Community gathered to celebrate dedicated therapeutic space for fox-assisted therapy at Pawsitive Beginnings
UPPER FLORIDA KEYS – Pawsitive Beginnings has officially opened The Human-Animal Alliance Healing Den in Key Largo. This innovative space at the fox sanctuary will provide opportunity for trauma survivors to heal through the unique bond between humans and animals, specifically focusing on the therapeutic potential of fox- assisted therapy sessions. With the support of a $10,000 grant from Wellington-based charity The Human- Animal Alliance, Pawsitive Beginnings CEO Nicole Navarro has transformed a previously underutilized maintenance room into a serene environment for private sessions to be conducted.
The opening ceremony included a symbolic ribbon-cutting and was graced by the presence of Monroe County Mayor, Holly Merrill Raschein. While addressing an audience of some 50 community members (including law enforcement officers, dignitaries, and The Human-Animal Alliance Founder, Jackie Ducci, who made the project possible), the Mayor highlighted the importance of initiatives to help those who need healing. “This is a happy day for our county, happy day for our children, happy day for our law enforcement to now have a dedicated space,” said Raschein. “Thank you so much Jackie, for your dedication and for embracing Nicole’s vision.” Raschein announced that “from this day forward, August 27th will be recognized as Pawsitive Beginnings Day in Monroe County.”
The Healing Den at Pawsitive Beginnings is designed to accommodate individuals seeking comfort and healing through animal-assisted therapy. Nicole Navarro, CEO of Pawsitive Beginnings said, “Our animal-assisted therapy program was born out of the idea that sharing stories of survival – from the fox’s perspective – has the power to help heal those that may be struggling with trauma, PTSD, or circumstances beyond one’s control, that have placed them in emotional imbalance. Each and every one of our foxes has a story to tell and when we share those stories, they have the power to heal and inspire hope. We are so grateful to Jackie and The Human- Animal Alliance for helping us to raise awareness and expand our mission.”
The $10,000 grant from The Human-Animal Alliance was instrumental in creating this therapeutic space, transforming the existing area into a calming setting that promotes the powerful bond between humans and animals, which has been shown to be effective in treating trauma, depression, and anxiety.
The selection of Pawsitive Beginnings as a grant recipient was driven by the unique approach of its program. Jackie Ducci, Founder of The Human-Animal Alliance, noted, “I had never heard of using foxes in the context of animal-assisted therapy. Nicole’s program is not only effective in helping people but incredibly innovative and different. That was the reason I couldn’t wait to get behind it and I am so glad we found a way to work together.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort by The Human-Animal Alliance, which distributes grants nationwide to similar projects which provide opportunities for human-animal connection. Ducci personally covers the organization’s overhead costs to ensure every dollar donated through exclusive events and private gifts goes
directly to the charitable projects selected for grants, ensuring that more individuals have access to transformative experiences by connecting with animals.
Free Closing Reception & Silent Auction is Wednesday, September 4, 6 to 8 pm
Commelinaceae; Tradescantia virginiana; Spiderwort. Common wildflower and cultivated flower over much of eastern NA. Herbaceous perennial grows in half shade or sun. Grows throughout Florida.
(West Palm Beach, FL – August 26, 2024) Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the world-renowned Palm Beach Photographic Centre (PBPC), today announced the closing reception and silent auction for the museum’s current exhibition:
Renewal: Going Native, revisited
60+ Stunning Images from 18 Talented Photographers
A follow-up to its popular 2018 exhibition, the Photo Centre’s new artistic offering presents more than five dozen amazing prints, many of which are available for purchase by the highest bidder. All the proceeds from this silent auction on September 4will go to benefit the conservation efforts of the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.
“Photographs in the exhibition range from exquisite close-ups of flowers and butterflies to mysterious landscapes, and from stunning, rare orchids to surprisingly beautiful, common tillandsias,” says NeJame, who curated the exhibit along with Susan Lerner from the local Native Plant Society. “Our goal is for the viewer to experience the joy and aliveness of the native landscape.”
The photographers who are focused on the beauty of Florida’s native landscape include Kevin Barry, Donna Bollenbach, Richard Brownscombe, Christina Evans, George Gann, Roger Hammer, Kirsten Hines, Craig Huegel, Teri Jabour, Mary Keim, Susan Kolterman, Susan Lerner, Don Marchetto, Chuck McCartney, Rufino Osorio, Rebecca Sabac, Loret Setters and Peg Urban.
