St. Augustine spoke of afflictions affecting both the wicked and righteous alike. The difference to him was that when suffering strikes both, the wicked blaspheme and attack god. The righteous, however, do not blame others and complain about God’ injustice. Rather, the righteous see the afflictions as tools to cleanse and purify themselves and when suffering, they offer prayers and praise. According to Augustine, afflictions stir the cesspool and the perfume the same. The difference is that the cesspool emits foul odors when stirred, while stirring perfume emits fragrant sweet scents. I can’t help but wonder which of the two Santa Fe really is.

I love my City, but what has me confused about its nature isn’t the tearing down of the obelisk. What’s broken my heart is the hatred various people and groups have spewed towards our elected officials and our police. It’s really east to judge others’ responses to crises, but it’s super hard to have to decide between equally difficult choices during a crisis. In my opinion, had the police responded with strength, I’m certain the instigators would have escalated their violence. But because the police didn’t risk that escalation, they’re getting beat up about it. The Mayor, for his part, trusted the scene commanders. Had he ordered more police and stronger tactics, I’m sure he would have been called a fascist who’s abusing his power. The tearing down of the obelisk and the people who were acting with violent stupidity made it a no-win situation.

I’ve been in hard situations where I’ve made split second decisions that many people second guessed. Hell, I’ve even second guessed some of my actions and decisions during various crises. But in the moment, I’ve acted and chosen the best I could with the information in front of me and I have no doubt that the police and our City leaders did the same.

But what the community doesn’t have continue to do is respond to the heinous act of vandalism that occurred on Santa Fe’s plaza with hatred. The recall attempt reported in our local newspaper is proof to me that people think governing is easy. Newsflash: it isn’t. there’s no way to act in accordance with everyone’s interests. Sometimes, some people lose and some people win when elected officials choose certain paths. Even if we lose in some decisions, we should try to see the other side and try to see that they had their points of truth, as well. It’s not easy, but if respond to violence with hatred, then all we do is extend the anger and outrage and allow the darkness that can befall our community to grow.

Yes, there is a lot of tension and fear these days. We all feel it. But these afflictions are happening to all of us and they are stirring our community’s collective pot. The thing is, it’s in our power to respond with acceptance and empathy or with anger and hatred. If we choose the former, we will prove that our community’s true nature is perfume. If we continue acting with the latter, we will show that we are a cesspool. Which are we, Santa Fe?