Where is Everybody?

There is too much financial uncertainty, political conflict and outbursts of random violence these days.
We were already feeling frustrated with the prolonged isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic when waves of outrage began to spark.

There were widespread civil rights protests following the tragic deaths of African Americans Breonna Taylor in Louisville and George Floyd in Minneapolis which continue to smolder to this day. Then came the devastating wildfires in the West which left at least 3 dozen dead and thousands homeless. Add in, of course, the years-long simmering fury at the current occupant of the White House.

It seems that all we hear from the media is OUTRAGE. Blame must be placed for each tragedy and scandal, which all blur together, their details reported in such contradictory terms that citizens are left not knowing what to believe.

Problem: Interpretive News Instead of Factual News

Divisions between the two main political parties and among neighbors just get deeper and more vicious. Deadly riots in the name of social justice. People “erased” by a vocal sliver of the population for saying the wrong thing, yet what is considered “woke” seems to change daily. Gads, we can’t even agree on the best ways to fight the pandemic and keep our population safe!

Is this our future?

Here is a most serious question. Where is everybody? Where are the calm voices of those who think there is a better way? Where are the parents and grandparents, the small businessmen and corporate chiefs, the educators and the heads of law enforcement? Where are the doctors and mental health experts, the historians and social scientists who have studied crumbling societies, the mediators, the big idea people? There must be a way for those who think a peaceful Republic is worth striving for to band together to heal this nation. There must be some true leaders out there capable of steering us away from the current cliff.

I know in my soul that a majority of Americans do not want our country to go down its current chaotic path. So why isn’t that majority rising up and speaking out? Has everyone been too preoccupied with surviving COVID-19? Or maybe we have lost the vision or the will to recognize the festering wounds developing in our society. Deep down we must realize a happy and productive country is the most important legacy we can leave our children.

Peaceful Protests = Good, Violent Protests = Bad

Recently, I became aware of a non-profit organization called Braver Angels, formerly known as Better Angels, an homage to President Abraham Lincoln’s challenge to the nation to return to “the better angels of our nature.” It’s the largest grassroots movement to unite red and blue Americans in a working partnership to try to “depolarize” the country.

“We try to understand the other side’s point of view,” the organization’s website declares, “even if we don’t agree with it. We engage those we disagree with, looking for common ground and ways to work together.”

What a concept! Bringing all sides together to compromise and find ways to right this teetering ship of state. I wonder if groups like Black Lives Matter would consider joining the Braver Angels effort. Unlikely. Some of the loudest, most strident voices are obviously uninterested in compromise. Demands must be met, they say, no matter how outrageous they are.

As for the nation’s current poisonous political climate, Braver Angels reminds us the venomous climate can be tracked back more than two decades. “In other words,” the group’s mission statement reads, “the vitriol in American politics was a problem long before Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and the 2016 election.”

There Are Braver Angels Chapters Nationwide

So where does the deterioration of our lawful society and political system stop? It is clear that today’s politicians – on both sides of the aisle – are incapable of compromising. Many are more intent on keeping conflicts red-hot and then using the stalemate as a finger-pointing campaign issue.

So, there are only two choices left to the citizenry. Either sit back and do and say nothing or decide your country is worth speaking up for.

Yes, voting is a start but there is much more to be done at the human-to-human level to bridge our divide. During this difficult and dangerous time in our history we must find ways to heal. Where is everybody? Where are you?

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38 Comments

  1. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:07 am

    Carolyn Ogren writes:

    Ms. Dimond,

    Read your article, “Where are the moderates who can heal the US?” in the Albuquerque Journal this morning.
    We are here, fighting for voter rights.We are here wearing our masks. We are here keeping our families safe. We are here teaching our kids. We are here going to work. We are here helping our neighbors.
    Where are you? you have a louder voice. You can speak about these issues often. You can call out your colleagues to do the same. You can give the moderates a platform to speak and you can implore your colleagues to give us voice.
    As for me, I have been and will continue to do all the things listed. I will help others to do the same. I will keep speaking out in my local paper and I will implore the same paper to choose editorials that don’t insight hatred toward the other side.
    How’s that for a deal.

    • Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:09 am

      DD replies to Carolyn:

      I LOVE that deal! I will take it!

      You know, I told my husband yesterday that I wish I, personally, could do more to help pull the nation back from this terrible time. I’m not sure that writing my weekly column is enough. I guess we should all rely on our own individual strengths to do the right thing and hope common sense prevails.

