Our nation is divided.  That's not breaking news because we've been divided for some time.

            Before October 7, 2023, we were divided over politics, the economy, immigration, crime, the war in Ukraine, the national budget, conflicts among our legislators, and more.  We were worried about the saber-rattling of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

            Since that day, we added the rising tensions in the Middle East and an all-out war there.  Threats are rising on all sides to expand the conflict drawing other nations into it.  Conflicts are also rising within the United States as more and more people are taking to the streets, college campuses, and social media to show and voice their opinions.

            Some of those protests are peaceful and some are not.  The hatred has grown from liberal versus conservative in our country, to pro-Israel versus pro-Palestine.  Where does the hate end?  Physical violence at some protests is ramping up.  When that hate turns to violence it is too late.

            Showing support via peaceful protest is protected in the First Amendment of the Constitution.  "The Right to Peaceful Assembly".  When property damage, injury, or death occurs is it still a peaceful assembly?  Where does one person's rights end and another's begin?

            At what point do threats based on ethnic or religious affiliation constitute a hate crime?

            It seems that there is no consistency in the application of law in many cases.  That divides us even more.

            I wish that the October 7th attack on Israel never happened.  I wish that the death and destruction caused from the attack, and since then, never happened.  I wish all the fighting would end today and that all hostages would be released today.  I wish that there was a way towards a lasting peace in the Middle East developed today – not just opinions but real action.

            I wish that anti-Semitic, anti-Islamic, anti-Israel, and anti-Palestine hate would end today.   I wish the thirst for vengeance would end today.  I wish the hate displayed on some college campuses, on social media, and in the streets of America and around the world would end today.

            But, those wishes won't happen – today.

            When can they happen and what can we do today to make a better future for all?