Here we go again. Again, America’s presdient spoke in manner wholly unbecoming of the leader of the free world. In a manner that directly conflicts with so much of what I believe. When the Chicago Tribune shared an opinion piece “Your response to Trump’s racist ‘shithole’ comment will be remembered” yesterday I took it to heart. So, this is what I have to say about shitholes:

I’ve been to many of the shithole countries referenced by President Trump, and, let me assure you, they are most definitely not shitholes. Yes, third world countries face problems that are scary and yucky to those of us fortunate enough to live in the United States, but that doesn’t give our leader the authority to humiliate and belittle our fellow humans. His words and lack of compassion do not represent me and my experiences.

While in East Africa, I saw the most beautiful and majestic creatures on our planet. And, I encountered a government doing so much to protect its national parks and the animals within.

While in Central America, I enjoyed lush rainforests, expansive beaches, and new adventures.

In every shithole I’ve been to, I’ve met genuine, nice, lovely people who are proud of their home and happy to welcome an outsider. I looked different than their neighbors (skin a different shade, eyes a different color), but that didn’t stop people from offering a smile and a warm hello. I was a stranger, but they took me in, kept me safe and fed me.

The only way for compassion to win is for us to interact with people and places strange and new. I recognize my good fortune in having the opportunities to travel and observe a different human experience, but if international travel is not on your horizon, head to a new neighborhood this weekend (in honor of Martin Luther King!) and welcome the chance to meet someone new.

Show the world that you are not a shitty person, even though our president is.