Perhaps, as citizens/consumers/taxpayers in the most culpable of nations, we can begin by recognizing this: Due to our compliance and/or silence and/or inaction, we’ve played a role in bringing our planet to the brink of social, economic, and environmental collapse.
Participating in sustained activism and/or direct action is not a popular choice. It could put us at odds with our friends, family, and community. It could jeopardize our careers. It could even lead to direct conflict with (so-called) law enforcement officers. Scary stuff, for sure.
But ask yourself this: What frightens you more, being judged for getting arrested for disorderly conduct or comprehending that 78 percent of the world’s old-growth forests are already gone? How will you answer when future generations ask what you did to defend all life on earth?
There are good reasons to be afraid, comrades…there are better reasons to be bold.
Let’s not opt for the illusion of safety over the quest for justice. Let’s not be afraid to accept that we’ve been lied to and manipulated and that much of what we’ve been taught is no longer or ever was relevant or real. Let’s not be afraid to open our hearts and minds and start caring like we’ve never cared before. Let’s not be afraid to find out what we’re capable of.
