Where is Our Nation Headed?

On this Independence Day, I am reflecting on the last few months’ events and wondering how you are feeling about the overall health of America today? Approximately six weeks ago, we learned of the horrific events in Uvalde, Texas. A heinous event for which there is no one rationalization. My first reaction was to look for blame; the gun lobby, the individual who pulled the trigger, the teacher who propped open the door, the police who didn’t enter quickly. Lawmakers quickly seized the moment to limit access to automatic weapons, and the gun-rights activist doubled down behind the 2^nd amendment. Unfortunately, I am not sure either action will stop this from happening again and isn’t that what we all want for innocent children to go to school each day without the threat that they will get killed? This post does not take a political side, but it favors making America a safer place for children.

Shortly after the events of May 24^th, a podcaster I follow, Laura McClellan of The Productive Women , posted an Instagram post from Russel Brand. Russel Brand is a new personality, but I have followed Laura for years and knew it would offer a point of view worth hearing. That post can be heard here. Russel is an English comedian, actor, radio host and YouTuber. In recent years he has become known as a public activist and campaigner. I encourage you to listen to what Russel says; the thirteen minutes are worth it.

In summary, Russel suggests we cannot point to one person or group to blame for the events, but instead that what happened in Uvalde, Texas, is a symptom of our culture. It is happening with increasing frequency, and it will happen again. As things are today, we cannot stop it. Number one, suspend blame. Now is not the time to double down on your beliefs. Instead, take time to send love and prayer to those personally affected. If we want to look for rationale, consider our society. Gun violence is the number one killer of children. We live in a declining culture, and we each need to consider how we may be participating in that decline. It is a time for reflection and to look inside yourself and ask how you can make a difference today to reinforce an American culture of which you can be proud. Culture characterizes an institution as a set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices. What matters, goals, and techniques would you be proud of as an American? Consider what you can do to make a difference and restore your pride in America in the coming days, months, and years.

Below I have outlined things I believe will have a positive effect. I subscribe to the compound effect; things will not happen overnight. Nevertheless, consistent steps compound and make a difference. Life is a long game, and I am in for that.

Values

Let’s start with values. I value freedom and safety for my children. I want to be able to let them run out the door in the morning and call them in for dinner at 5 pm and not worry about their safety. I want to send them to a school and be sure they will return at the end of the day. As I brainstorm on these values, I ask myself what I can do to make my neighborhood reinforce my values. My first thought is that I can get to know my neighbors better. Shortly after I bought my first house in Seattle, Washington, I was adjusting to living outside of an apartment and sometimes felt anxious living alone. I organized a block watch, and as a result, I got to know everyone on my block; we had a shared contact list, block parties, and organized walks with officers to understand safety concerns in the neighborhood and possible suggestions to improve things. I still own that house, and although it is a rental, the tenants have always been a part of the neighborhood, and the block watch is still going strong. We do not have a block watch on my street. Minnesota has an open enrollment school policy, so the kids on our block go to many different schools. Knowing your neighbors isn’t easy when everyone is going in another direction. I have wanted a block watch since I moved in, I have done this before, and I know it would be a positive step to reinforce my values. The more people who know my family, the larger my village is, and the more people I have looking out for us, the better.

What can you do to create a community that aligns with your values?

Goals

Second, goals move us forward. How can they be used for the good of our culture? My goal for our culture is openness, understanding, and compassion. I believe this is a common goal of America.

Seek first to understand. As Russel Brand explains, now is not the time to double down on your beliefs. Explore uncomfortable questions about your ideas.

If you believe all Americans should have a right to a gun, consider the why? Is it fear, is it for hunting, or is it to harm people? If we have a culture of openness, understanding, and compassion, what are the limits to gun ownership to meet your needs without increasing dangers within our society?

If you believe guns should be outlawed, consider your thoughts around firearms. Is it fear, or is it a distaste for hunting? If we have a culture of openness, understanding, and compassion, what would be acceptable reasons for an individual to have a gun? What checks and balances would be fair to limit dangers within our society?

These are hard questions, and I need time to consider what’s next. Either way, I will withhold judgment as we don’t have a clear path forward right now. Every American needs to think about what will change our culture, so gun violence is no longer the leading cause of death among children. Listen to others’ points of view, don’t just dismiss them, and ask questions in a nonconfrontational way to better understand.

Action

Third, I want to take steps and practice making this a better place. It is hard to think about it, but if I keep it simple the easiest to act on. Consider what you can do to be kinder today. Remember the saying, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all,” or “what you put out in the world comes back in spades.” We cannot control how others show up; we have no idea what is happening right now for them. They may have difficulties at work, with loved ones, or have financial concerns. They may be lonely. Give each other the benefit of the doubt and do what you can, and what you can do is control your reaction. Give back kindness to the customer service person and leave hate out of social media and other written communications. The hurt is passive-aggressive and intended for someone else but hurts you too. Share kindness and goodwill in every interaction, even if the best you can do is say nothing. Saying nothing is better than spreading venom.

I do not underestimate the strain we are all under today. Materialism, inflation, job insecurities, racial discrimination, and income gaps are absolute and can be all-consuming. Try to step back today, be grateful for our nation and make a commitment to take small steps in your own life, get closer to your values, and establish positive community goals and practices that will move our culture on a path to openness, and understanding and compassion – acknowledging things outside yourself will make for a better world for all.