I know that I don’t know.

There is so much going on in the news these days. All of the many Trump trials and pre-trial issues, and the Supreme Court hearing the important cases on presidential immunity and abortion, and then individual state decisions…. And now the campus protests about the Israel – Gaza/Hamas war.

It is hard to keep track of everything, and to get true information, especially these days with so many sources that have their own agendas and slants.

One thing I do know – is that I do not know. What I mean is I have to do work, and read, and listen, and still I will never know everything about a subject. I do not know the history that leads to where we are with many of these issues. But, I am trying to learn. And, I do not know how the people directly involved really feel. I do know people are playing games with us as we try to keep up with the news.

Right now, I do not get the full picture about what is happening on some of the campuses across our country. I know that young people are getting emotional, and that they have found a problem they see in the world that is really affecting them. And it should. I am all for peaceful protests. I actually like seeing young people come out, and express themselves about how they feel. I have noticed that the escalations at protests (at least what I see on on videos) seem to happen once the police come in and try to break up the gatherings. I am not sure why they feel the need to do that. Except, I have heard that Jewish students feel nervous and I know that is not right. College campuses should be safe environments for teens and young adults as best as possible.

The attack by the terrorist group Hamas on to the Israeli people was heinous. It was beyond acceptable and it was certainly something the Israel government had to respond to, and they had to immediately work on getting back the hostages that were taken. As the months of killing, of this horrible war, have gone on, we have continued to see unimaginable destruction and death. Basic needs of food and shelter for the innocent people of Palestine is gone. There really is NO good of any kind happening anywhere in that area, the land of the birth of Christianity. And of course the land that the Jewish people have claimed as their promised land. The piece of land where many religions look at as the foundational spot. Moses walked there. Jesus walked there.

I know that the campus protests are aimed against Biden and the US government because they choose to provide Israel with financial and military support. I get the protests. It’s really hard to understand how we as a country can ‘take a side’ instead of working both sides to help them find peace. I think Sec. of State Blinken is doing that though. And, as this post is about, I really do not know all that has gone into trying to bring this horrible war to an end. But I do know some very bright negotiators are hard at work.

I know that I do not know. So I don’t want to take sides and for now I pray that peace can somehow come to the land.

I also don’t know about all the issues at our southern border. I’m not there. I have not spoken directly to those working the border. I have to rely on media sources, hoping the statistics they tell are accurate. I do not know what is in the hearts of those who have come to our border looking for a way in, and a way to start a new life. Some will say they are mostly terrible people, bringing in drugs, taking American jobs, increasing crime in our country. But others say that is not true, and that it is political talk used to divide us by political party leanings. I have seen news pieces about young families waiting at the border, hoping to come in and just have a small piece of the American dream. They want safety for their families, better job opportunities, education for their children, and really all the things those of us born here want also.

I know that I do not know. There are problems with our immigration system for sure. I know that putting smart and serious minds towards finding a better way is needed. More funding is needed. Problems won’t be solved without a real positive effort, a humane effort, and with working together. We haven’t had that yet. It’s become a political volleyball, and it’s not fair to the people waiting.

I know that I don’t know. So, I hope for the best outcome for those needing our help, and for the people there on the border, and for those first hand at the border, who are dealing with the influx. I pray that we look at all people as God wants us to see them, as neighbors, and as people just like us, wanting to live in peace, to provide, to work, and to be accepted.

I know I don’t know about the behind the scenes, private life of any president of the United States. I have never known a president personally. I did get to shake President Biden’s hand when he was campaigning and he came to my town. I sat and listened to him at a town hall gathering. That’s as close as I have gotten. But, all of the other presidents of my lifetime have been someone I know of only through media reporting and from watching speeches, appearances, and press conferences. I know some of their history. Not all of it. But today with social media and phones with cameras everywhere I know more of the last couple of presidents then the ones that led our country when I was a younger. I also have had more time as an older person to do my own research, to read books about them, to watch congressional hearings, and now to watch the Trump trials.

I know I don’t know everything about Trump or Biden. I do know that half of what I hear is probably not true. We are living in a time of really over-the-top, and distasteful, political fights. It amazes me how low some will go to win an election. Integrity, honesty, kindness, respect – all these attributes seem to be gone. Did Trump do illegal things to win? And then when he lost a second term and he claimed a ‘stolen election’ theory (he says it to this day), was there any truth to it?

I know I do not know. But I have my eyes and ears open. I am glad we will find out through our justice system. Trump has already been found guilty of defamation in court. Out of his own mouth, he shows us he likes to put down others, to make fun of people with disabilities, and vets, and others, and I find it very disturbing. I also know that the trial happening now will tell us if he did interfere with the campaign for president by hiding payoffs with false documents. (Covering up sexual affairs – one happened while his wife was home with a new baby.). The other cases coming up will tell us if he had a big hand in the January 6th insurrection, and whether or not he purposely took and hid classified documents.

I watched the Congressional committee investigation that led to Trump’s impeachment. I wanted to know.

Trump has shown me what kind of a person he is. I find him very disappointing and because he lies so much I do not believe anything he ever says.

As for Biden, I have watched to see what connection he had with his son Hunter and if there was a money trail of illegal actions when Biden was vice president. So far, nothing has been proven. Republicans have sure been trying to find something. I don’t know much about Biden except that he seems to sincerely value family, and he is working towards moving our country forward to a place where all who live here will have equal opportunities. Yes, I align with the Democratic platform on issues. So, yes, I lean that way.

But I know I do not know.

Nobody knows everything. We tend to talk like we do. Pride and personal beliefs lead us to opinions. OPINIONS.

But we do not know.