This day will no doubt go down in history for the USA.
It doesn’t matter where you stand on the political spectrum. No American thought we would see our capitol overtaken by protestors… the national guard mobilized… a protestor shot…. and an incendiary device found.
It’s one more of the many seemingly non-related effects of the strain COVID has put on this diverse group of fifty states. It seems the virus has brought to light our starkly varying views on everything from personal liberties to mask wearing to economic assistance to the role of government in caring for its people. We are a country learning many things about ourselves, particularly in these past ten months.
Watching the news this afternoon left me dreading this task of finding a silver lining. (And that’s after trying to not dwell on the surge in deaths, the overburdening on our health care systems and economic concerns.)
My thought for tonight is perhaps more hope-filled than reality-based. Could it be that as we face these realities, we might also remember that we are still one nation? That we are stronger together? That within our differences we can also find ways to work towards a common goal?
It is only a small glimmer of a silver lining, hiding in the shadows of unrest and ugliness. May it continue to come forward.