fascism?
If MTG is seeking redemption, let her fully prove it by helping to expose the Epstein Files, bring down fascism, and start a new trajectory of atonement—ending her racism, bigotry, and hate.
Hear me out.

I share this personal perspective because it may provoke some thoughts for those debating this in their heads.

Vendettas are a hell of a thing. Politicians on both sides keep lists of people they hate and try to “get back at them” whenever they can. They spend entire days devising ways to exact payback.
And it’s not always a Republican versus Democrat issue. Plenty of vendettas occur within parties as well. Dem-on-Dem and GOP-on-GOP hostility happens every day.

Trump is a prime example of this.

Having been a victim of political vendettas several times, I understand it deeply—at a DNA level. Whether it’s the opposite party or your own, it’s painful and unnecessary.

Let me be clear about Marjorie Taylor Greene:
She has been truly evil in the past. She has been racist, bigoted, and all-around hateful toward people of color, various religions, and the LGBTQ+ community.
She has said unforgivable things and fueled conspiracy theories.
She also has not worked in the best interests of her constituents, at all.
All true.

Here’s the thing about forgiveness: It doesn’t mean you have to respect her, think well of her, or even trust her. However, if forgiveness can be a means to move forward—to help bring down the Trump regime and render him powerless as president—maybe we can work with MTG.
Remember, forgiveness is for you, not her. It allows the giver of that gift to move on and do great things.

In fact, I had a horrible experience with MTG when I was in Congress. On the day the Equality Act was introduced in 2021—a bill that would end public discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in employment, housing, public spaces, education, and beyond—she tried to block its passage. I was furious with her.

Worse, she harassed me, was deeply hurtful to my daughter (a trans woman), and more. At the time, her office was directly across from mine, and she put up signs, maligned my family, and bullied everyone for months.

When I left Congress, I decided to forgive her—along with other Republicans who had been hurtful, and Democrats who railroaded me, lied, and gaslit everyone against me. Many have apologized, which was helpful, and I moved on.

Why? Because I understand the truth’s inevitability.
Truth always comes out and wins.

It did for me, and almost always does. The truth surfaced, proved that those groups and individuals were wrong, and we all moved forward.

The betrayal and lies from people I trusted were unimaginable and, honestly, I didn’t think it was possible. But forgiveness is uplifting and opens doors to light—every time.

So, ultimately, we need to remember that truth always pokes through and prevails. Vendettas and grudges don’t help anyone.

The most important benefit of forgiving—and, perhaps, a strategic one in politics—is that it can create space for real transformation and healing. Not always, but occasionally.

In MTG’s case, we need to see much more acknowledgment of the horrors she’s been responsible for, more regret, and clear signs that she will truly be different moving forward. Atonement and a reversal of actions are necessary.

But if forgiving her—and joining forces to expose the Epstein Files—can serve a greater purpose for our country, then maybe that’s worth considering. This action could lead to a reversal of behavior, a path toward more unity, and the downfall of Trump and fascism.

Why should we take that chance? Because the best way to promote transformation is to allow room for it. Forgiveness—without forgetting or whitewashing—can be a step in that direction.

The Epstein Files is effectively the thing that will likely render Trump powerless over time. It is clear that MAGA is in full turmoil and fractured over this issue. Rendering Trump powerless, does not mean fascism is gone, but it is a significant and measurable step toward ending this regime of authoritarianism, restoring a more positive government and creating some unity. Whether we do it for practical reasons, for our own souls or the soul of the nation, forgiveness is healing.I say we give it a shot, but be very discerning. Watch for progress in transformation and also, watch for betrayal. I know I will get a great deal of hate for this column, but I felt it was necessary to offer a perspective. Cautious forgiveness may just provide a greater good.

This does not mean we need to invite her into the Democratic Party, but it suggests we can work together.Also, I completely understand those that cannot forgive her based on principle.
I truly get it.