A Decade Later: Reflections on the United States
It’s been well over ten years since I last wrote a blog post, but today I feel compelled to put my thoughts into words. This isn’t just about documentation—it’s about processing my own feelings regarding what’s happening in the United States. For context, I’m not currently in the U.S., nor was I present for the events I’ll be discussing. That distinction matters.
A friend of mine, Jim, recently reminded me of the concept of motivated perception. If you’re unfamiliar, look up the 1951 study—it’s fascinating. The idea is that people can witness the same event yet interpret it differently depending on their motivations. It’s a lens through which much of today’s turmoil can be understood.
Violence Against Observers
Recently, another killing occurred in Minnesota. The victim was an observer—someone who documented I.C.E. activities. First, it was Renee Good. Now, it’s Alex Pretti. Video evidence, unaltered and clear, shows these were not accidents but executions.
Here’s where motivated perception comes into play:
- Some will watch Alex being pepper-sprayed after protecting a woman and call it “justified.”
- Some will see seven men pinning him down before one shoots him and still call it “justified.”
But can we really look at the same footage and arrive at such different conclusions? Personally, I struggle with that. To me, this isn’t perception—it’s ideology. There are people in the U.S. who believe that executing those who protest against I.C.E. is acceptable, that their lives hold no value.
And yet, many of these same individuals will vote for a felon as president because they oppose abortion—the killing of “innocent babies.” They call themselves Christians, citing the Bible to defend their positions. But when it comes to living out those teachings, they contradict the very scripture they claim to uphold. If belief were genuine, it would shape how they treat others. Matthew 25:34–40 is just one of many passages that makes this clear. You cannot truly believe and simultaneously reject the fundamentals of your faith.
The Epstein Files and Sexual Violence
This brings me to the Epstein files. We live in a world where 25% of girls and 8% of boys are sexually assaulted before turning 18. Next time you’re in a mall, look around: statistically, one in four girls and one in thirteen boys you see has been abused.
Now look again—96% of perpetrators are male. That means some of the men you pass by are complicit in this reality. These abusers exist alongside their victims, hidden in plain sight.
So why isn’t everyone outraged about the release of the Epstein files? Perhaps because some people aren’t concerned—maybe even comfortable—with what those files reveal. To me, political affiliation doesn’t matter here. Sexual assault is not partisan. Every perpetrator must be held accountable. None of it is acceptable.
A Citizen in Pain
I know my words may sound like ranting, but they come from a place of deep hurt. I hurt for those who have been assassinated and for their families. I hurt for children like Liam, detained at such a tender age. I hurt for survivors of sexual assault who are still fighting for justice. And I hurt as a citizen watching my country unravel into something I no longer recognize.
I am not okay with what is happening. And I refuse to stay silent.
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