      Thanks for writing. I appreciate it more than you know.

      • Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:10 am

        Carolyn replies to Diane:

        I am humbled that you replied. Thank you so much.

        I must say that I think you can do so much with your column. For now, until the election is decided write your column and say that you are seeking the middle. Say that you are giving the silent majority a voice. Say it out loud. Say how much it matters that moderates have a space in the conversation. And do, really do, call on your colleagues to do the same.

        Hope and peace are my guideposts more than ever now. Neither is silent or timid. Both are the crossroads we must squarely place ourselves in. Stand in the deep. Let the rush come. Plant your feet squarely. And hold on.

        Count on me and I will count on you.

        Peace,
        Carolyn

  2. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:07 am

    dlmackel writes:

    Diane, I ‘ve been reading your op-ed for years and have considered respect for your work.In your article today 9/26/20, I found that your comments have, once again , prompted me to write you.

    I, like so many americans, have been deeply troubled by the “state of our union,” and have been searching for an answer to
    “How the hell did we get here?” Question.

    I believe that I’ve found a remarkable book that offers a very cogent answer. I hope that you will give it a read and pass it on. It’s a masterful piece of research, rational and deduction.

    I wish that more people were aware of it. I also think it offers a very good platform of understanding from which we could begin a “comeback” to get our nation refocused and back on track.

    The book is…”The Age of Entitlement” by Christopher Caldwell.

    I hope you will consider reading it.

  3. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:08 am

    Steven Binder writes:

    I was surprised to find your level headed positive message in this morning’s Albuquerque journal. I agree wholeheartedly. Thank you

  4. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:12 am

    bobrsta writes:

    There is no reasonable compromise with the Communists that wish to destroy our history and founding ideals of individual Liberty.

  5. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:12 am

    Jayne Irvine responds:

    Sadly, it certainly seems so.

    In a way, and in my opinion, the situation is analogous to the Middle East. It has been said that if the Palestinians laid down their weapons there would be peace, but if the Israelis laid down their weapons they would be destroyed.

    Again, from my point of view, if the left stopped their insanely destructive attacks, there would be peace, if the right stopped fighting back, we’d be annihilated.

    • Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:13 am

      Alicia Kelso replies to Jayne:

      Yes, that’s why we each need to be the change that the world needs in our own neighborhood, rather than banter politics, make every single person you meet as comforted as possible. Stop describing yourself as Right or Left, simply be benevolent and comforting.

  6. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:16 am

    Flytheflag writes:

    A. Get off Facebook, Twitter and all social media in general immediately

    B. TURN OFF all your TV’s, Computers, phone and the like…try it for 12 hours if you can manage it

    C. Have an in person conversation with any other person. Take turns listening, nevermind who’s side anyone is on. Don’t argue, don’t judge, don’t try to convince them of anything. Just work on social graces not social distanting. Takes an effort to be civil, work on that. All the MSM is good for is winding people up. People are being killed because of it. But we have a choice

    • Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:17 am

      Steve Hohman replies to Fly:

      I have done all three of your very good suggestions. The third one can be hard to do, but I’m hoping that it becomes easier with time, as I’ve only recently started that as much as the others.

      By and far the best thing was dropping all social media. From a technology standpoint I also invested in a VPN and browsers that do not track usage and history, which has greatly reduced the amount of targeted marketing I receive, many times for ideas I don’t believe in.

    • Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:18 am

      Jean d Arc replies to Fly:

      Flytheflagz: I have done all of this years ago actually. You are right to say “don’t judge” as learning comes from a conversation, a discussion. Besides, ONLY God is our judge.

      Gandhi said it beautifully, “Be the change you wish to see in the world…“

  7. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:19 am

    Sandra Kelly writes:

    ‘Where is Everbody?’, Suggests that calmer, reasonable voices are missing.

    They’re not. They’re weighing in – but are receiving NO coverage from the Mainstream Media and are being quickly banned or fact-checked into silence by the Social Media Oligarchs.

  8. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:20 am

    Miss Fatcat writes:

    I for one am stuck in California. Harris-PelosiLand. I am literally afraid to put a Trump 2020 sign in my yard. I can’t afford to have my house burned down of windows broken or car destroyed. Admittedly this is cowardice but the best I can do Is to put a VOTE placard in my yard and go to the polls. I will stand in line and be counted but I am too old to start over because hooligans are allowed to do their worst with impunity.