The free closing reception and silent auction for Renewal:Going Native, revisited will be held on Wednesday, September 4, from 6 to 8 pm.
Auction bids are now being accepted through September 4th at 7:00pm. People may bid in person at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre or place their bids via email at info@workshop.org.
The images being bidding upon are the actual exhibit prints being auctioned as is. The Person with the winning bid who attends the closing reception on September 4 will be allowed to take their image home with them after the reception. Anyone who has the winning bid that is not in attendance at the closing reception will be notified and may pick up their image during normal business hours 10 am to 5 pm the following week.
About thePalm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society
Established in 1981, the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization. Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm in the auditorium at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. Individual membership is $35 yearly. For more information about the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, please visit http://palmbeach.fnpschapters.org and www.facebook.com/PBCC.FNPS.
About the Palm Beach Photographic Centre:
The Photo Centre is located at the downtown City Center municipal complex at 415 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, and 10 am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call 561.253.2600 or visit www.workshop.org or www.fotofusion.org.
The Palm Beach Photographic Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching life through the photographic arts. All donations are greatly appreciated at www.workshop.org/contrib.
CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION AND ROTARY CLUB OF PALM BEACH/FLAGLER BRING GLOBAL LITERACY TO LIFE FOR INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY
Rotary Club of Palm Beach/Flager donated 66 books for each student at The Foundations School at CCE
West Palm Beach, FL—Students at The Foundations School at Center for Creative Education (CCE) embarked on a global adventure through storytelling as they celebrated International Literacy Day on Monday, September 9. The event featured a special donation of books from the Rotary Club of Palm Beach/Flagler at a school assembly, marking the launch of a multi-week project centered on “Fairy Tales from Around the World.”
“This collaboration with the Rotary Club of Palm Beach/Flagler allows us to weave literacy, cultural exploration and the arts into an interdisciplinary learning experience for some of our community’s most at-risk students,” said Dr. Susan Wemette, Director of Arts Integration and Creativity at CCE. “Our students are not just reading stories—they’re living them through creative projects that inspire a deeper understanding of the world around them.”
During the school assembly, each of the 66 students at The Foundations School at CCE received a book handpicked and purchased by members of the Rotary Club of Palm Beach/Flagler. This initiative supports The Foundation School’s innovative curriculum and focus on literacy, allowing students to explore cultural versions of fairy tales, such as “Cinderella,” integrated with subjects like math, science and social-emotional learning. Additionally, throughout the year, students will participate in global writing exchanges and collaborative multimedia art projects with partner schools from the U.K., Czech Republic, Taiwan, Brazil and India.
“When you give a student a book, you’re giving them hope,” said Robert L. Hamon, President and CEO of Center for Creative Education. “The partnership between CCE and the Rotary Club of Palm Beach/Flagler is a shining example of how community organizations can come together to make a meaningful impact on education. Last year, the percentage of third-grade students at The Foundations School reading on or above grade level grew from 30% to 80% – that’s an increase of 50% since the start of the school year.”
CCE’s mission is to transform teaching and learning through creativity and the arts. In addition to offering extended learning opportunities across Palm Beach County, CCE runs The Foundations School, a K-5 independent school improving literacy and breaking traditional education barriers through the arts for underserved students. CCE also operates Blue Planet Global, a non-profit organization that coaches teachers in using international classroom-to-classroom collaborations to teach core curriculum and global competence. The school uses a sliding-fee scale for tuition, applying state and CCE scholarships to cover the balance.
For additional information on The Foundations School or Center for Creative Education, visit cceflorida.org. To make a donation toward a scholarship, please call Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla at 561.805.9927; extension 118.
Introduction by Krista Martinelli, Illustration by Rollin McGrail
About a month ago, I had a conversation with a family member about how polarized our politics seem. But she corrected me in showing me that when it comes to policy ideas, there is much more common ground than one would expect. I started to think about the many friends I’ve talked with who are truly a mix, for example conservative economically and liberal on social issues.
I found that today 51% of Americans would classify themselves as Independent. See chart below.
So, I set out to hear some real viewpoints and get a further understanding of how people felt. I wanted to interview three people who “leaned to the left” and three who “leaned to the right.” I also found out that there’s a lot of fear when it comes to discussing political views right now. So, after a few failed attempts at holding interviews, I decided to make the interviews anonymous. So the names have been changed throughout.
