So many questions …

I’m tired of people being ugly to each other. I’m tired of all the pain I feel and hear every day. There’s too much of it.

John Coffey spoke those words in the 1999 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, The Green Mile.

I’ve repeated that quote quite a lot lately.

When did people become so ugly to one another? When did they feel free to go to battle on social media, saying things they would never say to someone standing in front of them? (Or would they?)

Why do people feel the need to hide behind fake names and anonymous groups? Should we trust their voice?

John Coffey felt the world’s cruelty as a constant burden.

Want to know something? I feel his pain.

Hurtful words are hurled like weapons. Insults are hurled because no one says, “Enough!”

What has happened to us as a people? Where has civility gone?

When did comedy stop being funny?

I’m tired of the chaos. I’m tired of the ugliness.

My mother would always say, “Pretty is as pretty does.” Well, I believe ugly is as ugly speaks.

What are we showing our children? How will they ever learn respect and the importance of treating others well?

Has ugliness become normal?

Have we put kindness in a drawer because it’s inconvenient and gets in the way of getting what we want?

The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as we would have done to us,” is tarnished.

We cheer on brutality. We make death a spectacle.

The least of these are neglected and even harmed.

Might has become right.

Have we become blind, or do we refuse to see?

I want back the world I grew up in. I miss the world where people cared for children and the elderly, followed the Golden Rule, where kindness mattered, and where respect and manners were taught and shown.

I’m tired of the anger. I’m tired of the ugliness. I’m tired of people being mean to those without a voice.

I’m a 71-year-old lady with a voice. Some have tried to silence me. Some have tried to shame me for my beliefs but as long as I have breath, I will use my voice. I have a tender heart but broad shoulders and thick skin. You have to when you write an opinion column.

The picture you see with my column was taken by my husband as I was pondering one morning. Pajamas, a comfy throw, messy hair, and a cup of coffee settle my thoughts as I ponder so many questions. Perhaps you have them as well.

Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com. You can purchase her book “When the Hart Speaks” at amazon.com/dp/B0B1C7QKF6.