Let’s unite during this time of crisis

To the editor:

American hearts are filled with gratitude for the freedoms that we cherish and for those who put their skills and lives in service to safeguard those freedoms: our legislators, diplomats, judiciary, military personnel, journalists and many unnamed.

But headlines daily bring us devastating reports of mass violence due to the suffering and the resulting rage of those whose freedoms are abused: both poorly served Americans and global neighborhoods under siege.

There is a quote: 'If one suffers we all suffer.” This speaks to our need to take unwelcome far-reaching national actions to protect our values, which must include actions to resolve the underlying roots of suffering.

At this time of national and global crisis - when all look to our government for leadership - it seems ironic that America has seldom been more divided and ineffective. As citizens we are not powerless to change this.

With undeniable threats for yet more violence and loss of basic freedoms, we could not have greater cause to overlook the prevalent cynicism and disillusionment with our current convoluted election process.

In a nation 'Of the people and for the people …” it is our hard-won privilege to help write the next chapter in history. I see each citizen as a key player in resolving the rages of suffering and safeguarding freedoms by becoming informed and able to place our votes behind those we feel are best prepared to act effectively. Let's stay tuned.

Jo Wasta

Cedar Rapids