The State of Hate

We traveled 7,000 miles across 23 states. This is what we found.

 

The Virginian Cocktails

The Virginian Cocktails in Twentynine Palms, California, is on the corner of California State Route 62 and Cholla Avenue.

The Virginian Cocktails in Twentynine Palms, California, is on the corner of California State Route 62 and Cholla Avenue. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


"People just need to really make sure what they believe in is really good. People don’t always do that," said Kari Wilson, 26, a bartender at The Virginian in Twentynine Palms, California. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Kari Wilson

Kari, 26, is a bartender at the Virginian Cocktails in Twentynine Palms, California.

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Laurette Rogers (left) and Wedda Warrick (right) have been drinking partners for close to three years since Wedda moved to Twentynine Palms. Although hesitant to speak initially, Laurette jumped in to exclaim: "If you were raised by bigoted parents, you’re bigoted. If you’re not raised by bigoted parents, you take people as they are. And that’s all it’s down to." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Laurette Rogers and Wedda Warrick

Laurette (left) and Wedda have been drinking partners for close to three years.

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Gus' Fresh Jerky

The first of Gus’ Fresh Jerky stores in Olancha, California, started in an old gas station in 1996.

The first of Gus’ Fresh Jerky stores in Olancha, California, started in an old gas station in 1996. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


Nora Berguem, a native of the area, studies sociology in the Los Angeles area and works at Gus’s Really Good Beef Jerky during the summer. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Nora Berguem

Nora is a sociology major at Whittier College in Whittier, California. She spends her summers working at Gus’ Really Good Beef Jerky as a cashier.

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Manzanar National Historic Site

The restored mess halls, moved to Manzanar National Historic Site in late 2002, are the same as those used by Japanese-Americans interned at Manzanar during World War II.

The restored mess halls, moved to Manzanar National Historic Site in late 2002, are the same as those used by Japanese-Americans interned at Manzanar during World War II.  (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


Bernadette Johnson, superintendent of the National Park Service at Manzanar. "We know it’s a dark part of our nation, but it’s a place where people have to come and contemplate what can happen when fear and racism occur," Bernadette said. "That is what led to the incarceration of Japanese-Americans during WWII. We simply cannot forget what happened to those people and we cannot let it happen again." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Bernadette Johnson

Bernadette is the superintendent of the National Park Service at Manzanar Historic Site.

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Elizabeth and Terry Vance have been divorced for more than 20 years, but they still travel together. A recent trip brought them to Manzanar Historic Site. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Terry and Elizabeth Vance

Elizabeth and Terry have been divorced for more than 20 years, but still travel together.

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Mina Monden visited the Manzanar Historic Site with her nephews, who were visiting from Japan. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Mina Monden

Mina visited the Manzanar Historic Site with her nephews, who were visiting from Japan.

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Bishop


 

Virginia City

Virginia City, Nevada, was a boomtown founded in the 1850s when silver and gold were discovered nearby. The mines played out in the late 1870s and the town’s population plummeted. It survives as a tourist town.

Virginia City, Nevada, was a boomtown founded in the 1850s when silver and gold were discovered nearby. The mines played out in the late 1870s and the town’s population plummeted. It survives as a tourist town. (Jim Tuttle/News21)


"We’re bringing in too many different races. We have too much diversity," said Wayne Douglas Tarrant, of Virginia City, Nevada. "Other countries don’t open their border like we do, but now we’re in trouble with Muslims." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Wayne Douglas Tarrant

 We don’t really have a problem (with racism) up here. The only time we have problem is when we have some Arabs up here in their dress. They’re in full burka and people get very nervous. They don’t know if they have explosives underneath those outfits. All the merchants up here get nervous. There is a lot of people up here with guns and they’re standing at the ready in case there is a problem. 


"I come from an ethnic family. My daughter is half African-American so I am very sensitive to the topic of hate. I think all races have a lot of work to do. It's better than it used to be, but we all have a long way to go," said Paul Coombes, who lives in Virginia City, Nevada, with his daughter, Zoe. He currently works at Brick & Dave’s Kettle Corn Depot on Virginia City’s South C Street. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Paul Coombes

 I come from an ethnic family. My daughter, Zoe, is half African-American, so I am very sensitive to the topic of hate. I think all races have a lot of work to do. It’s better than it used to be, but we have a long way to go. 

