We are living in a time of rapid change, and it’s unclear where things will settle. But regardless of those actions, I know Ozarkers to be kindhearted. I urge us to use those tendencies as filters in how we observe moments, to dig deep to examine biases, and to speak up for the value of humanity.

Regardless of a person’s background, they do not deserve to be hated, made fun of, or pointed to as the reason behind society’s challenges.

It distresses me that people - human beings created just like us - are being dehumanized.

There are issues on which we can compromise. But to me, having care for others is not one.

I’m not saying our world should continue without change. I’m not condoning illegal activity. The Ozarks has significant poverty; we can’t support everyone. I know that not everyone who wants to live in the US can do so.

But despite these realities, where is our compassion for our fellow humans?

Some of you might think I shouldn’t write about any of this. That it doesn’t relate to Ozarks culture and I should stay in my gravel lane, one that leads far from these topics and into a wooded forest escape. But it feels weird to only post about positivity when these issues affect the Ozarks, too.