There comes a time when people fighting for a cause end up questioning why they are fighting: "-Does anyone seem to care? Does anyone seem to know, or are they at least concerned that I am struggling for them and their health and their freedoms and their rights? Does anyone really give a damn about what I'm doing? Or saying? Or writing? Why should I continue at all?"
In the anti-nuclear movement--and this is no different from just about any other movement that has only a few activists putting thorns in the sides of big business or corrupt government--there are plenty of times when one's efforts go unnoticed and without impact.
There are times when it feels like the whole mainstream media has brainwashed even the people you thought were your own allies. And those "friends" end up belittling your efforts. Or won't even lift a finger to click reply or to forward your emails.
And those emails and letters of protests, often written with sweat and tears, or books and article opeds and phone calls, often forged despite trepidation and timidity, they all go unnoticed and without response.
And it feels like you're talking to a brick wall.
During those times, one wonders if he/she shouldn't just pack up his/her bags and let the people he/she was trying to protect fend for themselves. If the town doesn't appear to even care that their island's volcano will erupt and I know it will, then should I just escape and leave the people to their own fate? Why should I stay when so many others would leave? Why should I fight when so many of my efforts will go unnoticed? Why shouldn't I simply walk away from this brick wall?
I will tell you why.
Because if you know why the people don't care, or aren't concerned, or aren't thinking rationally, then you know why you must continue your fight.
If you know that the "forces that be" have done their best to put a brick wall up to stop people like you, then you should know why you should not stop.
If you know that it is because of their lies and misinformation and propaganda to convince your allies and friends and family and community and fellow citizens that they are right and you are wrong--then you know you have YOUR work still cut out for you.
If you know why it is so hard, if you know why the going is so tough, if you know why no one seems to want to listen, then you know what you have to do. There is a wall of sturdy construction and impenetrable height and convincing stature that hides a hideous and ugly set of truths from the people you want to protect and nurture. Your job is to tell people what is beyond that wall. You must keep on telling and telling and telling them what is beyond that wall until the day comes when enough of us can tear down the bricks from that wall for all of the world to see.