  9. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:22 am

    Sam Fisher writes:

    Right is right and wrong is wrong. If people can’t figure that out, and there are a lot who won’t or choose not to, I’m sorry for them. America is a country of people of all kinds. When you try and instill your beliefs on people and only believe in your cause, you can except push back.

    Change is good for the right reasons. Don’t force your beliefs on me and tell me I have no choice but to see it your way. This country was founded on principals and laws. If you want to change it go about it the right way. You cannot force others into seeing it your way.

  10. Donna R. Gore on September 28, 2020 at 9:26 am

    Very good question…. I think politics has always been the ultimate testosterone competition. Now, the masses are burning out with the chaos that’s created in every sector.
    Until we have a sense of “working together” as when the country came together for the common good on September 11, 2001, we can’t get back to a civil equilibrium.
    It shouldn’t be a “Oh this will blow over” mentality, for there are too many factors at play.
    We need systematic change and not bandaid measures…
    But how many are invested in stepping up?
    Let’s begin by getting rid of the career politicians in Congress- term limits for one. Beyond being a good citizen and trying to help others individually, I think there is “no magic solution” – just perseverance.
    Donna- Ladyjustice

  11. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:26 am

    B Degn writes:

    If the left stopped attacking everyone they disagree with more people would share their views. But when you’re attacked by the media your life is ruined and you risk losing your livelihood. Our freedom of speech is under attack. Prior to the shutdown people got along. We were friends, co-workers, neighbors and family. I don’t know how that all changed because of a police incident, especially when the main steam media has deemed itself judge, jury and executioner without telling the entire truth. It’s become 24⁄7 brainwashing.

  12. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:31 am

    Whitney Freeman writes:

    We are all too busy working, raising kids, and/or taking care of aging parents, and wondering why it feels like we’re the ones taking crazy pills while we watch this insane behavior. Behavior encouraged and applauded by the left.

    I agree with previous comments; when people are brainwashed by the bias (bought and paid for) media or only get their “news” from social media – of course they vehemently believe what they are told to believe. And the hypocrisy of demanding acceptance for all of their beliefs while feeling justified in their hatred of anyone that has a differing opinion is just more insanity.

    I hope and pray this violence doesn’t hit an all-time high when/if Trump wins. I miss the feeling of a unified America, people proud and grateful to live in the greatest country in the world. I am grateful when I see a patriot standing up for what is right and I wish more of us weren’t afraid of the violence and backlash of doing what is right (pun intended)!

  13. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:34 am

    The Millers write:

    “Everybody” has been silenced or canceled

  14. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:34 am

    Old Boy Scout writes:

    Keep up the good work, Ms. Dimond!

    We are here. We don’t need to riot or march to be strong Americans.

  15. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:37 am

    Gil Forbes writes:

    The current course of events began its life when you were barely a teenager. The Anti American, anti God, anti (everything) indoctrination of the past three generations has been successful to a degree not seen before. Those of us who fervently believe in our Constitutional form of government allowed this to happen when 60 years ago, we caved on Madeline Murray’s fight to get prayer out of schools. That was the legal event that triggered hope in all the people who had perceived social grievances. Followed up with the success of the Civil Rights Movement (which I, as a white person, quietly supported) and the race was on. Murray’s “victory” was the first step. Next came the elimination of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. American History was slowly dropped from all curricula. This prompted the clandestine brokers of revolution to begin inserting Socialist/Communist ideas into the educational system. The last three generations never had a chance to learn and understand just how great the American form of government really is. We True Americans are now reaping the whirlwind of our willingness to yield to the pressure of dissidents. What do we do about it? Now that we are awake to all this, we can start again by putting The Flag, prayer, and The Pledge back in schools. We weed out the overt and the subtle anti American materials that serve as textbooks. We oust the teachers that are gladly teaching this material. When I say teachers, I mean from Kindergarten on up. That will stop building the army of revolutionists. How we respond to the army already in the streets? I think it’s going to get bloody before it gets better. Nobody wants this, but I am afraid it has gotten to the point where we must be willing to meet fire with fire.

  16. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:37 am

    Bonnie Beatty writes:

    How can the majority speak up when the minority physically attacks anyone who states a different opinion or wears a certain hat and the media fans the flames? The media is relentless in their push for more and more violence. I speak out and speak up every day and lose friends and family because of it. I don’t harass anyone for whom they wish to vote for but I am denigrated for my choice.

    • Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:38 am

      caclegal replies to Bonnie:

      I understand the problem, but if the majority doesn’t speak up, there is a very good chance that they will literally lose the ability to do so.

