I ran across this observation posted by Alex Pretti's sister.
It's definitely worth sharing.
Thank you, Theresa Renner, for sharing this.
Last night at Farmin Park, 227 people attended the vigil for Alex Pretti, Renee Nicole Good, Geraldo Lunas Campos, and all the other people who have been shot or killed, assaulted, disappeared, or deported by ICE and the current administration.
By sheer chance, a couple staying in a nearby hotel walked by as we were holding our vigil. They did not know about it beforehand. They just happened to be walking past. They realized what was happening, and joined us.
After the event, they approached organizers and told us they are from Minneapolis and were in Sandpoint on a long-planned vacation. They expressed their unease and guilt about being gone from home right now. And they thanked us for being there.
There were tears. There were hugs. They told us things are much, much worse than we are seeing on the news and social media. People in Minneapolis are truly being terrorized. And they told organizers, “You have no idea what it means to us, that you are supporting us from a thousand miles away.”
I told them, "You being here, and happening upon us, is challenging my atheistic beliefs."
She answered, "We're all connected."
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As I continue to think over the weekend's events in Minneapolis and the decision to remove one of the principals involved in relaying information to the American public, I hope that the government takes a different approach to what the leaders say is a vital undertaking for the best interests and safety of the American people.
Removing that one individual who almost immediately publicly denigrated the victim of Saturday's shooting and created a scenario which was far from the truth is a good move.
Still, there's much more to be done if any sliver of trust in the government is ever going to be resurrected.
In my mind, this is not a Republican or a Democratic situation. It's a situation about humanity, communication, decency and respect.
When dealing with other humans in virtually any situation, clear communication, decency and respect are cornerstones to success.
I learned a few golden rules over my 33 years as a classroom teacher that helped me navigate both negative and positive experiences with my students.
First of all, I learned the importance of making my expectations clear. It's hard for your group to figure out how to act or react if they don't know a few basic rules.
Kids generally thought I was an old bag on the first day of school because I wasted no time conveying my expectations for the year.
They probably had no idea that I hated laying out those rules just as much as they hated writing them down, but I knew that it was essential.
Usually each year, as time passed, the classroom atmosphere seemed amenable to most students.
I also learned early on as a young teacher that life is not all black and white when you are dealing with people.
Everyone comes to the room with different daily and life experiences and with different points of view.
As teachers, if we were going to succeed, we needed to be flexible and learn quickly that square pegs don't fit in round holes and that we would need to adjust for those situations.
I also learned two very important principles about conducting myself as a classroom teacher.
1. Be firm but kind.
If you have a problem with someone, find a good place and time to talk to it out---that includes two-way communication, talking and listening.
2. And, once you've had that discussion, do your utmost to end the meeting on a positive note.
Even though my job was to be right in what I taught or how I taught it, I also learned not be afraid to admit when I had made a mistake.
I always figured that it was important to do so long before someone brought the error to my attention.
I didn't always win those races, but still did my best, and when I admitted my shortcomings, kids usually gained more respect for me.
Respect for others goes a long ways. If we want respect, we must be willing to give it willingly and abundantly.
I learned this next life principle long before I became a teacher: tell the truth, even if it pains you.
Lying and constantly denigrating or blaming others, especially victims, diminishes credibility and certainly does not earn you brownie points.
In short, I keep saying that this Minnesota debacle is not a Republican or Democratic thing, as we are reminded every day---instead, it's about humanity and how humans treat others.
The "tough guy" syndrome may seem effective at first, but if you don't weave in the other vital basics of working with people to your approach, it's likely your mission will backfire and you are going to experience tough times ahead.
I hope that we see some of the above employed in what now seems to be a ultra-draconian, cruel and dangerous approach to solving the immigration problem.
When people die because of our decisions, it's time to wake up and change the game plan.
Let's hope we see some major changes, quickly implemented.
It's GAME DAY for the Sandpoint men's basketball squad.
They are traveling to Post Falls tonight to take on the Trojans.
Tip-off is at 7 p.m., and hopefully Hudl will work for us to stream the game.
GO, BULLDOGS!!!
Happy Tuesday.
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