July 25, 2024

My August Editorial: Taking Steps Towards Unity

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While attending the BAPS “Joy of Others” charity walk/run in Milford, I was moved by their participation, action, and positive message. BAPS is a Hindu organization that is known worldwide for their commitment in providing resources associated with education, public health, the environment, and empowering our communities.

What moved me most was the words they shared on the common core values of unity, service, and love. As they demonstrated, when we unite for a central cause, we can serve those in need. And when we serve those in need, the end result will be love. Between these words and the large public support, it was a memorable event that brought together a diverse set of ideas, backgrounds, and cultures for the centralized goal of supporting our neighbors locally and abroad.

One day prior, our country was shaken by the news out of Butler, PA. As a mother, elected official, and citizen, I had no words to describe what I felt. However, one question remained: where can we turn to find the same values I just celebrated with BAPS?

The answer: you and me. As an American who isn’t foreign to witnessing political violence in my lifetime, one underlying fact in our culture is that no matter what threat exists, we are programmed to persist. In my experience, Americans have successfully found ways to replace fear, confusion, and anger with the essential values of unity, service, and love.

Our method to overcoming this recent episode of political violence requires us to look beyond political ideology, background, and culture to recognize the truth being that we are all Americans. For instance, I was raised Roman Catholic in a predominantly strict Italian household, yet the words and actions of BAPS, a Hindu-based charity, were what soothed me in that moment of confusion and inspired me to share my thoughts today.

So where do we go from here? The first step, we need to collectively condemn all violence, politically or not, that plagues our nation and falsely defines who we are. Second, it’s our responsibility to comfort all those affected by this tragedy and respect our political process despite how much we may not like our options. Lastly, we must embody unity, service, and love in our thoughts, words, and actions, as demonstrated by the BAPS organization and countless other groups.

Regardless of our beliefs, we are called to employ the same system described above: unite to serve and serve to love. As state representative of Milford and Orange, I understand that my role in national politics is limited, but I am hopeful that we can take steps towards restoring these critical values, starting right here at home, just by walking for a good cause.

Although the legislative session is adjourned, please never hesitate to contact me with your questions, ideas, and concerns at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or at 860-240-8700. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and subscribe to my brief email updates at RepKennedy.com.