Today's MOZEN: So, Why Should I Care?

F LoBuono

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.

Martin Niemoller

This, my friends, is how it begins.

At first, we hardly notice.

We say, "what's the big deal? He made lewd comments about women. It was not MY woman. So, why should I care? He wants to build a wall. I don't know any illegal Mexicans. So, why should I care? He shut down a reporter. There are plenty of reporters. So, why should I care"?

Because, eventually, it will happen to you.

Caring is not easy. In fact, it's a lot more simple to not give a shit. It involves deep thinking and commitment. Awareness on that level can raise our blood pressure and keep us up at night. Quite frankly, it can be downright exhausting.

So, why should we bother?

Because, ultimately, by doing so, we make the world a better place, not only for ourselves, but for those around us, as well. Why this is such a difficult concept to fathom is beyond me - especially now.

We have elected a man who doesn't seem able to grasp this as a concept. In fact, in every word, in every deed, President-elect, Donald J.Trump seems to be the antithesis of the notion of goodness, kindness, and compassion. And, it happens right in front of us on a startlingly regular basis. And, yet, his followers continually find ways to dismiss his boorish behavior in myriad ways. He mocks a disabled man and his minions say, "no he didn't. He was only joking". Instead of building bridges between people, he wants to build a wall and have the people he wishes to exclude pay for it. And, his followers chant, "Build the Wall - Build the Wall"! He disparages our dedicated intelligence professionals calling them "fools and liars". His supporters say, "of course, they are". Now, he has decided that a free press shouldn't be so free anymore and refuses to answer tough questions from those he simply does not like. The partisan crowd agrees with him that the media deserves to be banished - especially if they should have the temerity to disagree with him.

When do we say ENOUGH?!!!!

Well, I have - a long time ago.

Friends that I respect have asked me to give him a chance. My response is this: when he shows me something, ANYTHING, that I can respect, much less admire, I will give him that chance. Until that time, I will resist him tooth and nail.

Until they come for me . . .