Sorrow

One of the things I so appreciate about our group is the ability to hold differing views with respect towards everyone. No matter what our view, what a sorrowful day for all of us that there was an assassination attempt against a former president and current candidate. While it appears former president Trump will be okay, at least one person at the rally was murdered. I guess I am grateful at least that the current divisiveness and the crazy place we find ourselves hasn't numbed me from feeling true shock and horror. I don't want to get political, but only say we must find a way to do/be better.

Amen!

Agreed. This was a very sad day for America no matter who you support. My heart breaks for the supporter who lost their life and for two that sound very seriously wounded. And think of him what you will, thank God Trump was not murdered today. Shame on those who sow hatred and division in this wonderful country of ours. At the end of the day, regardless of our political leanings we are all more alike than we are different and want good for our country.

Since, as Diane said, this is a safe place....

I suppose I am numbed and jaded. I was not shocked by the news today. I don't know what that says about me, but I was neither shocked nor horrified by the shooting at the Trump rally this evening. I took the news in stride. Nothing in American politics shocks me any longer. Sure I wanted to know details of the shooting. But, if I am being honest, I was feeling curiosity, not compassion.

While I am an optimist in so many ways, I am afraid that our country has seen its day as a world leader and a land of opportunity. I keep thinking that while Rome lasted a millennium, we may not even last 250 years. Sure, we'll be a country, The United States, but we won't be "America" anymore. What "America" represents to must of us, is long gone. The thought is sobering.

To do better, people first must want to do better. I'm afraid I just don't see that as true where it counts in national leadership. I see too many my-way-or-the-highway attitudes, finger pointing, name calling folks with an utter lack of decorum and decency dictating the policy of our country. Nothing, absolutely nothing will change for the better unless, "we the people" do something, while "we the people" is still a thing. I fear we have very little time left.

My history is different from most of yours. So I may see the political climate differently. But seeing the doors that slowly opened legally, offering me, my friends and millions of others protection and equity as a human beings in this country now being shut, is pretty damn scary. So forgive me, if I don't rally.

I have been forced to live in shadows. But I made choices and I stood up for what I believed. I have done better. I have fought for equality within my school district and eventually got benefits for domestic partners and same sex couples. It took years and numerous tries, but it finally happened. And now we are entering an era in which Paula's DC #1 may not be able to become a teacher, an era in which if I were a young person I would not be able to be open about who I am professionally, just as it was 30 years ago when I started.

So, shock, horror, sadness.... NOPE! I'm pissed.

******' A!

As my daughter said during Covid, I never asked to live during unprecedented times. Your anger is justified.

Agreed. Violence is never the answer.