Could There Be Hope Coming Out Of a Tragedy?

Saturday night, I traveled to Alleman, Iowa to watch the Mason City softball team play a regional game. As I was waiting for the game to start, a parent next to me let me know that “Trump has been shot…” I had not been on any media so the news was very jarring. A quick search found that he was going to be ok, which was a huge relief. Unfortunately, one life was lost with two more in very serious condition but it could have been so much more worse.

I’m sure you are like me in trying to keep up with the news the last 24 hours as well as in being in shock on how something like this could happen. Many people have expressed the need for healing and coming together as a country, while many others have continued to blame the “other side” and kept up the “rhetoric of dehumanization” that has become all too familiar in the political world. It is maddening to me that our country has so much trouble working together to solve problems and instead spends time blaming and name calling those they disagree with.

This weekend, I spent some time watching a variety of sporting events, including regional softball, Wimbledon tennis, and high school basketball. Each event had opposing sides who were passionate about winning and did everything they could to defeat the other side. Emotions sometimes were high, but at the end of each game/match, the opponents shook hands and congratulated each other even though one side won, and the other lost. For the most part, this is how sports work-everyone has a common goal and wants the same things but we have a set way to figure out a winner and everyone accepts the results. Sportsmanship and proper etiquette is usually the norm.

Why in the world can’t this happen in the “real world” and with our political leaders and institutions? We all want to be happy, healthy, and lead successful lives so why can’t common ground be found to make this happen? Why can’t we agree to disagree but not be disagreeable with each other? We have perfect examples of how this can be successful yet our leaders continue to fail to do this.

I have been encouraged by the words of presidents Biden and Trump of toning down the rhetoric and the importance of bringing more unity to the country. Hopefully their actions going forward will match the words. Ultimately, leaders have the opportunity to be the adult in the room and model appropriate behavior for those they lead. Why can’t civil conversations be had with people agreeing to disagree but making the case for what they believe. Ultimately we have elections that should determine who leads through the counting of ballots.

It’s up to all of us to hold our leaders accountable for doing the right thing and finding common ground for the common good. Sports shows us it can be done. It shouldn’t take a near tragedy to bring people together and change their actions but if it can begin a process of change, then we may all be better because of it. Let’s hope the actions of our leaders match their rhetoric. Have a great week!

Coach K