I recently posted a note about a teenager who identified himself as gay dying from suicide. He had left a note that included statements saying he couldn’t handle the hate and abuse any longer.

Words are powerful. Actions are powerful. “Those people.” “Them.”

I also have recently been along the border of Mexico, in Tijuana, trying to help people who have fled their home and are trying to find a safe place in the US. I’m not surprised, but the vile words used towards these people shook me. I was posting some news on Twitter and searched for #caravan and was brought to a world of so much hatred towards people that the ones posting didn’t even know!

“Those people.” “Them.”

I get that people disagree. I get that you might not like Republicans or immigrants or gay people or gun owners. Them. And I believe that we all have more in common than not. I don’t have to demonize you just because I disagree with you.

I disagree with those that vilify and attack immigrants or those wanting to come into the US. I will disagree, and then take action to support immigrants. It’s that easy. Sure, those who attack immigrants will then attack me on social media. I can handle it. Cowards thrive in the anonymous comments of social media.

And while all of this is going on, I have to continue to look in the mirror and make sure I don’t have a “them”. Whether it’s a group of people or an individual, I need to always be sure that my words and actions don’t hurt others.

Thanks for reading.