And the world seemed to turn upside down on Saturday. I haven’t changed my beliefs or what I care about - but suddenly how I react felt different. I’m not interested in arguing about who is right or wrong. I’ve been moaning about the ugliness of the political discourse in the country. It’s been harder as we get closer to the general election not to feel it personally when someone attacks a candidate or a party that I am voting for. It’s not just that I disagree - it is the tenor of our discussions.
It used to be so much easier. I usually vote Democratic but have Republican colleagues and friends. And it seemed for decades to be okay to good-naturedly agree to disagree. To even tease about it. Certainly that is no longer the case. In my head, I’ve accepted the fact that it might unavoidably change some relationships but I remain hopeful it will all work out.
And then….Trump was shot. This man who I have come to fear and despise was targeted. And suddenly I could feel a shift within me.
President Biden spoke to the nation: “…the need to lower the temperature in our politics. We may disagree, but we are not enemies. We're neighbors, we are friends and co-workers, citizens and most importantly we are fellow Americans. We must stand together.”
When trying to figure out why loved ones so vehemently feel the polar opposite of me, I have come to believe that we listen to a different drummer. We don’t get our news from the same resources. And we are all inundated with talking heads who believe that only they know what we should see and hear. I know that I won’t change anyone’s mind with rhetoric but in sharing real life experiences perhaps I can change perspectives.
Sharing what it felt like to be a rape survivor and pregnant in my teens is one way I will try to make an impact. I was in California but abortion wasn’t legal and I had to get approval by a hospital board. I had to go to two psychiatrists to say that I would end my life if I was forced to carry the child to term. I was 15. One hospital turned me down. When finally approved, I had to stay overnight. My parents borrowed money to pay for the psychiatrists and the surgery and hospitalization. This was before Roe v Wade and it is where many parts of the country are again. I can put a face to it and I believe it helps others to see another side. Again, I was 15.
Today Trump chose a vice presidential candidate who wants to outlaw abortions in all 50 states. Including victims of incest and rape. I will speak to everyone I know about my experience. These men cannot come into power. Trump must be defeated. And suddenly, I feel my world shifting again.
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