Every Action Creates an Equal and Opposite Reaction

I'm trying hard this week to keep my spirits up. By all accounts, I am very fortunate in my life. I don't want for much. I live a pretty safe life compared to some others, and I try to keep that in perspective.

Yet after the events this weekend in Charlottesville, I can't help but feel a sense that many of the freedoms we hold dear as Americans are being called into question. I have grown comfortable with the feeling that even when my rights as a gay person are encroached upon, they will not ultimately be taken away. 

And it is almost unimaginable to think of my government putting me and my family in the way of physical harm. So privileged have I been.

I watched in disbelief not just once, but three times after the violence in Charlottesville as our president failed to stand on the fair side of humanity. I have read countless pleas from people of color on Facebook to their white friends and community members to stand with them. "We can't do this alone." is the plaintive cry repeated over and over.

It breaks my heart. I was raised to feel as if all of humanity is a part of me. And I admit, it is really easy to forget that people suffer every day because of inequality, especially when you just want to feel good like everyone else. 

Except right now there is a terrorist in control of our country who doesn't care about my rights. and he's going after anyone he sees who looks weak in his eyes. He has maligned himself with racists and nazis and fascists who want nothing more than to subjugate those they consider less than.

I think many would agree that he is on a course of self-destruction. While he is on the way down, he is stirring up and giving power to the most hateful people imaginable. People whose chaotic thoughts and psyche reflect his. That is why I have decided to stop tolerating racism. 

If I hear a person say a racist or discriminatory statement and do not speak up, I am making the implicit choice to live with racism. And that is unacceptable.

I hope I can do something positive by writing this. I hope one person at least reads this and takes courage to stand up for their beliefs.  And I hope no more lives are lost in the name of hate.