A Gut Punch

Alesia Weiss

Berlin, Germany, just before I joined the Army Nurse Corps and was stationed in Europe. That’s my uncle Peter to my left, at the Wall.

This past month has felt like a gut punch — especially after the death of a fellow nurse in Minnesota.

I’ve always tried to give people the benefit of the doubt. I listen. I don’t argue just to argue. But in today’s hyper-charged political climate, let’s be honest: most people aren’t listening anymore, and most minds aren’t changing.

Mine did.

I used to vote Republican — right up through George W. Bush. Then 9/11 happened. Our country changed overnight, and so did the way I looked at the world. I started paying closer attention. I questioned more.