While some of the questions do highlight the differences among our interviewees (like how they feel about the January 6th Insurrection), others are more aimed at finding common ground. I like Virginia’s answer to my place of common ground question. She says, “I think fundamentally everyone wants what is best for their families. We want safe schools and educated children and the ability to grow old with dignity.” It’s true. Doesn’t everyone want these things?
So, polls show that the vast majority of Americans, whether they live in “red” states or “blue” states all want the same things when polled on 388 questions of public policy. Nearly 70% of the results show no statistical differences. Thus, I think we have a lot more common ground than we have been recently led to believe.
Here are the stories from six local people, all living in or around Wellington, FL. Thanks to each one of them for their candid responses.
Note: In the interest of fairly presenting the views of those interviewed in their own voices, their views have been included in this article verbatim, as they stated them.
This is one interview in a 6-part series. The interviews were anonymous, and names changed to keep anonymity.
Why do you think our country is so divided right now?
Kim: Well, I think that it’s fueled by the politics in power, money and the “haves” and “have nots.” I also think that some of the media that’s so slanted is not helping. I also think that social media plays a role. People say things on social media that are untrue, and these things go unchallenged. People air their discontent on social media, it’s negative and it’s created a lot of division. People say things online that they wouldn’t say to someone’s face. I think there are people who don’t have enough to do constructively; negative breeds negative. And I think there’s a lot of people who are hurting, economically and otherwise. They are ripe to fall into these conspiracy theories and it almost has a cult-like flavor. I see it on both sides.
2. Tell us a little about yourself.
Kim: Originally from the Northeast. I’m in the counseling profession.
3. Would you describe yourself as liberal, conservative or independent? Why? Have you always seen yourself this way or have you changed over time?
Kim: I think I would put myself as an Independent. Yes, I have always been an Independent. And that’s another thing that’s ridiculous – why can’t we see these candidates debate who are Independent? Until there’s a strong third party, things will be polarized. Why can’t Independents vote in the primaries?
4. What are the issues that you feel most strongly about?
Kim: With the line of work that I do, I see a lot of women who are living in abusive relationships, but because of the economy they are kind of stuck. We know that 1 in 8 girls will experience rape before the age of 18. And a 6-week rule on abortion is way too early. What’s going to happen to these children who are born from rape situations? I feel that women’s rights are a priority for me because of the work that I do.
That ties into another thing for me…it’s health care. The system is sadly broken, which also affects women’s rights. I’m self-employed, so I have to buy my own policies. These health insurance companies have way too much power. I see people in my office who can’t afford MRIs or have to go to a replacement prescription because they can’t afford their prescribed pharmaceuticals.
And mental health is sorely ignored in this country. That’s another huge issue.
5. What subjects would you say might be a place for common ground? In other words, places where your views might intersect with someone who you would otherwise be voting very differently from you?
Kim: I would hope that health care would be one of them. I know a lot of people who are really conservative, but also don’t agree with the 6-week ban on abortion.
They recently spent $60K on new “Welcome Signs” for Florida, welcoming people to the “free state of Florida”, but they wouldn’t pass free menstruation products to girls in school. Girls are missing school because they can’t afford these products.
I think we need to keep Church and State separate. Where is it going to stop? I think we have to protect religious freedoms.
I would think we can all agree that we need to make our communities safer and screen people better for gun usage. There are certain weapons that shouldn’t be on the street. I grew up in a hunting background and I agree with being able to kill and eat deer. I don’t have a problem with that, but there are certain people who should not have guns. The 2nd Amendment was created when we had muskets, and I don’t think people need full arsenals.
There are common ground areas where there are things we are not doing. Until we get back to the center, I think we are really in trouble. There are radical people on both sides.
6. How do you feel about the January 6th insurrection?
Kim: I think it was a crime. I think the people spoke when we voted. And to have a coup event in this country is a sad commentary of where we are as a nation. To hear those people chanting, “Hang Mike Pence” was devastating.
People have to take some personal responsibility here.
7. Do you have friends who think differently politically from you? If so, do you have conversations about what’s going on politically? Or do you avoid them?
Kim: I have a lot of friends who think very differently from me. We have such good friendships and so many other things that we share with each other; there’s a mutual respect. But there are certain things I won’t discuss with certain people.
