Yesterday I participated in a political protest for the first time. I have always hated politics so I would have never thought to do this. However, I am a doer and feel the need to do something about this tyranny. Will it make a difference? I do not know but we will not know until we try.
A few things I noticed. It was fun and felt right and good. Everyone was friendly and courteous. It was great to be there with my husband and wonderful friends. It was a lot of fun to read everyone’s clever signs.
While researching ideas for signs this one struck me so much that I cannot stop thinking about it. “Ever wondered what you’d have done in 1930s Germany? You’re doing it right now.”
This gave me chills and I am so glad I am doing something.
- I hear some say I cannot listen to thia anymore. Ok, I get it. Take a break. Take care of you but come back. Keep informed. I think many people choose trump because they were not informed of the truth.
- I hear some say we cannot do anything about it. That is NOT OK. We can be powerful. If trump and have a powerful voice than so, can we. I have been listening to many feeds and trying to figure out what I can do. This is what I have learned.
- Write letters. I have heard they make a difference.
- Go to a protest.
- Learn-keep informed
- Talk to people.
- If anyone knows of anything else, we can do please add a comment. I would really love to know.
So, my question to you is what are you doing right now. Are you putting your head in the sand saying I cannot listen to this anymore. It doesn’t matter what I do. It will not make a difference. Now turn your head and look at your Jewish neighbor in 1930 and say these things.
All of these thoughts brought to my mind the following poems by Pastor Martin Niemoller. He was initially an antisemitic Nazi supporter, however his views changed when he was imprisoned in a concentration camp for speaking out against Nazi control of churches.
First They Came by Pastor Martin Niemoller
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then 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 out for me.
What are you doing right now?!