  17. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:39 am

    David Young

    I agree with many of Diane’s points but disagree with a critical point: the Republican Party has compromised too often and gotten nothing in return. They keep compromising to where the Progressive/Democrats achieve their original going in position. Look at GW Bush. He was known for bipartisanship and the Democrats demonized him successfully leading to Barak Hussein Obama’s election, arguably the great divider and worst President in American History in terms of subverting our US Constitution. Look at Alinsky’s playbook – demonize your opponent. We CANNOT compromise with the Progressive/Communist side of the Democrat party. They must be defeated soundly without any agreements or mercy. I am thinking the ‘everybody’ Diane refers to, the silent majority, would agree. That is why in 2016, after 8 years of Obama damage and two clearly unsuitable Republican alternatives, they flocked to Donald Trump. He gave them and voice and he still does. This everybody must organize and organize on an issue that will rally this ‘everybody’ on a mission. The question is ‘who will step up to this?’

  18. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:41 am

    Chris Santos writes:

    Most people are scared into submission by cancel culture and its enablers like the MSM and many employers in the academic world among other fields.
    It would not be too bad if it were the only issue. The deeper problem is the shortage of people who are willing to fight to keep the country viable. For instance, the typical liberal doesn’t like censorship or cancel culture. However, they are not willing to combat it, since they have no ideals worth defending. Who wants to fight for the sake of moral relativism?

  19. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:42 am

    G Tyn writes:

    “I know in my soul that a majority of Americans do not want our country to go down its current chaotic path. So, why isn’t that majority rising up and speaking out?” That will happen on Nov. 3.

  20. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 9:47 am

    David Pandone writes:

    …Most of the time they’re trying to talk to people who refuse to listen.

    There are many that can’t be reasoned with.

    There are many that dismiss certain ideas out of hand and are not only unwilling to consider them, but will tell you as much in direct fashion.

  21. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    Cliff Darnell writes:

    Bridge The divide, understand the other side
    Empathy over apathy
    Just get outside
    Remember we all are Americans
    Our anthem is one song
    America we all sing along
    Don’t fall for the division
    We are brave, courageous – stay out of the television
    Who ?how? what ?when? where ?why?
    Be your own journalist
    Have skin in the game
    Own property
    Education never ends take responsibility for yours.

  22. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 5:52 pm

    Christopher Clark writes:

    A lot of people are financially desperate.

    Maybe the haves need to share with the have nots but are intransigent?

    What do you expect?

    I think we live in outrageous times.

  23. Diane Dimond on September 28, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    im_very_big_in_japan writes:

    We live in outrage. Me me me… I’m so special culture. Years of political correctness and identity politics from the left.

  24. Diane Dimond on September 29, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    Vincent F. Amen@VincentFAmen writes:

    From what I remember, when the Public rises up and speaks (protests). The President hears the concerns of the People. Speaks to them to calm them and then enacts policy to create change based on wrongs. All I see is complaining and no change.

  25. Diane Dimond on September 29, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    Ron@catman1631 writes:

    Great article Diane. I agree that a consensus needs to be reached. I see two main issues. Too much biased yellow journalism. Some journalists are reporting on subjects that THEY don’t even understand. Where to start?

    • Diane Dimond on September 29, 2020 at 8:09 pm

      Diane replies to Ron: Don’t get me started! First, bring back fully staffed local radio/tv newsrooms so journos get some training. Then, editors/news directors who actually vet scripts/articles before they air/publish. Oversight has vanished and bias flourishes unchecked. ~DD

  26. Diane Dimond on September 29, 2020 at 8:10 pm

    David Pandone@David_Pandone writes:

    …Most of the time they’re trying to talk to people who refuse to listen.

    There are many that can’t be reasoned with.

    There are many that dismiss certain ideas out of hand and are not only unwilling to consider them, but will tell you as much in direct fashion.

  27. Diane Dimond on September 29, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    carla.c.williams writes:

    In fact Ms. Diamond, tens of thousands of calm, decent people showed up on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Washington, D.C., and in other venues across our nation, and across the globe, to pray for peace and reconciliation in our society -led by Franklin Graham in the Prayer March and by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn in The Return. BUT VIRTUALLY NO MEDIA COVERED THIS PHENOMENAL EFFORT!!!!!!

    To its credit, the Epoch Times had an article about it, albeit very short and non-descript. The only other place that I could find it covered was in the Daily Mail, a UK newspaper.