8. What do you think the solution is for bringing people together again?
Kim: We need a strong leadership from the top, with mediation skills that can bridge the divide. I think it starts there. People need to be more sensitive to how they use social media and what they post. Start to be more empathetic. I think we’ve lost empathy on so many levels. I think we need to be teaching empathy and tolerance in our schools. There are curriculums that teach tolerance and empathy, and those principles are grounded in all curriculums. We need to be teaching kids to give back early on. Things like Interact for Rotary Club should be mandatory, early on.
I went to Catholic School until 8th grade. In (I think) 5th grade, the teacher divided up the class by eye color. Certain kids had to sit in the back of the class and go to lunch late. They were treated differently. It was an important experience about empathy that I’ll always remember.
9. When we don’t agree on things, what’s the key to maintaining civility?
Kim: I think breaking things down into smaller steps to find common ground that we can agree on is the way to do it. I remember years ago when I was working in schools, we taught kids conflict resolution. I think we need to teach kids healthy ways to express their emotions. Not violence. Getting back to listening and validating other people’s points; basic communication skills are key.
Anything else?
The whole way we carry out the election in this country is really a shame. The money that is spent and raised makes it more of an auction instead of an election. We could save so much money by just having one channel where you give candidates equal airtime. Look at yard signs, for example. They don’t persuade people to vote, just because they see someone has a yard sign. And then they don’t pick them up after the election. They become litter. Unfortunately, it’s all about money.
This is one interview in a 6-part series. The interviews were anonymous, and names changed to keep anonymity.
Why do you think our country is so divided right now?
Brent: Well, there are lots of culprits. The most obvious one is Rush Limbaugh. His was the first program that was totally one-sided. A lot of what divides us is that we watch very divisive programming. Instead of talking about things that are common to all of us (like how to fix the economy), both parties have gone toward their edges and have done things that nobody asked them to do. We need to talk about common issues. For example, home insurance prices are out of control, especially in Florida.
Tell us a little about yourself. Your job, your family, where you are from.
Brent: I’m from Connecticut and was born in the 60’s. I served in the military (in the army) for 30 years. My wife and I are now empty nesters. I have four kids – they are all grown. I am retired. These days I try to help other veterans get the services they need. I put on concerts for vets at different venues around Palm Beach County, where bands play, raising funds for veteran organizations.
Would you describe yourself as liberal, conservative or independent? Why? Have you always seen yourself this way or have you changed over time?
Brent: Other than a brief period in my hippie phase when I first learned about nuclear weapons, I’ve been pretty conservative. I’d like to see private donors step up and help our communities with the diligence and effort that private enterprise brings, as opposed to the lackluster confusion that government brings. Simply put, I believe in less government, less taxes. On social issues I tend to lean to the left. I would definitely try to do more to help those in trouble. It’s sad that “liberal” and “conservative” have such negative connotations.
What are the issues that you feel most strongly about?
Brent: First, it would be nice if there was a better economic outlook for our country. When’s the last time we had a budget? I don’t even know. It might have been under Clinton. Each problem and emergency cause us to spend more; we’re running tremendous deficits. It hurts our people…we don’t know what the real unemployment rate is or the real inflation rate. Basics like the cost of milk (up 100%), cost of bread and gas are all going up. Yet they’re saying inflation has cooled to 2.9%. That doesn’t ring true.
I’m watching the DNC because I haven’t made up my mind. I’m actually an undecided voter.
There are 2 big issues for me – Ukraine and Israel. I used to work in the Ukraine in the Embassy and then worked for Raytheon over there, helping to get rid of those nuclear weapons. We agreed to defend their borders, if they gave up their nuclear weapons. It’s called the Budapest Accords (or the Budapest Memorandum).
Regarding Israel, just give back the hostages, and we won’t have a problem. It’s a very tricky issue though.
I do like that both candidates have said that they will support veterans. I think they will both follow through. But I want to know…Are we really funding enough? Are we continuing to find out about Agent Orange and exposure to it? The VA can do more, but they do try really hard.
What subjects would you say might be a place for common ground? In other words, places where your views might intersect with someone who you would otherwise be voting very differently from?