 

Stagecoach

The gas station in Stagecoach, Nevada, where we found Brian Baldwin.

The gas station in Stagecoach, Nevada, where we found Brian Baldwin. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


Brian Baldwin, a local produce merchandiser in Lyon County, Nevada, said people are too "politically sensitive" today and recalls a time when America was "pretty cool for a while there." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Brian Baldwin

Brian is a local produce mechandiser in Lyon County, Nevada.

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Salt Lake City


Sitting on a hill in City Park Creek in Salt Lake City, Michelle Calwley smoked and held a sign protesting Trump as other protesters trudged up State Street to the Utah State Capitol Building. "I think we're going backwards. Totally backwards, when a large majority of us just want to be together," Michelle said. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Michelle Calwley

 We’re going backwards. Totally backwards, when a large majority of us just want to be together. We’re all the same. 


Bradley DeNorris was one of the many protesters who gathered at the Utah State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City on June 30 to protest the Trump administration's immigration policies and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Bradley DeNorris

 When you have something like that, where the president is saying there is blame on both sides, equivocating about straight-up racism ... then I think it gives people more license to be straight-out racist. 


"I’m not going to fly my American flag on the fourth of July. Instead I’m going to fly my resistance flag." Lisa Corsetti from Heber City, Utah. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Lisa Corsetti

 We don't want open borders, we just want people to be treated fairly and not cruelly when they come here. You know, I think America the beautiful is what we should strive for, and it should be both beautiful inside and out. 


"Every race causes problems for America. There are laws to keep civil order. If we don’t have civil order, our social order breaks down. So it’s not just the illegal immigrants that cause a lot of problems," Martin Turner IV. An American flag in his hands and a Trump-Pence 2016 pin on his hat, Martin, stood quietly on the periphery of the protest at the Utah State Capitol Building. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Martin Turner IV

 The right number of Americans voted for Donald Trump to win the election because they need a change from what Hillary Clinton was getting ready to deliver upon them. Every race causes problems for America. There are laws to keep civil order. If we don’t have civil order, our social order breaks down. So it’s not just the illegal immigrants that cause a lot of problems. 


 

Little America Hotel

Located off Exit 68 on Interstate 80 in Wyoming, Little America is a combination of hotel, gas station and gift shop. It was intentionally built in a remote location to be a haven for westbound travelers.

Located off Exit 68 on Interstate 80 in Wyoming, Little America is a combination of hotel, gas station and gift shop. It was intentionally built in a remote location to be a haven for westbound travelers. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


"Pride is a choice. Friends are friends. You should consider all your neighbors your friends." Mike Smith (left), a technician from Orem, Utah and his wife, Tirzah, returned from a pioneer trek to Martin’s Cove in Wyoming with their youth group.  (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Mike and Tirzah Smith

Mike and his wife, Tirzah, returned from a pioneer trek to Martin’s Cove, in Wyoming, with their youth group.

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Laramie

Matt Mcomie (left) prepares for a game of pool with Kevin Farris (center left) while Kraig Smith and Buck Ward converse at the the Buckhorn Bar & Parlor in Laramie, Wyoming.

Matt Mcomie (left) prepares for a game of pool with Kevin Farris (center left) while Kraig Smith and Buck Ward converse at the the Buckhorn Bar & Parlor in Laramie, Wyoming. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


Buck Ward, one of the managers of the Buckhorn Bar and Parlor in Laramie, Wyoming, has been working at the establishment for 30 years. "[Trump’s] out of touch with America and what Americans want. It’s the things he’s saying and not saying that is spurring hate." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Buck Ward

 Hate and friction is everywhere around us. Even here in the bar, we disagree about politics. I think Trump is a big (expletive). He’s out of touch with America and what Americans want. It’s the things he’s saying and not saying that is spurring hate. 


"The media is making things a bigger deal than they are," said Fred Lee of Laramie, Wyoming. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Fred Lee

 Everything becomes more heightened when the media can reach millions of people on their phones. 


