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I knew what awaited me yet stepping foot into the open-air drug markets of Kensington alongside Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on Tuesday, I felt an overwhelming sense of disbelief. The hell that flourishes on those streets, where addiction and despair intertwine, is a stark reminder of the pressing issues plaguing our nation. As I navigated through the needle-ridden paths, I couldn't help but question the stark contrast between the grand ideals we proclaim and the haunting realities faced by those living in the depths of this community. In the company of Vivek, a candidate committed to transformative change, I embarked on a journey to witness firsthand the harrowing challenges that demand our attention and collective action.
Amidst the desolation, however, I was heartened to encounter a group of human angels…
Amidst the desolation, however, I was heartened to encounter a group of human angels who dedicate themselves to alleviating the suffering in Kensington. They descended into the depths of this neighborhood, their compassion shining through as they offered aid to those who couldn't find proper medical care or simply sat down to share a heartfelt prayer. Their presence was a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, a reminder that even in the bleakest of circumstances, humanity's capacity for empathy and kindness prevails.
As Vivek and I continued our journey, I was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. We have witnessed the hell that persists in Kensington, but we have also witnessed the resilience and compassion that thrive within this community. They may be the forgotten and discarded among us but their voices scream out for a cure, not mere triage.
Our experience in Kensington served as a powerful reminder that the challenges we face as a nation demand more than temporary solutions or mere band-aids. The voices of those trapped in the cycle of addiction and despair call out for comprehensive change, for a shift that goes beyond mere triage. It was in this spirit that Vivek joined The Benny Johnson Show town hall that evening, where he passionately addressed the urgent need to return to the fundamental pillars that have shaped our nation: faith, family, and freedom. It became abundantly clear that the healing process for communities like Kensington requires not only a commitment to addressing immediate needs but also a profound reconnection with our core values. As we sat down with Vivek, the conversation shifted towards a vision of renewal, where faith, family, and freedom serve as guiding principles on our path to recovery and restoration.
During the town hall, Vivek stood alongside two courageous mothers, Laura Shanafelter and Erika Shambaugh, who have tragically lost children to fentanyl poisoning. Laura advocates tirelessly for change through Tyler's Law, a bill named after her son, aimed at addressing the root causes of the opioid crisis and enforcing stricter penalties. Despite her unwavering efforts, the law still awaits passage, highlighting the challenges we face. Erika's heartbreaking story of losing two sons underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action. Their presence on the town hall stage showcased their strength and determination, reminding us that real lives and families are affected. Vivek listened intently, and their stories deepened his resolve to confront this crisis head-on. Their collective call for justice and change serves as a rallying cry to push for tangible solutions and put an end to the devastating toll of fentanyl poisoning.
As the town hall came to a close, the memory of Laura, Erika, Tyler, Joshua, and Austin lingered in the air, a constant reminder of the urgency and gravity of the work that lies ahead. Their voices, amplified through their stories, echoed the need for swift action, compassion, and unwavering commitment. It is their voices that must propel us forward, reminding us of the lives at stake and inspiring us to create a future where families are spared the unimaginable pain they have endured.
Kathy Barnette is the National Grassroots Director @ Team Vivek Ramaswamy | Wife | Veteran | Homeschool Mom | Author | Veteran | 2022 Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate, PA

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