I have watched the country and state turn into a strange place. I served for 10 years in the Navy. I traveled the world and saw what it thought of Americans: a people who are so engrossed with ourselves we aren’t willing to feel the slightest discomfort.

As I see with the riots, this is only partly true. There are some willing to have a conversation but they are shouted down if there is any disagreement. When did we become a country of self-righteous whiners?

I remember when adults could speak to one another and find common ground. I hope we can find a path where we can see more than left or right, skin tones, age, sex or whatever. Division didn’t build a nation of immigrants. It was merit, hard work, ethics and moral fiber.

I don’t pretend to know everything; I barely feel knowledgeable enough to make decisions for my family. However, I can speak to what I see. The world feels in chaos with the virus and injustice, but this feeling is only a symptom of a country not sure of its own identity.

This country isn’t without its mistakes, but it has done more in 244 years than most other countries. I hope we can find ourselves again.

Andrew HerrmannDolores