"People have made comments to us, but it’s a lot better in Wyoming than in South Carolina when we go back home," Logan Lee said. "Here, there isn’t the history of racial tensions." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Logan Lee

 Being an interracial couple, [Fred and I] see the race thing. Talking about it and hyping it up makes it worse for us. People have made comments to us, but it’s a lot better in Wyoming. ... Here, there isn’t the history of racial tensions. 


 

Mount Rushmore


Jeff(left) and Janet Smith from Michigan said politicians could learn a lot from the presidents featured on Mount Rushmore. "We have too many ego politicians that are all about themselves and these guys weren’t. They were about building America," Jeff said. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Jeff Smith

 There’s definitely friction and I think 60 percent of our friction is the news. We show all bad and no positive because there are as many positive people in the country as there are negative. 


Charles(right) and Gale Smith from Orlando, Florida, were inspired by Mount Rushmore. "The Founding Fathers would be upset with the divides," Charles said. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Gale Smith

 These presidents (at Mount Rushmore) would agree with a lot of the policies that he’s adapted. I think that most of Americans are behind the president and what he is doing. 


Charles Smith

 People criticize Trump for tweeting, but it’s the only way he can reach the American people because the media won’t report what he is doing accurately. 


 

The Corn Palace

The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, adorned with onion domes and ears of corn, attracts around half a million people a year. The exterior murals change every year with a different theme. For 2017, the theme was “South Dakota Weather.”

The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, adorned with onion domes and ears of corn, attracts around half a million people a year. The exterior murals change every year with a different theme. For 2017, the theme was “South Dakota Weather.” (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


Lauren and Devon Langston from Virginia. "If you want to change people’s minds you have to do it by getting to know people and having love and compassion for them." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Lauren and Devon Langston

Lauren and Devon from Virginia quit their jobs and bought a RV to spend a year traveling the country.

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Tekamah

With a slogan of “Looking to the Future”, Tekamah, Nebraska, is a burg of 1,662 people northwest of Omaha.

With a slogan of “Looking to the Future”, Tekamah, Nebraska, is a burg of 1,662 people northwest of Omaha. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


Frankie McCandless (left) and Keith Terwillger are constructions workers from Tennessee working in Tekamah, Nebraska. "Too many people are crying and moaning about every little thing," Terwilliger said. "Everybody is just too tender. Everything upsets everybody." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Frankie McCandless and Keith Terwilliger

Frankie (left) and Keith are construction workers from Tennessee who worked over the summer in Tekamah, Nebraska.

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Larry Bucci is a Tekamah, Nebraska, native who served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1973. "If you just look around, it seems like we’re OK," Larry said. "Then if you watch the national news, it’s going to hell in a handbag." (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Larry Bucy

Larry is a Tekamah native who served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1973.

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Perry


Lauri Haynes took a moment from staffing the kettle corn booth to talk with News21. "It’s like everyone’s reading headlines and making opinions based on one person and it’s juvenile," she said. (Alex Lancial/News21)

Laurie Haynes

 I am proud of what America was founded to be. I am not very proud of what it is right now. 


Debra Allen, who was celebrating Independence Day at Pattee Park in Perry, Iowa, called for more communication between people. "You've got to think about it and listen to both sides." (Alex Lancial/News21)

Debra Allen

 It’s just people aren’t talking to each other and not trying to get along. You just got to weigh both sides. And you got to look and not make an opinion right away. You got to think about it and listen to both sides. 


A former broadcast journalist, Jerry Roberts from nearby Jefferson, Iowa, was relaxing at Pattee Park after the parade. (Alex Lancial/News21)

Jerry Roberts

 I’m a veteran, so I will feel pride in America. I don’t know what others feel. Sometimes they don’t know enough to stand up and take their hat off when the flag goes by, but at least they show up for the event and that’s a starting point. 


Connie Metzler, sells jewelry at Pattee Park in Perry, Iowa, during the Fourth of July celebration. She was critical of the media's coverage of politics. (Alex Lancial/News21)

Connie Metzler

 The media will take on something bad that happened and just continually talk about it over and over and over and over and over and over, to where it will get a group of people upset and angry. 

 

Mustachio's Bar and Grill

Mustachio’s Bar and Grill is one of two food establishments in Carbon Hill, Illinois, a village that hasn’t grown or shrunk since its founding in the late 1800s.

