A Brave, New Resistance

I will not sit in silence any longer because the noise of your fear is deafening, as you shirk your responsibility to humanity.

I will not accept edicts that are issued without oversight, as that is reserved for kings, dictators, and tyrants.

I will not trust anyone that denies and censors scientific evidence, as that is how you end up in the dark ages.

I will not offer unity unless you unplug your ears and listen without preconceived answers, as that isn’t a conversation nor is it productive.

I will not say ” God bless America”, because if he exists he should bless all, as the former mantra insinuates that we have some unique relationship that isn’t extended to other countries or people.

I will not “just leave”  or “get out of” the country because I don’t like how it is going, as that would be careless and disrespectful to those who have fought so that I can stay and have my voice heard. (Perhaps if you prefer a dictatorship or monarchy you should seek a country where the voice of opposition is stifled, rather than celebrated.)

I will not watch the country I love devolve into a Stone Age mentality without opposition, as that would be apathetic and reckless.

I will not allow our pristine National Parks to be ripped apart and sold off for profit, as that destructive and averistic.

I will not try to make America great again, as that implies that it not great already and I think that it is and I hope it remains such.

I will think critically about policies with which I disagree and form an opinion, as that is democracy and American.

I will voice my opinion and express my concern over issues that infringe upon core values and human rights, as that is democracy and American.

I will speak for those that don’t have a voice and for the under-served, as that is democracy and American.

I will fight against oppression, discrimination, racism, hatred, as that is democracy and American.

I will stand with our veterans and push for improved healthcare and better training, as that is democracy and American.

I will push to keep church and state separate, (otherwise freedom of religion is inhibited; though all have the right to teach children as they see fit at home), as that is democracy and American.

I will provide research and factual information to mitigate the fear of those that only look to items that confirm their belief, as that is democracy and American.

I will try to understand your side and work toward compromise if you will be considerate and respectful of my side, as that is democracy and American.

I will work to keep America great, as that is democracy and American.