Brent: We have to learn to reach across the aisle somehow and talk about immigration. I had the pleasure to meet Joe Biden when I was in college. I believe the Democrats have a pretty good handle on foreign policy. While I understand what Trump is saying about states having control over resources for women, I don’t understand why we’re addressing Roe v. Wade. Healthcare is very difficult for everyone. I really liked what Biden said at the DNC about spouses not needing to be in the country for their non-citizen spouse to become a citizen. We all want good people to come here and be a productive part of society. The question is do you come in the front door or do you slip in the back door. And I don’t think it should be this hard. Recently Trump called off this bi-partisan bill to help with immigration.
People are spending more time attacking and being divisive. As much as the Democrats scream union, the Teamsters are supporting Trump.
I fear a Trump administration because I feel we’re going to get sucked into years of hearings. The problem with Trump is he cannot communicate.
Trump is attractive because he’s not part of the system. What occurs to me having worked in the government is that there are always a number of senior employees who do not change…and who can manipulate the system. Until we “drain the swamp,” we don’t get fair representation.
How do you feel about the January 6th insurrection?
Brent: Jan 6th is a messy topic.
I was a pretty big fan of the Donald as a candidate right before the 2016 election. Mr. Trump was kind of in the vein of Ross Perot, a tough businessman that might see ways to fix our economy and get government working more proficiently, perhaps with some new great trade deals, etc.
This is what I think is important to remember about 2016-2020, if you look at the media and Democrats in congress from that period.
First, the polls they were taking were wildly inaccurate; Trump won the election that they were sure he could not. It seems to me a plausable consideration that enthusiastic journalists screwed up there.
There were also Ms. Clinton’s emails, which the FBI investigated, sort of, and let go, later admitting they saw that yes, the emails were sent, at least 10 Top Secrets and dozens of Secret information emails were shared inappropriately.
Third came the Steele Dossier and Russian Collusion, which turned out to be fabricated also. That information was in our faces daily for the entire Trump term. The Department of Homeland Security has adjusted the narrative, but it still says the impeachment began as Trump was accused of collusion with a foreign government, which was patently false, and then later became obstruction of justice over the telephone call to Zelensky, claiming something inappropriate about “quid pro quo.” My argument is that IS diplomacy, always has been and always will. Thus, a lot of Americans feel that the media and the Dems have lied to us, a lot.
Sorry for the long ride, but then we had January 6th. This may not be on everyone’s radar, but there were several incidents on election night in 2020 that I would still like clarified. 1- Yep, Trump put down a very decent person in John McCain, a Veteran and POW, but they both antagonized each other in diferent ways- how did it go so blue so fast? 2- The night the lights went out in Georgia- i remember vividly watching poll workers in Atlanta covering windows before a “plumbing emergency” (which itself is ironic, going back to Nixon), that affected electricity, somehow and then when the lights came on the outcome had magically changed. 3- there were multiple reports about mail in ballots. I have to say how I feel- unless you are ill or Voting should be in person and with ID. But that didn’t happen. So questioning the election after being told falsehoods by the media and government could have potentially caused a small crowd to form- I just ask you to see, that in light of all these examples and all the fibbing that had been going on, many of us would have preferred a look into what happened rather than just name calling. “The elections are accurate and if you don’t agree you are spreading patently false accusations.” Yeah? How do you know?
So, there are three big questions about Jan 6th:
1-Where were the cops? How many law enforcement people were in that crowd?
2- Why did we spend money and time to impeach Trump again, when he wasn’t even in office?
3- Did Mr. Schiff really destroy all the evidence afterwards? Mr. Schiff is kind of key. Remember the first impeachment was supposed to be handled by Senator Nadler. That didn’t work out well.
In the end, like the accusations before and the more recent ones about Mr. Trump supporting Project 2025, which he has outrightly stated he does not, it could seem to a lot of the nation as just another pre-arranged, absolutely false, or at least wildly overstated excuse to continue to harass the man.
I get it. He can be mean, and he cannot speak smoothly or express himself like others. And I fear that if elected, he will be impaired from achieving many things because the dislike is so “palpable.” But insofar as Jan 6th goes, like many, I feel kind of led to question the motives of the accusers as much as the accused.
Do you have friends who think differently politically from you? If so, do you have conversations about what’s going on politically? Or do you avoid them?
Brent: I like to talk with people with different views from me all the time. We are all hypocrites in one way or another. I try not to be set in my ways. I’m happy to pay taxes, but I’m not happy about not knowing where all the money goes. Without a budget, we don’t know. We’re all doing just the best we can.
What do you think the solution is for bringing people together again?