Mustachio’s Bar and Grill is one of two food establishments in Carbon Hill, Illinois, a village that hasn’t grown or shrunk since its founding in the late 1800s. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)


Diane Eartly co-owns Mustachio’s with her husband. Diane felt that people were not spending enough time talking to each other. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Diane Eartly

 There's no, like, 'I hate you and don't come in here' type thing where they're going to fight in the middle. ... I know you probably have the diverse people that don't get along and especially with politics or something ... they'll just be quieter or they'll just leave. 


Stephanie Long bartends at Mustachio’s in Carbon Hill, Illinois, and hopes America will get better. (Lenny Martinez Dominguez/News21)

Stephanie Long

 There’s a lot of growing that needs to be done, but I’m hoping [America] will get better. 


 

Fremont

Built from 1859 to 1865, this 31-room mansion on the Spiegel Grove estate in Fremont, Ohio, was home to America's 19th president, Rutherford B. Hayes.

Built from 1859 to 1865, this 31-room mansion on the Spiegel Grove estate in Fremont, Ohio, was home to America's 19th president, Rutherford B. Hayes. (Jim Tuttle/News21)


Fremont, Ohio, native Chandra Palm (left) and her friend Julie spoke with News21 while sitting on the lawn at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum.  They said that social media contributes to the divisiveness in America today.  (Alex Lancial/News21)

Chandra Palm and Julie Bellfy

Fremont native Chandra (left) and her friend Julie said social media contributes to the divisiveness in America today.

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Capitol Diner


Shane Harris Sr. at Capitol Diner in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, said former President Obama was the problem. (Jim Tuttle/News21)

Shane Harris Sr.

  This is just a country correcting itself because so many people hated the previous president.  


"All these foreigners coming in here. They're not documented and we're paying to support them. That's no good, " said Dave Robinson at Capitol Diner. (Jim Tuttle/News21)

Dave Robinson

 You know the racial things with the blacks and then you have all these foreigners coming in here. They're not documented and we're paying to support them. That's no good. Trump is making America great again. Draining the swamp, and God love him. 


 

Gettysburg


Carol Posinski and Bob Williams in Gettysburg (Jim Tuttle/News21)

Carol Posinski and Bob Williams

Carol and Bob portrayed historical Confederate figures Flora Stuart and Capt. William Bradford.

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Thomas Beck in Gettysburg. (Jim Tuttle/News21)

Thomas Beck

He's a former Navy sailor who said he feels Obama destroyed America.

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John Spaziani, portraying Gen. Samuel Cooper in Gettysburg. (Jim Tuttle/News21)

John Spaziani

John Spaziani, 72, portrayed Gen. Samuel Cooper in Gettysburg.

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Washington, D.C.


"Love conquers all," siad Belinda at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Tilly Martlatt/News21)

Belinda Asio-Ogaino

 Ten years from now, 15, or even 20 years from now, I believe it [the United States] will be different than it is now. 


Ben Keeler stopped to visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after spending time with family in South Carolina. (Tilly Martlatt/News21)

Ben Keeler

 No matter what’s going on in the country in federal politics right down the road, I still think that these monuments and all of the ways in which the city set limits so no buildings can be higher than the Capitol, it allows us to venerate and remember the good things about the country. 


Lluvia Mednia is from Mexico, but her children will grow up United States citizens. "Mexico has a lot of problems like the United States, but as an American, people then can have better opportunities," Mednia said. (Tilly Martlatt/News21)

Lluvia Medina

 Mexico has a lot of problems, like the United States, but as an American, people then can have better opportunities. 


Peter Robinson is from Guyana. He brought his family to the White House, because he said it is an important place for her to visit as a United States citizen. (Tilly Martlatt/News21)

Peter Robinson

 I always say the nation gets the leadership it deserves because they voted for it. 


 

Omelet Shoppe

The Omelet Shoppe is a 24-hour diner off Interstate 64 in Beckley, West Virginia, that's popular with locals.

