LETTER: Personally involved

I sit in my comfortable home and think to myself: it’s all so very sad but does it really involve me, personally?

I watch horrific scenes on my television and think to myself: it’s all so very sad but does it really involve me, personally?

I see the protests and riots and think to myself: it’s all so very sad but does it really involve me, personally?

But if I’m being honest with my non-involvement, why do I feel this seething rawness in my stomach?

This seething forces me to do something and so I put pen to paper. My comfortable silence is only contributing to the status quo.

And so I offer my modest comments in hopes that others might read this and relate: America, we are so much better than this.

We are people who are kind and generous and honest and just.

We are not perfect, no nation is, but even with our warts and flaws on full display, we are good at heart.

Don’t believe those who tell you otherwise.

They often hide their true agendas behind false statements and photo-ops.

I have no power to effect nationwide change, but I can offer small positive acts of kindness to my community.

I will recommit to helping my neighbor and those in need. I will continue to fund worthy causes.

No matter how much I may ignore or deny it as I sit in my comfortable home, by nature of being human, I must become involved, personally.

Susan E. Bahl

Port Angeles