At any rate, I was interested in this question of whether people want to talk about traumatic things... I'm a pastor now (whoopee!) and what always amazes me is that the stories of hardship and trauma and tragedy in people's lives always get told, always bubble to the surface in various ways. You can't keep 'em submerged forever. And, when they're not given a place to be safely, respectfully told, they show up in less hospitable ways.

I think it does matter who's asking, and to what end. "For the nation," may not get you there. But then again, it might. People very often want to believe that suffering is meaningful or, barring that, not borne in vain. The idea that speaking truth might prevent further suffering on the part of others can be empowering.

Hope you're well...