As I am writing this, I feel as if I am watching our country unravel at the seams. The assassinations of public figures in recent months have sparked reactions that I never would have dreamed possible. One would think that these horrific deaths would unify us in our quest for an end to the gun violence that permeates our society. Instead, people have been grasping for some group to blame, some group that is different from them in some way. We have chosen sides, sides that seem to be treating the violence as some sort of bizarre contest in which we tally the results. Which side incites more violence? Which side has suffered more deaths and attacks? Which side shows more empathy? Which side is more indifferent to the suffering? The fact that we are taking sides is beyond comprehension. We are all suffering and until we acknowledge this, there will be no working towards a solution. It is imperative that we accept our universal humanity and the human suffering that accompanies it.
Elizabeth Lareau Whitcomb
Northfield