Lamentations

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 Niemöller

This was poem was written by Martin Niemöller, a German pastor who did not immediately speak out against the Nazi regime and eventually found himself in a Nazi concentration camp. The above words can be substituted with immigrant, African American, Hispanic, Muslim, and LGBTQ. Being silent is being complicit. We need to stand with one another because our turn is coming. This administration is targeting everything that is different. They are targeting immigrants, black and brown people, and anything that does not fit into their Euro-centric America. Just because the mob has not knocked on your door, or burnt a cross on your lawn doesn't mean that they will not eventually come for you as well. Be sober. Be vigilant. Stay woke. 

Church & State

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Flashback to your high school Ethics class. Do you remember the discussion about the separation of church and state? America still has "In God We Trust" on their money, the Supreme Court has carvings of the Ten Commandments, and our Presidents are sworn into office with a bible. Some of the Founding Fathers of this country considered themselves Christians. Despite America's root in Christian theology, I would never consider America a "Christian" Nation. This is the same country that put a travel ban on Muslims.

Every day I see images of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. I see people of all racial backgrounds and religions in shelters. I see people helping people in need. When tragedy strikes, politics don't matter. How you worship, or who you worship doesn't matter. America does not have a political or religious issue. America has a humanity issue. When churches don't open their doors and share the love of God, that's a problem. We are supposed to be "one nation under God," and yet we quarrel over what God. When the levees break, and the creek rises...who cares about the separation of church and state? Both should be working to help their neighbors, parishioners, and constitutents. 

Candor

I am a big fan of the Divergent Series. The series takes place in a not so distant dystopian future where society is divided into five factions: Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), and Erudite (the intellectual). I would like to think that I would be Erudite, however I would most likely be Candor. Born in September under the Libra zodiac, I have always had a strong sense of justice. I value truth and appreciate honesty.

However, truth and justice also has a way of dividing us. We feel strongly about our values. We ignore injustices that do not affect us. We live and socialize with like-minded people and create our own factions. We have a work faction, a church faction, a family faction, and a social faction. Division is a common theme in most post-apocalyptic films like The Hunger Games, Elysium, and The Matrix. Division is never seen as a good thing. 

We live in a society that continues to divide us: Republican vs. Democrat, Citizen vs. Immigrant, Muslim vs. Christian, Poor vs. Wealthy, Black vs. White, and Homosexual vs. Heterosexual. Our current administration is drawing lines in the sand. They are dividing us into powerless factions. They are creating a great divide of wealth, resources, and education. Pay Attention! Unification is the key not division, but we must find common ground. 

Resist

In honor of President's day, I would like to shed some light on the Trump Resistance Movement. Celebrities are using their platforms to speak out against the current administration. Katy Perry performed at the Grammy's with a "persist" armband. This was in reference to Elizabeth Warren's persistence in reading Coretta Scott King's letter regarding Jeff Sessions.  A Tribe Called Quest delivered one of the most politically charged Grammy performances of the night which ended with Q- Tip chanting, "resist!" Meryl Streep slammed Trump's administration without ever saying his name during her Golden Globe acceptance speech. Women and immigrants alike have taken to the streets to protest. I challenge you to resist. Resist the media. Resist the propaganda. Resist the negativity. Resist the divisiveness. Resist the hate. Resist the hate.