Brent: Seek Jesus, seek God. I would love to see a wave of newly elected people, who want to solve problems, issues that are common to us all. Vote on issues, not on people. It would be better if voting worked like The Masked Singer.
When we don’t agree on things, what’s the key to maintaining civility?
Brent: We’re all Americans. It’s kind of the way this country was made – United We Stand. We need to read the Constitution a little more carefully. If you’re barking up a tree for your own good…stop doing it for yourself. When you serve, serve. Something I like about Trump is he never took a paycheck. He also flew the entire little league baseball team from Japan to get hot dogs in Chicago. And he paid for it. But I also appreciate that insulin is now $36 and what Biden was saying about beating Big Pharma.
I’m very solid on my sources. If you see something in the news, ask yourself, “Where did that come from?”
This is one interview in a 6-part series. The interviews were anonymous, and names changed to keep anonymity.
Why do you think our country is so divided right now?
Sarah: I think…it seems to be a race factor. People think half of law enforcement is bad, when it’s really only 2% who are bad.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Sarah: I’m married to someone in law enforcement, and I have two kids.
Would you describe yourself as liberal, conservative or independent? Why? Have you always seen yourself this way or have you changed over time?
Sarah: I would say I’m a Republican, and I tend to be conservative because my husband is a police officer. Before I got married, I was 75% Republican and 25% Democrat. My top charities are Anti-Sex Trafficking, Anti-Bullying and Foster Kids.
What are the issues that you feel most strongly about?
Sarah: Most politicians are not out for the people. Most Presidents are not for the people. Most people get there and then forget why they’re there. It’s more of a power trip, more than anything.
What subjects would you say might be a place for common ground? In other words, places where your views might intersect with someone who you would otherwise be voting very differently from?
Sarah: Republicans believe that you make your own choices; you can be more free with your speech and say what you want. Regarding abortion, I believe you should make your choice on your own. Regarding guns, I believe everyone should have them, and take mandatory classes once a year.
How do you feel about the January 6th insurrection?
Sarah: I’m 50/50 on that to be honest. I think it was crazy. I don’t think anyone should be attacking like that. People are allowed to show their views and fight with words. I think it’s gotten to a point where all of these things could have been prevented, if they did the right thing.
Do you have friends who think differently politically from you? If so, do you have conversations about what’s going on politically? Or do you avoid them?
Sarah: I’m very open. My Mom and Dad and I are on the same side. My sisters are on the opposite side. I have no problem having a conversation. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Democrat or Republican in office. They’re not doing anything for me, per se. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
What do you think the solution is for bringing people together again?
Sarah: To let people speak about their views without getting into an argument. People shouldn’t take things personally. I’m very open, very blunt, very honest. I don’t have a filter. Either you like me, or you don’t. There is no in between.
When we don’t agree on things, what’s the key to maintaining civility?
Sarah: For me, I keep quiet. Which is weird because a lot of people need to state their point of view. You can state your opinions without getting into an argument. A lot of people just don’t know how to do that.
This is one interview in a 6-part series. The interviews were anonymous, and names changed to keep anonymity.
Why do you think our country is so divided right now?
Jim: It’s so divided because there’s only two parties, it’s one way or the other. I kind of wish there were more choices. Until a group of people can decide to have a party that’s viable, whether it’s Independent or Libertarian, I fear it will be divided like this.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Jim: Born in Virginia lived there 2 years. Moved down to South Florida and have been here ever since. I work as a proposal writer for a large company.
Would you describe yourself as liberal, conservative or independent? Why? Have you always seen yourself this way or have you changed over time?
Jim: I’m definitely liberal now. I’ve changed over time. Back when I was younger, I was more conservative, supported Reagan and Bush. Over time I’ve become more open minded. I’m definitely more left than right now, by far. Abortion, the economy, women’s rights. LGBTQ rights. I’m more supportive of that than I was 25 years ago. I think everyone deserves to be equal and treated equally.
What are the issues that you feel most strongly about?
Jim: Pro-choice. The Roe v. Wade reversal was a ridiculous judgment in our history going back 50 years, basically decided by a bunch of old congressional males and, of course, the Supreme Court the way it is now. It’s just a regression in our history.
Biden and the Democrats have turned around our economy in the last four years. And that’s something Kamala can build upon. I don’t want to go into a recession with Donald Trump.
