Dear Young Friends,

I’ve been thinking a lot over these last few weeks, as most of us have, about the goings on in Washington. I keep thinking about the deep division among us and the vitriol spewing in every direction. Are there any lessons to be learned here? I’m not sure, but below are some thoughts I’m sharing with the young people in my life. . .

• “No” means no. Respect yourself and others. Stay safe.
• Please, never ride in a car with someone who has been drinking or doing drugs, and don’t drink and drive either. If I am in town, I will come and get you; if not, I’ll find someone to get you home, no questions asked.
• When fooling around, never push someone beyond their comfort level.
• I believe Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.
• I believe Judge Kavanaugh deserved due process as a citizen of the United States.
• Know that your actions now WILL have consequences at some point in the future, whether immediate, or distant. Every statement posted on social media, every message, every photo, EVERY thing on the inter webs is out there, forever.
• Friends don’t let friends behave like idiots and watch while it’s happening.
• It is a VERY BIG DEAL to be assaulted, and it is a BIG, BRAVE thing to talk about it.
• Exploiting another human for one’s own benefit is never okay. Both sides of the Washington D.C. aisle are guilty here.
• The Constitution is tantamount in our government of, by, and for the people. It is an honor and privilege to serve it, whatever the branch of government, whatever the political party.
• God, please, bless America.