J O N T I E

I believe open, honest, and civil conversations have the power to heal our divisions
Tag:
Family

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How a Little Empathy and an Offhand Comment Changed My Worldview

A few years ago I moved back to upstate NY, to the small town where I was born and raised. If I’m being completely honest, I was a bit apprehensive.

December 9, 2020
Faith
Family
Personal Growth

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Should White American Culture Be Preserved?

I grew up in rural upstate NY, in a predominantly white, small town. While school, friends, television, radio, and the entire outside world taught me what it meant to be American, my father's stories taught me what it meant to be Circassian.

December 9, 2020
Family
Politics

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World War II, My Grandparents, And A Plea

How could two people from opposite sides of a horrendous conflict find common ground and build a life together? What caused them to leave everything familiar, and take a chance on a new life in America?

October 29, 2020
Family
Personal Growth
Politics

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How a Dictatorship Taught Me the Value of Voting

I thought I always appreciated our right to vote. However, this year, because of an offhand comment and a lifetime of stories, I have a newfound sense of gratitude.

November 3, 2020
Politics
Personal Growth
Family