The Omelet Shoppe is a 24-hour diner off Interstate 64 in Beckley, West Virginia, that's popular with locals. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)


Felicia Robertson is a waitress at the Omelet Shoppe in Beckely, West Virginia. Robertson currently calls the Beckley community home, but hopes that will change by the end of the year. Despite residing in Beckley her entire life, Robertson is disheartened by the drug epidemic that grips the community and does not want her daughter growing up exposed to that type of culture. "At the end of the day, every one one of us wants that place where you can raise your kids in a safe environment and you want your kids to do better.  (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

Felicia Robertson

Felicia is a waitress at the Omelet Shoppe.

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William Bailey (right) has been visiting the Omelet Shoppe in Beckley, West Virginia, every day for the past three years. Bailey has resided in other locations, but he always comes back to the Beckley community. "It’s home. It’s where I was born and raised," he said. Bailey described two flags that he keeps in his yard, despite one showing significant signs of age. "My neighbor asked me why I keep that tattered thing up and I said, 'It’s to remind me of eight years of Obama,'" Bailey said. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

William Bailey

William (right) has been getting his morning cup of coffee at the Omelet Shoppe every day for the past three years.

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A woman was murdered at the Travelodge Hotel in Beckley, West Virginia, on July 9. Felicia Robertson, a waitress at the Omelete Shoppe next door, attributes the murder to one cause — drugs. The community of 17,000 is in the grips of opioid abuse.

A woman was murdered at the Travelodge Hotel in Beckley, West Virginia, on July 9. Felicia Robertson, a waitress at the Omelete Shoppe next door, attributes the murder to one cause — drugs. The community of 17,000 is in the grips of opioid abuse. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)


Brandy’s Catfish and Trout Pond

Tristan "Turtle" Hylton of Beckley, West Virginia, reels in his line at Brandy's Catfish and Trout Pond while Leah J. King, Jayden Farnsworth and Uriah Farnsworth await what they hope is a big catch.

Tristan "Turtle" Hylton of Beckley, West Virginia, reels in his line at Brandy's Catfish and Trout Pond while Leah J. King, Jayden Farnsworth and Uriah Farnsworth await what they hope is a big catch. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)


Jessica Vance of Beckley enjoys bonding with her children over fishing at Brandy's Catfish Pond near Bolt, West Virginia. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

Jessica Vance

Jessica Vance of Beckley enjoys bonding with her children over fishing at Brandy's Catfish Pond near Bolt, West Virginia.

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Mallie

 

Tonic Room Barbershop


Jason Kovach gives Brandon Fisher, 15, a trim at Tonic Room Barber Shop in London, Kentucky. "America is badass," he said. (Tilly Martlatt/News21)

Jason Kovach

 The beautiful thing about the United States is you can do anything you want. Nobody is stopping you from anything. You don't like the country, so get out. 


 

Memphis

 

Van Buren

Van Buren, Arkansas, is home to  24,000 people. The depot in the Main Street district (pictured) is popular with tourists.

Van Buren, Arkansas, is home to 24,000 people. The depot in the Main Street district (pictured) is popular with tourists. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)


"We're the only Democrats in Arkansas," Reba Maynard said. Maynard is pictured with her husband, Larry, at Boomarang Diner in Van Buren, Arkansas. (Tilly Martlatt/News21)

Larry and Reba Maynard

Reba and Larry said the South has gone backward to the times of their teen years.

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Oklahoma National Stockyard Company


Cattleman Jay Lewis works at the world's largest stockyards in Oklahoma City. "My grandpa told me a long time ago, 'Find something you love and you'll never work a day in your life.' I ain't worked yet. I just get paid to play," Lewis said. (Tilly Martlatt/News21)

Jay Lewis

 I was never in the service, but 1 percent of the world wakes up every day and protects our freedom. Ninety-nine percent wakes up and enjoys it. I’m that 99 percent. I don’t take that for granted by no means. 


Larry Brant has been bringing cattle to and from the Oklahoma Stockyards for 45 years. "It's been good to me," he said. Brant acknowledged the divide that exists within the country, but his concerns for the country reside around the agriculture industry. (Tilly Martlatt/News21)

Larry Bryant

 People go to the store and bring [food] home. They don’t realize what all went in to getting that cow to where it's at. What we eat comes off the farm, no matter how you look at it. 


