I am writing in response to Derek Ryter’s letter “Congratulations to Trump supporters,” (Herald, Dec. 12).
I feel heartbroken and disappointed that rather than reaching out to Donald Trump supporters and trying to bridge the gap, he chose instead to adopt a smug and superior tone.
Without doubt, Trump has been a severe disappointment to many – I believe this includes some of those who voted for him. While Trump supporters and Trump abhorrers may disagree on many things – abortion, gun control, civil rights, climate change – we may agree on many things, too: living wages. health care affordability. the need for our elected officials to hear and represent us, an end to children being murdered in school, national security, the repair of a broken elective and legislative system based on wealth and privilege.
While the solutions to these issues may not be clear, let’s at least start there. Let’s begin by identifying what we can stand in support of, as opposed to what we are tangled in conflict about.
As abysmal as this period of intense upheaval may be, my hope is that it will usher in a new era of peace amongst all people, of true reverence for the planet that supports us all, of utility and respect and a new definition of growth.
My hope is that our collective voices saying, “Enough!” will unleash the potential for an innovative, unrealized and drastic new way of doing things that serves all of us – not just the wealthy few. Could we please try to come together? Could we reach out to those with polarizing opinions? Could we take a deep breath, ask good questions and – this is radical – actually listen to the responses? Could we try to remember that, truly, we’re all part of one human family and we’re all headed toward the same inevitable end? That we all hold within us, in our deepest selves, the power to create – to be – the change we wish to see in the world?
I think we could. Imagine if we did.
Kati Harr
Durango
