Midnight, April 13, 2018: I arrived home from Washington, D.C. with deep apprehensions regarding whether we as a nation, a world, a planet will make it through the dangerous turnstile in which we find ourselves.
Mood in Washington, April 8 – 13: The immediate possibility of war between Syria and Russia was on TV screens in hotel lobbies and congressional waiting rooms, and tensions were felt behind closed doors in nearly every meeting. It felt like our capital was completely “locked down.” No one wanted to mention their positions on current issues. I’d never before experienced the city like this.
Simultaneously, young families visiting Washington were innocently enjoying historic monuments, etc. In impromptu inquiries, I asked if they were paying attention to politics and got nonchalant answers back. Apparently they were unaware of the current situation. How could they not be aware? Maybe they view TV news as hyped up fictional TV programs? What a disconnect!
Early the next morning they were at Newnan High School speaking with upper classman students who had no hesitation in asking questions. Don reports that a lively exchange took place: “Our youth aren’t hampered with past stereotypes like the older generation. They are looking toward the future.” From there on, the Chapman van moved from meeting to meeting, day after day.