There are issues today in America that are happening and it scares me. It scares me because they are happening without our knowledge or consent. We will wake up one day and realize that we don’t have any civil rights left.
History is full of events driven by greed for power and money, complacency and/or fear. Salem Witch Hunt, Nazi Germany, Bosnia genocide. The list goes on.
And it’s happening here, even in Connecticut. You don’t think so? Try saying something on social media that isn’t politically correct or against mainstream thinking and see what happens.
Imagine that as an American Citizen we cannot have an educated opinion without retaliation. We cannot live our lives or make decisions about our own bodies or our children’s bodies without fear of having our children taken away or being crucified in social media.
I believe people don’t get involved because of that fear or apathy. “That will never happen here” or “that will never happen to me.” Well, fellow American Citizens, it’s happening. You might even think it doesn’t happen locally. Well, a very small percentage of Suffield’s citizens make the decisions because they are the only ones showing up to vote.
Don’t assume someone else will take care of it or stand up to an injustice. And you don’t need to run for office or stand in the middle of the town green yelling to cars going by to have your voice heard. But you can do something! The saying is: if you see something, say something. Well, if there is an issue you are passionate about, SAY SOMETHING! Call your Representatives, your Senators…often. Go to meetings, make the time and get involved! VOTE!
Corporate and political power and greed are rampant. When it comes to today’s issues, including the current measles issue, do your own research. Don’t base your opinion on what you hear or read in the news. You’ll need to have an open mind and look at both sides of the story. If you still have the same opinion, at least it will be an educated opinion and not an opinion based on dogma. And, you never know, maybe you’ll change your opinion based on your own research.
I will stand up for your right to have an educated opinion and for your right to choose the best health care you want to pursue for you and your family whether I agree with it or not. How about you? Will you stand up for my same rights? Are there caveats? Of course. If you want to send 6 million Jews to gas chambers, slaughter 800,000 Bosnian people or kill innocent women because you think they are a witch, well, that’s where I draw the line.
We may have to agree to disagree on some issues but forcing people to do something against their will is not the answer. Not in the America I believe in.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.
“Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.
“Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me.” – German Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller.
“I said ‘Somebody should do something about that.’ Then I realized I am somebody.” – Lily Tomlin.