Reflecting on Tragedy in Minneapolis and Peacemaking

In this "Because" episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast, Philip Amerson invites listeners into a thoughtful and heartfelt reflection on the violence that unfolded in Minneapolis. Through personal anecdotes, historical parallels, and spiritual wisdom, Philip Amerson weaves a narrative that not only mourns a recent tragedy but calls for a deeper commitment to peacemaking.

The Tragedy in Minneapolis

This episode opens with Philip Amerson acknowledging the tragic loss of Alex Jeffrey Pretti, an ICU nurse at the Veterans Hospital who was killed in Minneapolis on January 24th. Philip Amerson shares his confusion and sorrow over political rhetoric that fails to humanize such losses, and he highlights Mr. Pretti character and courage. The nurse was shot while assisting a woman who’d been pushed down and directing traffic during a protest. Philip Amerson questions whether protesting should ever be met with assassination and implies that society must not reach this point of violence as a norm.

Key Takeaways

1. Historical Echoes: Lessons from Kent State
   Philip Amerson connects the tragedy in Minneapolis to the Kent State shooting of May 4, 1970, where National Guard troops killed four protesting students. The emotional resonance between these two events underscores how America’s struggle to deal with protest and dissent often results in tragic consequences. By sharing his personal story of staying up all night in conversation with his father—a National Guard affiliate—Philip Amerson illustrates the long-lasting importance of dialogue across divides, even when agreement isn’t possible.

2. The Power of Dialogue and Empathy
   One poignant story in the episode recounts Philip Amerson's overnight conversation with his father after Kent State. This wasn’t about convincing the other side, but about remaining in relationship, in caring dialogue even as views clashed. Philip Amerson suggests that what healed wasn’t a change of mind, but the willingness to engage in empathetic, loving conversation. It’s a reminder that healing and understanding begin with showing up for one another, especially through heartache and disagreement.

3. A Call to Peacemakers: Living the Beatitudes
   The podcast episode pivots towards hope, invoking the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be known as the children of God.” Philip Amerson encourages listeners to embrace peacemaking—not just as a religious aspiration, but as a practical antidote to the “tragic ice age” of division and violence we face. He references Walter Brueggemann, a respected Old Testament scholar, to reinforce the enduring value of living peacefully within community.

Closing Thoughts

This "Because" episode of the “To Be and Do” podcast is a poignant reflection on how historical and contemporary tragedies can fuel a deeper longing for peace, empathy, and meaningful dialogue. Philip Amerson urges listeners to remember those lost, to bridge divides with loving conversation, and to commit anew to the path of peacemaking. In a time marked by pain and upheaval, the Beatitudes offer not just consolation, but a challenge—and an invitation—to be known as children of peace.

Listen to the episode for a soulful, stirring reflection on tragedy, memory, and the healing power of relationship.