What I learned from Joshua Childress

I case you don't know who he is: Joshua Childress recently resigned in protest from the U.S. Border Patrol. He previously served in the U.S. Army and National Guard, doing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

I recently learned about him from ReasonTV, and then in more detail from the "Unregistered" podcast by Thaddeus Russel. Here are the links:

http://www.thaddeusrussell.com/podcast/63

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ww-Q38okyI

Just like Thaddeus, I was very amazed to hear that someone "within the machine" was able to question his beliefs and make huge personal changes based on integrity, despite a lot of incentives to stay. I am impressed by his story, his insights and his personal growth, and I recommend listening to the podcast. I was most interested in distilling out what makes the difference between Joshua and so many others - what does it take for someone that is part of well organized system to stay true to himself and step out of line, despite a lot of negative consequences.

Here is what I learned:

Empathy:

Joshua was tracking illegal immigrants, and by doing it very well he was literally "putting himself in their shoes". In trying to understand how his "prey" moves and behaves and thinking and feeling what goes through their minds, he was getting more connection with them, rather then seeing them just as "bad guys" or "bodies".

Trusting your Gut:

To be able to listen to your emotions and taking them seriously is the first step to acting with integrity. We all have learned to distrust our emotions, but this case clearly shows: If you feel "something is wrong", there is a good reason for that. The least you can do is to use your head to investigate further (see next point).

Rationality:

He started educating himself, and in doing so finding out more and more that the stories he has been told in school, the media and by the military have been inaccurate. Realizing that he has been doing "what is right" based on wrong information he inquired even further to find out what else he is wrong about. It seems to me that a healthy connection between the body (emotions) and the mind (thoughts) is essential.

Openness:

He seems to have a very curious mind, and that allows for new information to flow in, but it takes more than just openness that for it to take hold (see next point).

Facing Discomfort:

Questioning your beliefs takes a high degree of courage and grit, because I usually brings up a lot of insecurity and pain. Past actions come under review and can bring up regret, your entire identity can feel threatened. In addition to that, he was leaving a profession that is usually widely respected and well paid - only to return to a job that is much less comfortable and stable - even entering into competition with immigrants!

Self-Authoring:

He was mentioning that he was writing out his arguments for closed borders - revealing that they did not make sense to him any more. This is a great example for how powerful it is to write out your thoughts to gain some perspective - instead of just "being" your thoughts.

Supportive Partner:

His wife sounds like very supportive his (quite radical) change, and rather than being threatened by it. This is hugely important. I can imagine that this would have ended very differently and quite tragic if his wife would have acted differently. It takes integrity and honesty to stand by your partner, even if it brings up concerns about stability. Kudos to her!

Distance to the harm you are causing:

The fact that he was interacting with the people was arresting and deporting, having conversations in broken Spanish seemed to have made a huge difference. I can imagine it is far more difficult to justify your actions if you see the fear and suffering the system causes up close and personal.

In Conclusion: If you know someone who might be contemplating leaving law enforcement or military: Have empathy for them, listen to their experiences and really try to understand their concerns - and refrain from giving them any advice unless they ask you to.

Encourage them to trust their feelings, however conflicting they might seem.

If they are open to it, let them know about what they could research.

Help them through difficult times, where there might bring up huge regrets or are questioning their entire identity. Allow them to feel everything in your presence.

Help them to sort themselves out by suggesting to bring their thoughts to paper.

Talk to their partner, friends and family - if their concerns are not addressed, they might not be able to support him/her in return.

Listening to this interview opened me up to the perspective of people who work within the military and law enforcement. It dismantled my enemy images and enabled me to have empathy for the internal struggle many of them probably go through, and I am now much more hopeful to see the change I am longing for - one person at a time. It is personal growth that makes the difference, and I am motivated to contribute with my own creativity to interviews, podcasts and books Joshua was influenced by to take the big leap. It is also personal growth and inner peace that will help him to handle whatever he will be facing - he sounds like he will not only be fine, but able to finally live a purposeful and honorable life - not ever compromising other people's needs for his own...

Joshuas website:

https://www.theloucheden.com/