Now We Must

Some conservatives will now try to change America so radically that it cannot be changed back. Some do not want to build a future for us all, but only for themselves. They came for women’s rights first, which means some see women as second-class citizens, breeding chambers for their sperm. Some have talked about women in derogatory terms. We have heard the comments.

We have seen violence in Washington, marching on elected political leaders. Some will say it was an attempted coup d’état.

We have seen violence in our cities and schools; children gunned down and people crushed by corrupt police.

We have seen women’s rights removed and voting made difficult for sections of the community.

We have seen a defeated president claim that he won an election.

We need rules that state that if a public position is corrupted by money or lobbying, the decisions made by that person are not valid. Some claim that lies were told under oath, or even that debts were paid off or gifts were given to certain judges. I do not know if this is the case — I really hope not — but I am very worried. I am reminded of Martin Niemöller’s poem, “First they came for the socialists, but as I wasn’t one, I did nothing.” In that poem, they came for him in the end.

Maybe my critics will say it is a logical fallacy, the fallacy of the slippery slope. But when states are incapable of recognising and responding in a timely way to incremental adverse changes, including basic rights, it is time to stop raising eyebrows and start asking questions. It is time to act peacefully, protest, and protect. Tribal sovereignty in Oklahoma, presidents allegedly attacking their bodyguards, women’s rights stomped back to the dark ages. What is next? Freedom of speech and gay marriage to start with; then who knows. Women’s suffrage? Slavery? Religious freedom?

America is doomed if the extremes force everyone to think like them, using patriotism as an argument. America risks becoming a nation of scared people, of silent people, if voices are hushed by oppression and hatred.

Years ago, a presidential candidate, Barack Obama, told us, “Yes, we can,” and spoke of “change we need.”

I have a new slogan for people: now, we must.

We have huge challenges in front of us: war in Ukraine, climate change, economic woes, gun violence, social deprivation. We cannot run to the flag to find solutions. The flag cannot be our only answer.

Now we must find solutions to the issue of climate change. There will not be easy solutions; we will have to make big sacrifices. Waving a flag will do nothing.

Now we must find solutions to the thorny issues of individual freedom. A simple ban on abortion just puts women’s lives at risk and shows that rights are never permanent. It reminds us of the pressing need for inclusive democratic processes rather than simple dogma. Showing a flag, or even a religious book, will not help those most at risk.

Now we must build a society together. The only future worth building is one that includes everyone. Extremists from the right or the left cannot be allowed to create a future just for them. Pope Francis told us this in his wonderful speech of tolerance and hope in 2019.

Now we must have tolerance for different faiths and sexual orientations and aspirations. Tolerance for the views of others, but also the patience to accept different views instead of trying to convince and convert. People have the right to be different. Only then can we think of a union. We must join arms.

America has become divided. We often forget that we are all connected, that we all may need each other. That your doctor is an immigrant, or your nurse has a family to feed. Or your children’s teacher is trying to adapt to a new culture, language, or beliefs. Or even that your neighbour’s daughter was raped and now needs help with a termination. Maybe we do not agree with them, but we understand others’ needs.

Now we must protect equality and social advances. It is these that are the foundation of humanity. It is people, not products or convenience, that really matter.

Now we must stand up and protest non-violently. All of us can look at the history of the fight for women’s rights and the civil rights movement, the many discussions that led to compassion and inclusion.

We must work together, or surely we will fail. Faced with so many challenges, we have no choice. We must not ignore the huge challenges in front of us, but be the hope and love that binds our communities together.

I know there will be those who refuse the hand held out, refusing to help, refusing to consider other views except their own. Some will even swat away the hand or try to cut it off. Others will ignore it or pretend they do not have time or money to help. I am not naïve. But the lion may need the mouse. I hope some can remember that. Some will scoff, “Fake news.” They must be allowed to. We have to try to explain why this is a bad decision to them. We have to work with everyone.

Now we must move forward from partisanship and keep our minds open. We must ask the question, “Why do you think this?” and try to understand others’ views, then calmly explain our own ideas. It is only by listening to those with and without money, power, position, and comfort that we can build a future.

A future that now we must build together. A country we must build together. Only then will we have a flag worth our sweat.