Sometimes I wonder who we are in this community.
Almost every day, I see charitable people and organizations lending a helping hand to someone in need, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation or party affiliation. I see people who are motivated to promote equality and justice, contributing in positive and healthy ways to social causes.
Yet, I see other actions, too, that belie the charity and grace that we should expect in our community.
A few years ago in Mancos, I heard a young man leaving a bar make a racist comment that was so disgusting, I am loathe to repeat it.
I used to see peace marchers, then they were harassed. I don’t see them anymore.
I see people carrying firearms in public because they do not feel safe in our community.
I hear the library canceled an in-person LGBTQ event because of threats to their safety.
So, who are we, Montezuma County? Are we best described as a community that appreciates its diversity and helps the most vulnerable, or as a community that uses threats and intimidation to prevent voices from being heard? We all know the answer, so let’s get out there and prove it!
Peter Ortego
Lewis
