Rowing Away from Wade to Freedom

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How are you processing the Supreme Court’s latest decision and the January 6th hearings?

Last Friday, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The ruling enables state governments to criminalize abortion and dictate women's reproductive choices. In one week, we've witnessed a divided response.

My wife told me abortion is an issue for women to discuss and decide; she says men should not write thought pieces on the topic. After a discussion, I came to agree with her, but I still made some observations.

Protests erupted throughout the United States in response to the Supreme Court’s decision. From Los Angeles to New York, still and video images documented multiple clashes between protestors and the police.

Whether you are 'pro-life' or ‘pro-choice,’ the nation's political climate is difficult to observe from the outside.

Saturday, we had some friends over to the house. The conversation went from parenting challenges to the Supreme Court’s decision. We shared mutual concerns about the future of women’s rights.

The night ended without a heated discussion.

On Sunday afternoon, an Antiguan woman talked with me about the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol. I told her how my brother-in-law worked as a Capitol police officer on January 6th and described his terror-filled experiences. She sympathized and talked about her last trip to Florida, where she felt uneasy in a community of Trump supporters.

The overturn of Roe v. Wade and the insurrection hearings forced me to revisit the decision to live abroad.

I am grateful for my life in Antigua and Barbuda. Living somewhere with tropical weather year-round, doing impactful work, and developing a community of solid people is a blessing. Of course, a life abroad also has challenges, but where we are right now is working for us.

Becoming a parent and living with your family outside your home country forces you to mature in unimaginable ways.

In moving abroad, I've learned that things are often not as I think they 'should be.' The changes we want to see require work, compromises, and conflict. Physical, mental, and spiritual tools are necessary to survive the struggle for justice.

From the outside, it's challenging to understand nuanced restrictions from a nation that preaches privacy, freedom, and equality. But, maybe, the US needs these societal challenges to make it great again. I don't know.

So far in my history books and the hearing testimonies, I’ve learned about some injustices, an abundance of material resources, and a few moments of triumph.

Testimonies heard during the January 6th hearing confirm corruption. Evidence supports that Trump attempted to prevent Jeffrey Clark from replacing the acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen. Hutchinson painted another image of #45’s uncontrollable ego, willing to allow armed supporters join an event for a photo opportunity.

The outcome of the hearing is difficult to predict. The committee is on leave until mid-July. But, this is America where controversy may land him the Republican nomination for president in 2024.

The US has problems, and other nations do as well. Utopias are a thing of fiction.

Talks of corruption occupy the quiet conversations on the beaches, roads, and local communities of Antigua. Yes, despite the beauty of the island, ugly politics happen behind closed doors. Rumors discuss bribery and rigged elections; protesters demand justice for police violations of power.

The hypocrisy of authority is alive, well, and capable of surviving in any country.

No matter where you call home, our challenge for this week is to reflect on the roles we will play during our lifetime.

Like the Supreme Court, we have a decision to make. Not everyone can join the front lines. However, plenty of supporting and valuable positions are behind and around the political divides.

Before finalizing your holiday weekend grocery lists, pause and think about your roles in freedom movements.