I stand with Gus
Photo: Erin Hooley / AP
During Tim Walz’s speech at the Democratic convention the television cameras cut away a couple of times to the governor’s family. His son, Gus, was moved to tears of pride and affection. “That’s my dad,” he was crying. I was sobbing along with him. I’m not sure why this scene in particular was so moving. Maybe it was because there was such a deep authenticity to Gus’s response to his dad. It was apparent that this family is healthy, grounded, and loving. All things we have aspired to in our family.
A couple of days later I came across comments about Gus made by people like Ann Coulter. There were others, and I don’t want to repeat any of them here because they were just ugly and hateful. It disgusted me. With their ugly comments these haters illustrated everything that is wrong with political discourse in the United States — it has become too hate centric.
I have been guilty of hating in my life. But no more. I will allow myself to be disgusted. I will allow myself to pity people like Ann Coulter for being so hateful that they cannot appreciate authentic love. But I will not hate. I will redouble my love for the things that matter, for the good in the world, and for those who bring joy into our lives.
Gus Walz did that when he stood up for his father.
Posted 26 August 2024 by Mark ·