    So, the voices of the calm and decent people are being raised, but are simultaneously being silenced. Secondly, calm decent people are going to work everyday, either literally or virtually in their homes, paying their bills and taxes, and following social order. Those actions speak volumes. Thirdly, I obviously don’t know where you live and travel, but where I live and travel in the fly-over area of the country, many US flags are flying proudly, and many campaign signs for law and order are planted firmly —very demonstrative efforts to voice our position.

    Again, however, no media, or poll, is covering this truth. Fourthly, I email and phone my congressmen and senators, and even those of other states to voice my concerns and to promote what I believe are calm and decent views. I have occasionally received a brief reply from some of them, but never actually saying whether they would act on my viewpoint or even take it into consideration. In fact, many of them seem to continue their own agenda in direct contravention to such viewpoints.

    Fifthly, libertarian and conservative viewpoints are being canceled on social media outlets, including Facebook, YouTube, and others. I don’t disagree that our voices need to be heard. If you have real and actionable suggestions on how we do it, please, please provide them. For now, we pray. That we can do and I know God hears us.

    • Diane Dimond on September 29, 2020 at 8:14 pm

      DD NOTE: This column went to the editors before the Sept. 26th prayer gathering in Washington, DC.

  28. Diane Dimond on October 1, 2020 at 11:59 am

    Mary writes:

    Interesting that Diane Dimond only advocates that Black Lives Matter should “consider joining the Braver Angels effort” when the FBI has determined the bigger problem as far as domestic terrorism is with the white nationalists and far-right extremists. Perhaps she is suggesting that of the “2 sides”, BLM is the more RATIONAL group – but I doubt it.

    Yes, she is correct that “the vitriol in American politics was a problem long before Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and the 2016 election.”; however, prior to that election, most politicians only “pushed hate buttons” during the primary campaign – the “moved center” to attract undecided voters. We now have a president who pushes “hate buttons” at every opportunity that benefits HIM – and squawks when members of the opposition (even within his own party) have the audacity to call him out on it.

    • Diane Dimond on October 1, 2020 at 12:11 pm

      Diane replies to Mary,

      I believe you are conflating two different things, Mary.

      Yes, the FBI has pinpointed the danger of RIGHT WING affiliated groups as a significant “domestic terrorist threat” to the United States – see: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/09/04/white-supremacists-terror-threat-dhs-409236

      But, as I read that — it should not be applied to those who sparked violent protests which have scarred many American cities the last few months.

      The President may want to label those who participate in peaceful demonstrations that turn into riots as “domestic terrorists” but IMHO that is not an accurate label. And it is not the term officials at the FBI or Department of Homeland Security are using for members of BLM, Antifa, etc.

      Officially speaking “domestic terrorist” refers to someone like Timothy McVeigh who devised a massive truck bomb and blew up a building full of people in Oklahoma City.

      With this in mind, that is why in this column I wondered if members of the CURRENT civil unrest – the BLM – would ever sit down at a table to discuss and try to compromise on some solutions to our racial problems.

  29. Diane Dimond on October 12, 2020 at 9:37 am

    Ronald Price writes:

    To the editor:

    Diane Dimond, is an opinion writer often published in the Morning Journal. I find her comments well thought out and worth considering. Ms. Dimond really hit my hot button today, September 30th, in her commentary titled, “So, just where everybody?”

    She goes on to say, “Where are the calm voices of those who think there is a better way?” When I ask that question in my neighborhood, I quite frequently get the response, ” My voice doesn’t count.” “Who will listen to me?” “I’m really not interested in getting involved.”

    And on and on with excuses. Perhaps we’re just lazy and don’t want to get involved because we fear retribution. Anonymous and nasty responses from those who disagree. And, perhaps, we’ree just not informed due to conflicting media promoting their views wqhich may or may not agree with each other or ours. Who are we to believe?

    A few weeks ago, I solved those types of excuses and problems for myself. I looked up the definition of propaganda in my Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. “Information, rumors, etc. deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.”

    Now I simply compare what I hear and see with that definition. if it’s propaganda, I dismiss the comments. Why be influenced by rumors and conflicting communications, especially rumors communicated as fact by unidentified sources or high-level individuals? It’s working for me and maybe, just maybe, if we start identifying propaganda for what it is, we can get back to deciding that our country is definitely worth speaking up for.

    Perhaps, Diane Dimond had this in mind when she stated, “So just were is everybody.”

    RONALD J. PRICE,

    Sebring, Ohio

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