What subjects would you say might be a place for common ground? In other words, places where your views might intersect with someone who you would otherwise be voting very differently from?
Jim: I think education is a common ground for most people. As parents, we all want our children to succeed with the best schools with the best teachers. I think wanting teachers to have better pay is also a place of common ground. Children having great opportunities with their education and colleges going forward is something we all want.
Homeowners insurance is something that affects all Floridians. I think everybody agrees in Florida that there needs to be a revamping of the whole system. What we pay for home insurance is utterly ridiculous compared to other states.
How do you feel about the January 6th insurrection?
Jim: I think it was a black eye in our country and was a defining event of the end of Trump’s first and hopefully only term. It’s something that people should remember when they go to vote.
Do you have friends who think differently politically from you? If so, do you have conversations about what’s going on politically? Or do you avoid them?
Jim: I do have friends who are on the other side who I talk to usually by text or social media. I’ve learned to not bring up the subject of the election. There are some on the other side who almost like to goad me into expressing my opinions. It’s hard sometimes to keep my opinions to myself, especially with one particular friend. Depending on what kind of day I’m having, I might ignore him or I might respond back if I’m caffienated enough. Definitely at work, I do not bring up the subject.
What do you think the solution is for bringing people together again?
Jim: There’s going to have to be some sort of circling back. Remembering that we are all Americans, we all need to be treated equally, despite race, sexual orientation, regardless of politics. Just because your political viewpoint is different from another, we all have to all get along.
Even during the Bush years and Clinton years, it wasn’t this divided. It’s also social media causing a rift, where everything is heard and amplified in memes and other ways.
When we don’t agree on things, what’s the key to maintaining civility?
Jim: Changing the subject. (Laughs). With this one particular friend, I always change the subject to sports because we always get along with that. It’s easier in text messages than to do this in person though.
I think there’s more important things in life than being riled up and divisive over politics. It’s kind of sad the way the country has been really divided over the past 8 to 10 years.
Anything else?
Jim: The MAGA group has changed the Republican party and it’s kind of like a cult.
This is one interview in a 6-part series. The interviews were anonymous, and names changed to keep anonymity.
Why do you think our country is so divided right now?
Alan: I think it’s manufactured. They’re building cases to have people take sides. No one is finding that middle ground and running with the ball. “They” meaning both political parties.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Alan: Retired and from the NY area.
Would you describe yourself as liberal, conservative or independent? Why? Have you always seen yourself this way or have you changed over time?
Alan: I am fiscally conservative and there are some issues I would call myself “laxed” on. I think I’ve always been this way.
What are the issues that you feel most strongly about?
Alan: Fairness. I would love open communication. That’s probably the biggest issue I see right now. I don’t think anyone is smart enough to create limits on abortion. I think it’s overstated on a conservative side. The economy is really poorly run. We’re pouring so much money into the government and we should be doing just the opposite.
What subjects would you say might be a place for common ground? In other words, places where your views might intersect with someone who you would otherwise be voting very differently from?
Alan: I would think I’m on the same side of abortion with people who would be considered more liberal. It’s really hard to tell what’s true or not. This whole focus on transgenderism for younger people is scary. If someone is troubled, we should certainly help troubled people.
Gas prices are a self-inflicted wound, I think. Everyone decided that climate was an issue, but thinking that the US is able to do something about it is a bit short sighted. We’re just one piece of the puzzle. What we’re missing is the nuclear side. It’s my understanding that nuclear energy is very safe, and it seems silly that we don’t take advantage of that more.
I really hate where the government comes in and gives things away to people. That’s not the federal government’s job at all.
The border is another self-inflicted wound with a cascading effect. Bringing more people in is like adding weight to a hot air balloon. It’s not good for us. There’s a distinction between legal and illegal immigration.
How do you feel about the January 6th insurrection?
Alan: I think if Donald Trump wanted to do an insurrection, he would have done a much better job than that. But there’s no way that was an insurrection. The insurrection is the suppression of information. There is voting fraud. The real question is how pervasive it is.
You want to talk about life and threats. Where’s the line between rhetoric and potential action?
You wonder why this guy Ray Epps isn’t in jail and everybody else is for January 6th?
There are people who went in there and destroyed things, and yes, they should be arrested. But not those people who just walked around.
I heard the National Guard was offered, but it was turned down.
We have a President right now without full faculties, so I’m really wondering who’s running the country. What’s dangerous about that is you’re supposed to elect the person who’s leading you, not some mystery group in the background.
