These are definitely challenging times. Whether Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian, Green Party, voters or non-voters, we share the same basket of trying to make a living, trying to keep our kids safe and trying to keep the cost of living down.

Dear Neighbor, 

Many of us probably know someone who has already been directly affected by the recent flurry of executive orders from the new president. As we are learning, policy is more than a piece of paper. These recent executive orders, a number of which are already being challenged in court, are Impacting the lives of Americans immediately.  

A friend of mine who lives in Texas shared that a friend who works for NASA received work emails saying that employees need to be loyal to President Trump and his policies. She also received an email offering to buy out her contract. What if, like this professional, your job skills are tailored to one particular industry or project? Where will you find a job if you’re let go? What if the courts eventually say it isn’t constitutional to make civil service employment contingent upon pledging loyalty to a president? What happens to your family, your mortgage, your health insurance while the legal issues make their way through the courts? Should your job security be dependent upon loyalty to a president? 

If you are a civil servant, have a family member thus employed, or know someone who is directly or indirectly affected by these “Fork in the Road” emails, think about the stress and upheaval that people just trying to do their job are now dealing with. Consider the decisions folks will have to make. Decisions revolving around the question of stay or leave. Theoretically if someone opts to leave their pay will continue until September. Yes, they are encouraged to seek employment in the private sector. If it’s possible to find other employment, will that mean relocating? If it does involve relocating, think about what that could mean for other members of the family. These are life-changing decisions.  

Consider all of the people you know who will, or might be directly or indirectly affected by the mass deportation raids taking place across the country. You may think immigration raids by ICE will not affect you. However if you’re a teacher, a doctor, a nurse or a member of the clergy, who at any point interacts with or works with someone who might be undocumented, you will be impacted. Add to that list restaurant owners, farmers with crops to be harvested and any number of small business owners. Even if you’re not in any of those positions, you almost certainly know someone who is. I now know legal citizens who no longer leave home without their passports or proof of American citizenship. Yes, whether in your heart or in your pocket, this promised sweep of immigrants can affect your daily life.

These are definitely challenging times. Whether Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian, Green Party, voters or non-voters, we share the same basket of trying to make a living, trying to keep our kids safe and trying to keep the cost of living down.

As the year unfolds in ways we may have never imagined or expected, let us resolve to try and treat one another with respect and dignity and humanity. Life can be fickle. What is normal one day can change in an instant. We all might wind up knowing people we know or care about, maybe even ourselves, who will be directly or indirectly impacted by any of the many changes ahead. In peace, your neighbor Connie. 

“Dear Neighbor” authors are united in a belief that civility and passion can coexist. We believe curiosity and conversation make us a better community.