Remember: we're all human!

Depending on what polls you look at Trump's approval rate sits at roughly 40%. We may not want to admit it but some of those may be your neighbors, your family and people in your community. They may have abhorrent views but even so they have two things in common with you: they're Americans just like you are and they are human beings just like you are.

We as people are diverse and capable of the most amazing things and also the most horrible and tragic things.

Amazing things like heroic rescues, scientific achievements, space flights to the moon and so much more.

But we cannot forget the tragic things like the Holocaust, brutal dictatorships, mass killings, wars, famine and sadly lots more.

Despite our mixed record I refuse to believe that 40% of America is truly dead set in being evil. I believe some of us may have been heavily propagandized, bamboozled, lied to, not given the same opportunities as others, didn't have access to the same education, were brought up to differently. But I believe there is hope for some and I believe some can change.

I just saw this powerful video from Pamela Hemphill who was a J6 rioter who apologized to the capital police. She deeply regrets her actions and I believe has truly changed.

WATCH: Pamela Hemphill, who rejected a pardon for her part in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, apologizes to Capitol Police officers.


“I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart for being part of the mob that put you and so many officers in danger,” Hemphill said at a hearing Tuesday.

— PBS News (@pbsnews.org) 2026-01-06T16:17:36.279Z

I too was once a Trump supporter and I too deeply regret it and I too am very sorry for supporting him.

As people we make choices each day. Each day we can choose to make things better, make things worse or do nothing. Those in positions of power can choose to use their powers for good or for bad. Our 535 congress people make choices on what bills to vote on. Those 535 people have friends, families kind of like we do.

We as people are also influenced by the environment around us. We're influenced by what we see on TV, what we see on social media, what we see other people do.

I left MAGA because after Trump's failures I left behind all the toxic MAGA lie peddlers. I then went out and talked to other people, learned more about the world and learned more about media literacy and the importance of checking sources and analyzing what I'm reading instead of just falling for conspiracy theories online. As this was happening my beliefs started to shift.

I really urge everyone to get out in the world. Make new friends, meet new people, travel and set a good example. It could make a difference in someone's lives and set someone on the right path. Also really important: be sure to share your personal experiences, they can have a profound impact on people when you do it.

The more people we talk to the better chances we have of people making decisions that are good for our country and voting for Democrats instead of staying home or voting Republican.

One thing I should clarify though: I'm not asking you to subject yourself to people who are rude or abusive. To the contrary we need to stand up stronger against bullies. Only talk to people who are willing to listen to you. It's very important to take care of your own health. Both your mental and physical health. Good health lets us resist harder.

Making friends with people and sharing your personal experiences is supported by science. I would really recommend these two articles:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-to-change-a-voters-mind-is-deep-canvassing/

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/18/change-mind-evidence-arguing-social-relationships