 

Elk City

Elk City is in western Oklahoma along Route 66.  The city's population in 2017 was 11,555. Stout & Son Pawn Shop was started in 1952 by Steve Stout's grandfather.

Elk City is in western Oklahoma along Route 66. The city's population in 2017 was 11,555. Stout & Son Pawn Shop was started in 1952 by Steve Stout's grandfather. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)


Larry Parvin is the pastor at Main Street Baptist Church in Elk City, Oklahoma. Before becoming a pastor, Parvin was a truck driver.  (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

Larry Parvin

He's the pastor at Main Street Baptist Church in Elk City, Oklahoma.

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Steve Stout is the owner of Stout & Son Pawn Shop in Elk City, Oklahoma. "We are highly satisfied with our president," Scout said. "I am more proud of my nation now than I have ever been, and since Ronald Reagan, he was the next best president we’ve had." (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

Steve Stout

He owns Stout & Son Pawn Shop in Elk City.

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Amarillo

Amarillo, Texas, is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Cadillac Ranch and the American Quarter Horse Association Museum. The city is the largest in the Texas Panhandle, with a population of about 200,000.

Amarillo, Texas, is home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Cadillac Ranch and the American Quarter Horse Association Museum. The city is the largest in the Texas Panhandle, with a population of about 200,000. (Jim Tuttle/News21)


He requested to be identified by his biker name, Boozefighter Whiff.  Him and his wife, whose biker name is Boozette Linda Lou, met with News21 in Amarillo, Texas.  Boozefighter Whiff is a psychology professor and has worked in academia for 30 years. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

Boozefighter Whiff

Boozefighter Whiff (his biker name) said he is psychology professor and has worked in academia for 30 years.

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Albuquerque

Central Grill and Coffee House is in Albuquerque, home to roughly 550,000 people. Waitress Maya Vigil (pictured) is a student at the nearby University of New Mexico.

Central Grill and Coffee House is in Albuquerque, home to roughly 550,000 people. Waitress Maya Vigil (pictured) is a student at the nearby University of New Mexico. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)


A college student at the University of New Mexico who waits tables at Central Grill, Maya said open conversation with people who may be different from you is the solution to the tensions that exist in America. "You have to talk to other people and have some sort of dialogue," she said. "It's disgusting the amount of hate there is out there." Vigil said before the election she was proud to be an American, but her feelings have changed since President Donald Trump was elected. "It's still better than a lot of other countries and you still have the comfort of freedom."  (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

Maya Vigil

A college student at the University of New Mexico who waits tables at Central Grill, Maya said open conversation is the solution to the tensions that exist in America.

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Grants

Riverwalk Park is in Grants, New Mexico, along Route 66. About 9,000 people live in Grants.

Riverwalk Park is in Grants, New Mexico, along Route 66. About 9,000 people live in Grants. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)


Melanie Beyale, 23, of Grants, New Mexico, is fearful of the current state of the country. "It's just crazy. That's why I hardly go out," she said. Her mother raised her as a member of the Navajo Indian Reservation, but Melanie has decided she is going to give her son, Jayden, a choice. "If he wants to grow up Navajo, he can. I'm going to let him decide." Melanie said that the way Native Americans are perceived is not an accurate reflection of their culture. "Not all natives are drunks. Cause I think that's what they think," Melanie said. (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

Melanie Beyale

Melanie, 23, is a member of the Navajo Nation and fearful of the state of the nation.

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"Everybody all over is feeling something needs to change. Not just people on the Republican side, but Democrats want change, too," Stone Gonzales said. Gonzales works at the New Mexico Mining Museum located along Route 66 in Grants, New Mexico.  (Tilly Marlatt/News21)

Stone Gonzales

Stone works at the New Mexico Mining Museum and said that both Democrats and Republicans want change.

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Credits


 

Phoenix through Carbon Hill, Illinois

Penelope Blackwell, Brandon Bounds, Catherine Devine, Lenny Martinez Dominguez

Carbon Hill, Illinois through Washington, D.C.

Brittany Brown, Storme Jones

Washington, D.C. through Phoenix

Brittany Brown, Rosanna Cooney, Storme Jones, Tilly Marlatt

Interactive produced by

Lenny Martinez Dominguez


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