The world is dark and getting darker, it is only a matter of time before the fascist forces mustering in all corners of the world break free from the chains of normalcy and peace that we have established in the post-WWII era. Pax Americana will soon be coming to an end, the only questions that remain are how bad will things get, and how will we respond.
I am reminded of the quote by German Pastor Martin Niemoller about the devastating silence of German citizens in the early days of Hitler’s rule, before the true horrors had been unleashed, when there was still time for good people to stand in solidarity against evil:
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.
This time, if they come for any of us, they come for all of us. This time we stand united in our opposition to hatred and tyranny. This time we will not be silent in the face of oppression. This time we will not be complicit in evil.
It doesn’t matter who they come for first. When they come, they come for all of us. United. I stand with those who are different than me. We stand together. And we will not be apathetic, we will not be silent, we will not be cowed.
Together, we will win.