This post will be different. This wasn’t on my content calendar or even in my thoughts for possible content on my blog. Especially not this early on my journey. It won’t go through my editor ahead of time.
When I was younger, I thought politics was just a bunch of boring people in suits sitting around a conference table talking on C-Span for hours. Right now, I miss those days. I used to be able to go for weeks and months without needing to pay attention to the latest news. But, now, every hour is Breaking News.
My original plan for this week was a Flashback article I wrote about a restaurant in 2012. Then, I came home to find out, yet another person was gunned down in the Minneapolis. Within minutes, excuses were made by politicians about why Alex Pretti was murdered. This, only weeks after the deaths of Renee Good and Keith Porter. They could have been any of us.
Excuses cannot be made anymore. You can’t say “They only go after criminals” when children are being kidnapped from school. You can’t say, “It’s about safety,” when the people causing the fear are ICE agents.
A year ago, I was told that if I had the means I should leave the country, because it’s getting worse. Truthfully, I love my country. When I say I love my country, I do not mean it in a strange, worshipful way. Nor, do I remotely like anything about the current so- called leadership.
I love the beauty of different climates, landmarks, quaint little towns, the creativity, and the quirkiness of people from all 50 states. I love communities that will help each other during disasters. Most of all, I love family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers who deserve to live lives free of fear. This is why I stay. Because, we all deserve better.
I never wanted to be political. And, I’m not. Because, this isn’t about policies. This isn’t about negotiation. This is the difference between Loving Your Neighbor and cheering for harm against someone because they don’t look or think exactly like you.
No matter who you are, my main concern isn’t about your physical appearance, language, or gender. All I want to know is, are you kind? All the hero stories taught me that in the end, good does prevail. Which side are you on?
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