What to Do?

Like most sane people in this country, and possibly some insane ones, I am sickened by the near-constant acts of violence committed against some citizens by other citizens. Perhaps even more than that, I am disgusted by the hatred and divisiveness that is intensifying in our country. I truly believe the two are connected; those who spew contempt for people who are different from them in whatever way instigate and perpetuate the hatred and divisiveness. I am not naive. I don't doubt that there are people who are just plain evil. But I also think that more people are good, or that good can overcome evil. (I get that some people may see that as naive.) All of this is so jumbled in my head and so upsetting that it's hard for me to clearly articulate it.

Why is it that when a white Christian kills a bunch of people it's not terrorism? Are all Christians expected to come out afterwards and defend their beliefs, to attest to the loving nature of their faith? I have never seen that happen. I probably got into this a few weeks ago, but I don't think any religion has, at its base, a philosophy of murder. Most of the major religions share the same tenets -- which, by the way, I keep seeing referred to as "tenants" on Facebook -- of goodness and love. I'm not saying that all who practice any of those religions act in ways that promote those tenets. Beyond that, is religion what defines us, or is it the fact that we share this planet and have to find a way to coexist? I prefer to think the latter.

So what can we do to feel better and, more importantly, to make the world better? I'm sure I'm not the only one asking this question, just as I'm sure I'm not the only one who is sickened and sad. I don't know whether it will matter in the grand scheme, but my choice is to try to spread love and hope that it can, in some small way at least, counter some of the hate.