There have been so many upsetting incidents hitting the news feed over the last few weeks. From women being killed by their intimate partners in multiple incidents across the country to native American war veterans being mocked by “Catholics”. It all leaves me feeling completely helpless, yet searching for ways to do more. I can’t help but ask myself daily, “What are we doing wrong”.
One of the reasons I write, is to build a platform for change. But I have to always do a reality check, are the right people listening? I get many comments from those in my corner, who believe in what I am saying. But I also get comments from those on the other side, only fired up more to justify their own positions. It is in this light that I view the current state of the country, where polar opposites constantly butt heads. But are we moving forward in any meaningful way?
While I loathe when Trump speaks as it truly makes my stomach turn, I really try to listen to those who support him so that I can understand their perspective. I listen to what their experiences were that led them to their decision. The answer is often the same. They support his platform and view his methodology as a weapon against lethargy, laziness and an assault on basic freedoms. Many supporters will actually admit that his ways are aggressive and uninformed, but they will take that over “liberals” any day of the week.
My view is that the method matters and his instigates the worst of society to rear their ugly heads. My view is that aggression comes in many forms, physical and psychological, both equally dangerous. I ask everyone, in this day and age, is any type of aggression necessary at all? When those whose ideas are not powerful enough to stand question, they simply resort to violence to place others in submission to justify their ego. It is time to strengthen our arguments and raise our voices to extinguish the assaults on our bodies and our intelligence. How will you raise your voice and make a difference?
Lisa Rocha Gubernick 
Once again your writing is captivating and true. I spend endless hours wondering what has happened in the land I called home. Why is it so difficult to look past our differences to find common ground? Have we become so infatuated with being “right” that we are incapable of listening to different views. I read posts from friends that are well thought out only to hear? It’s the liberal left or it’s yhe ultra conservative right. Aren’t we above that? Aren’t we above using the fear of god to prove a point. Listen, learn and move to a common ground. Lisa, I live your posts and keep writing so we keep thinking. Love u
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Johnny G,
Thank you so much for this comment, I truly appreciate it. I also value your perspective so much with all your new experiences. I also love all the good work you are doing in your new home, you are definitely making a difference. Love you too!!
Lisa
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I’m ready to turn off the news feed because I can no longer trust that it is solid, factual, unbiased journalism. I too was horrified by the images of the teen wearing the MAGA hat who seemed to be mocking the native American man playing the drum, but have since heard another side to the story (Dad, I wore the hat you gave me; I was waiting for the bus; an old man started playing a drum; I smiled at him). Was it a smirk or a smile? In American culture, smiling and looking directly at someone shows interest and approval; in other cultures it may seem rude or intimidating. Other reports of the incident show that the controversy had nothing to do with the young man who was demonized, but like most erroneous reporting, the retraction is tiny and buried deep. Don’t brand all Catholics by the actions of some. We are all sinners; only God should judge because He alone knows all that is in our hearts. I too try to understand why so many (continue to) support Trump but it has come to the point that even when he speaks a truth I don’t believe him, and all I can hear are rants pro-right and anti-left without moderation.
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I find it is so difficult to get to the truth. But I am thankful we are trying to be thoughtful in our commentary and our judgments.
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