Silence

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Edmund Burke

We have seen a lot of unrest and disturbing things in the last ten days.  It is difficult to watch our president take the same path as someone most people consider the epitome of evil – Hitler.  I really dislike comparisons between Hitler and other people – it is generally an over dramatic comparison.  Unfortunately, that is not the case with Trump.  As soon as he came into office, he started to create unrest with the Muslims (this would be the group comparable to Hitler’s Jewish population).

Now there are hate crimes against Mosques.  I’m sure if you looked at the unrest in Germany prior to World War II, you’d find similar actions.  Here is a link to what Hitler did to the Jews once he came into power German History

So many things are headed in the wrong direction.  Too many things – it is overwhelming.  It is mind numbing.  All my daughter has to do is sigh at this point and I ask “Now what has Trump done?”  It isn’t surprising to me but it is sad.  It feels like he is making us into pre-WWII Germany.  I do not want that.  We should know better and should behave better.

There is a feeling of exasperation, desperation, and powerlessness.  What can I do?  I don’t have the ear of anyone powerful.  I don’t have a huge following.  However, I believe the worst thing we can do is to be silent.  Some of our senators stayed silent on the Muslim ban.  If they stayed silent, they are endorsing what has been done.  We cannot stay silent when we hear and see wrong occurring.  If we do, we are part of the problem.

It’s difficult to see large scale problems and not know how you can have any effect.  I write but I don’t have a huge following.  Yet I’m speaking out.  I can’t march but I can support.  I can tell people when I think they are wrong.  I can be vocal in my dislike of our president and his actions.  I can let my representatives know they are not representing me.

It’s time for all the people to speak out, speak up, and stop being silent.  Silence endorses and encourages the wrong.  Take a stand to push back the hate and intolerance.  Speak up and stand up for those who are being persecuted.

For Shame

I watched John Stewart last night and he talked about Pete King from NY who is calling for McCarthy like hearings within the Muslim communities.  This is appalling.  McCarthyism was one of the worst things in our recent history. 

Saying that one group is responsible for the ills of our nation is ridiculous.  It makes them scape goats when in reality it isn’t the Muslims but the extremists in all religions and view points. 

I’ve heard recently about laws being passed to make it legal to kill doctors who perform abortions.  I’ve heard the rhetoric from whichever wing (can never keep the extremists straight) where they are condemning abortion but then also turn around and condemn single mothers. 

Here is my thought on that issue – NO ONE has any right to say what I do with my body and whether I choose to be married or not. 

We need to get out of people’s lives and let them live them.  If they aren’t breaking laws or hurting others then leave them alone. 

If King wants to study the radicalization of anything great – do it in general terms across society – don’t pick on one group.  It didn’t work in WWII with the Japanese.  It didn’t work in the 50s with Communism.  It won’t work now with the Muslims.

It seems some of the political machines forget that we are supposed to be a religiously free country.