I'm heartbroken. I don’t acknowledge my nation anymore.
The specter of violence is within the air. We People are angrier with one another than we’ve been because the Civil Battle. Our leaders set the tone. They name one another names (enemies of the individuals, communists, evil), argue like kids, disagree for the sake of disagreeing and make up ludicrous lies at a document clip. To operate, a democracy requires compromise. Our leaders aren’t , and neither are a variety of People.
1000's of People assaulted our Capitol to attempt violently to override an election, injuring greater than 140 cops.
I don’t acknowledge my nation anymore.
Political leaders and election officers are routinely threatened with assault or homicide by their fellow residents. We really feel so unsafe in our lives that we personal extra weapons than we've got individuals. Massacres occur usually. It’s a disgrace, we cause, nevertheless it’s a part of residing in America at the moment, like paying taxes.
The richest nation on the earth can’t afford to deal with a half million of our residents who will sleep exterior tonight. Or present respectable well being care for everybody. Among the many high 36 developed nations, we rank thirty third in infant-mortality fee. Our so-called “drug battle” has way back been misplaced. The hole between the wealthy and poor grows, and we don’t appear to care.
I don’t acknowledge my nation anymore.
Greater than a 3rd of the nation continues to consider that the final presidential election was rigged. It doesn’t matter there isn't any proof. We elected a person in Donald Trump that I'd have wager my mortgage the American individuals would by no means approve of: a six-time bankrupt, three-time married serial liar with no expertise in authorities. His habits led to members of the family and pals not talking. He inspired his followers to “combat like hell,” which they did Jan. 6. Greater than 800 rioters have been arrested.
An endemic invaded our nation, and Trump lied to his fellow People for six weeks earlier than lastly declaring a nationwide emergency. Up to now, greater than 1 million individuals have died. People turned the miracle vaccine and facemasks into political points to squabble over. For those who obtained a vaccine or didn’t put on a masks, it mentioned one thing about your politics. Offended People obtained into fist fights on airways over sporting masks. Others have been bodily thrown out of grocery shops.
I don’t acknowledge my nation anymore.
In surveys, a majority of People consider their children will reside a life worse than their mother and father. We're the wealthiest nation within the historical past of the world. We have now probably the most deadly army within the historical past of the world. We have now the best way of life within the historical past of the world.
But, we're indignant with one another, with the world, with our lot in life. We see ourselves as victims. Due to household and pals, few of us would go away this unhappy, indignant, pissed off place, so we're caught right here with one another like mother and father staying collectively for the sake of the children.
Usually, that is the place the author is meant to current options to the issue outlined. I've none. Is there a method out of this mess? One other 9/11 disaster may unite the nation, however the more-deadly-than-9/11 COVID disaster solely drove us additional half.
I don’t acknowledge my nation anymore.
Do you?
Walker Lundy is a retired newspaper editor who lives in Richmond.