Do you have friends who think differently politically from you? If so, do you have conversations about what’s going on politically? Or do you avoid them?
Alan: I avoid them because they say things to me that are not understandable to me at all. It’s my understanding that a lot of the jobs that are created are either government jobs or illegal immigrant jobs, not manufacturing jobs that really build the core of the country.
What do you think the solution is for bringing people together again?
Alan: I think the solution is ugly and that ugliness is stopping the suppression of information. Having real debates with real fact checking not shallow fact checking.
When we don’t agree on things, what’s the key to maintaining civility?
Alan: That’s personality. If someone says something that I feel is totally off the wall, I just suggest that we move to a better conversation. I would think that someone who believes those things in their heart – they’re not going to want to change, and I just might be the same way. So many sound bites and not substantive information.
I think our political system is run by about 600 people, if you break it down. Why are politicians millionaires? There’s something not quite right about that. The system encourages people in those roles and protects them.
Anything else?
Alan: It is a shame and part of the shame is there’s more noise than information out there.
This is one interview in a 6-part series. The interviews were anonymous, and names changed to keep anonymity.
Why do you think our country is so divided right now?
Virginia: Because I don’t think the Republican party is really a Republican party anymore. MAGA took over. It wasn’t so divided when I was growing up. What Donald Trump has done to this country since 2016 is divided us. It’s sad.
Tell us a little about yourself. Your job, your family, where you are from.
Virginia: I’m a stay-at-home mom, and I’m originally from South Florida.
Would you describe yourself as liberal, conservative or independent? Why? Have you always seen yourself this way or have you changed over time?
Virginia: Liberal. I’ve actually become more liberal over time. The craziness on the other side has made me more liberal. I grew up with a Republican father and a Democratic mother, so I could have gone either way.
What are the issues that you feel most strongly about?
Virginia: My biggest issue is abortion rights for women. I have 3 children. I’m concerned for them. People think of abortion as someone just “decides to have an abortion.” Someone I’m close to would have carried their baby for 40 weeks. And the baby would have lasted about 2 hours. It really killed her to have an abortion. It’s not something anyone wants to do.
Also, books in schools, it’s absurd that they want to remove books from schools. I truly believe that the Republicans want to raise uneducated kids who won’t ask the right questions.
By the time kids are in high school, they should already know what they want to do. Our government wants them to sign off on everything, i.e. my son is a part of an LGBTQ Club at school. I shouldn’t have to sign paperwork, allowing him to participate. But these days, you have to sign a form for everything.
As a mom, I feel like I’m losing my three kids due to the politics of this state. All of my three kids are leaving Florida. After I’m an empty nester, I will probably leave Florida too.
I put up a small Kamala Harris yard sign, and the neighbor across from me put up a giant “Guns, God and Trump” banner.
I was raised with guns growing up and I feel there should be stricter rules about them. After the Parkland incident, you could not get into the Wellington Schools. They were locked down, which was good. I was also horrified at the Uvalde school shooting. I know someone who lost their kid in Parkland. I definitely believe in background checks.
What subjects would you say might be a place for common ground? In other words, places where your views might intersect with someone who you would otherwise be voting very differently from?
Virginia: I think fundamentally everyone wants what is best for their families. We want safe schools and educated children and the ability to grow old with dignity.
How do you feel about the January 6th insurrection?
Virginia: Horrified. I can remember we were all locked down at the time. I can’t believe that it happened and the man that caused it to happen is still a candidate. He should be in jail. Trump treating them like celebrities is just disgusting. My son and I just looked at each other and were like “what in the world is going on?” It was awful. The fact that people do not remember or choose not to remember is even worse, in my opinion.
Do you have friends who think differently politically from you? If so, do you have conversations about what’s going on politically? Or do you avoid them?
Virginia: We avoid these conversations. We have family who think differently.
What do you think the solution is for bringing people together again?
Virginia: I’m hoping that in a world after Trump…(I hope that he loses) that we can find common ground. I think MAGA needs to go. In a perfect world, people can see that we really just want what’s best for our society.
I wish more people would get their kids involved in giving back to the community. I would love to see more families involved in volunteer work. Start them young. I’m proud of my three kids for the volunteer work they’ve done.
When we don’t agree on things, what’s the key to maintaining civility?
Virginia: I think appreciating that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts.
