Jun 12, 2026
AP photo President Donald Trump speaks with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Monday. In the middle is state governor candidate Bruce Blakeman.
Boos mixed in with some faint cheers reached a crescendo on Monday night during Game Three of the National Basketball Association Finals in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Crowd reactions were for President Donald Trump who was in attendance and briefly pictured on the scoreboard.
Never mind the many left-leaning celebrities who perform in movies and television shows that were sitting courtside. Those regulars of actors and comedians at the Garden paid up to six figures for prime seating at the hot-ticket event.
For Hollywood stars, they regularly receive praise-worthy attention during game broadcasts — and hardly any jeers. Even President Barack Obama received an ovation during the NBA All-Star game in February when he snagged a ball thrown out-of-bounds while seated in the front row.
But this America is much different than it was 15 years ago. Today, everything has become a political statement. It is abundant on social media and consistently shows up at the television and movie awards presentations as well as sporting events.
Wonder why we cannot find any common ground these days? It is not due to the differing opinions each individual has. It ultimately comes down to a lack of respect and understanding.
After viewing what took place at the beginning of that Knicks-Spurs game Monday, there is a bit of irony. Trump’s actions over the years have encouraged unmannerly responses. His characterization of candidate John McCain in 2015 opened the floodgates for insults.
“He’s not a war hero,” Trump said of the former prisoner of war who served in Vietnam. “He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured.”
Previous national leaders would never stoop so low. How in the world was that acceptable to anyone?
During our nation’s most vulnerable moments, it was valiant and confident leadership that brought the United States together. President George W. Bush heroically showed up at the 2001 World Series in Yankee Stadium for Game Three and threw out the first pitch in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
Via radio, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed the nation after the deliberate bombing on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. “Hostilities exist,” he said. “There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.”
As America prepares for its 250th celebration July 4, there is a mix of patriotism and angst. That also will be on full display over this Flag Day weekend as Trump celebrates a birthday and more No Kings rallies that anticipate the participation of millions.
With all this happening, can we possibly celebrate as one?
If the Tuesday visit by Union Pacific’s Big Boy 4014 to Chautauqua County and Western New York is any indication, there is a possibility. However, there is no overlooking the concerns.
Our divided nation is consistently in target practice mode that finds fault with the other side. Reaching deals is no more about compromise; it is more about whose voice is greater — and more stinging.
Consider the faction that continues to ask U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy of District 23 to hold town hall meetings. When former U.S. Rep. Tom Reed did conduct those types of events he was met with signs, protests and often could not speak over those in attendance. What’s the reward from doing that?
On the other side, how will future generations define what happened at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021? More than 150 officers at the location were injured that day in the altercations. That’s far from a peaceful protest.
It is very possible our nation has not fully healed from the COVID pandemic. We were quarantined and told to stay away from others while communicating through technology. To help those who lost their jobs, sums of money went to Americans as well as schools and governments.
We face inflation at the moment from those decisions while a standoff with Iran is driving up energy prices. That is tough on many households. There were lines and rationing of gasoline in the late 1970s. Our country survived that.
Today, we can either pump up a little — or fill up. Every day as Americans, we have choices. No one dictates where we will be or what we are capable of doing.
Sometimes, we’re so fortunate to live here we forget the comforts even in times of struggle. That is a gift those who live elsewhere in the world cherish.
After 250 years, our freedom still exists in part to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. That past — and present — is something we can all get behind while standing together as one.
John D’Agostino is editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.
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