La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

I wonder where our humanity is during these troubling times. Are we, as a society, like a volcano ready to erupt with our burning emotional bitterness and hatred and fear? Can we begin to look within ourselves to see how we can deal with one another? Can we have a community without resentment, re-sent-meant? I will live with unresolved issues over and over. We need to acknowledge that we need others.

Personal responsibility means I have to look at the part I play. I have the option to do something or let things stay the same.

I, as a victim of physical and sexual abuse, could blame others and allow my bitterness and hatred to grow. I did seek help from others. Each of us has options. That begins with each of us asking ourselves, do I want change or do I want things to remain the same.

It hurts me when I read about people who chose to shut themselves out and show little compassion for others. Blaming and shaming seem to be our new normal. I choose to walk in love and beauty, seeking to elevate and not tear down.

Al Williams

La Conner