Given who I am and how I spent most of my professional life I must write about what happened in our nation’s capital this past week. I spent my career ensuring quality health care for the underserved and disenfranchised which requires public resources. As such, I spent inordinate amounts of time advocating on their behalf at the Arizona State Legislature and in Congressional Offices in Washington DC. Successfully doing this work required passion, tenacity and resilience so I respectfully entered those buildings and walked those halls for decades. Not surprising I’ve become a bit of a political junkie and have been glued to the TV all week. This all feels very personal to me based on both my experience and as an American.
I think most Americans beliefs, no matter their political leaning, are grounded in respect for law and order and probably believe, as I do, that this week’s attack on our nation’s capital was an act of domestic terrorism and all those involved that enabled, incited or carried out this act should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Time will tell if those charged with this task and/or equipped to take it on will have the political will to make it happen. I am particularly troubled by the lack of law enforcement preparedness for this expected demonstration/riot and hope the truth about this is exposed as well.
In an effort to keep my wits about me during this time of un-rest here are a few things I am trying to keep in mind:
-Those that attacked our nation’s capital were extremists with all manner of unfounded beliefs coming from what/who they have chosen to expose and surround themselves with and to.
– A quote I like is that “people are entitled to their own opinions but not their own facts.” Objective fact checking continues to evolve but we must seek it out to keep our personal perspective balanced.
-This is not the fault of the 74M people who voted for a republican President, some of whom are my friends and family members. As a liberal democrat this one is particularly hard for me.
-Words matter especially on social media; use it judiciously. As we move forward, I hope these platforms further prioritize self-policing to forewarn or curtail the worst of such incidents in the future.
-It is way too easy to jump to the extreme on our leanings. I have recommitted myself to stepping back from this affinity and personally choosing good will and tolerance over judgement and hate in my thoughts and interactions with others.
-This too shall pass or at least publically simmer down in the months to come.
I don’t know quite how to wrap up this article so will just say “calmly stay tuned and carry on.”