I rode my bike today. I’ve done it thousands of times; in Canada, Germany, Austria, France, etc. Today I rode to rid myself of the terrible horrors that have befallen our nation and its peoples. I rode to divest myself of the malaise that has overtaken my very being since Tuesday morning. I left my home with a heavy heart. I returned with an understanding of what it is to be an American. The myriad of “stars and stripes” that graced the homes of those I pedaled past. The arbor of “old glories” that lined the main street in my adopted home of Coupeville. These symbols did away with the grand funk that has followed me all week.

The people of hate that created this pallor haven’t a clue of who we are. We only get stronger, more determined and develop a new resolve that will one day atone for the ghastly works of the hatefuls. My heart aches for those gone, for those horribley injured and their families in all of our great nation. Rest assured, you hateful people, that your horrific journey began as a downhill ride and that it will end with a difficult, difficult ride uphill. You won’t make it!

Carol Bartelson Moliter

Coupeville