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October 14, 2008 at 17:11:12
Sermon for the downtrodden activist by Andrew Kishner Page 1 of 1 page(s) |
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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.
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| 3 comments |
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You write them, I'll give them light of day
Why do I sit here and edit numerous articles everyday. For the reason you discuss. It's a job which needs to be done. Thank you. by Margaret Bassett (45 articles, 2909 quicklinks, 42 diaries, 1851 comments [99 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 5:13:49 PM  (0+)
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I hear you!
I wrote something similar to my friends and family and they still did not reply. I think I was whining more than anything. Saying, I would rather be playing video games and reading books for fun, than researching and trying to figure out where we commoners fit into the plan. I think they are still too comfortable to open their eyes. If they do not tip the balance they are safe. They will one day come out of their shell if we continue to talk. They will one day realize that somewhere along the way their life became uncomfortable, just as mine did. Unfortunately for them it is right around the corner. by Yvonne (5 articles, 0 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 38 comments) on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008 at 11:11:15 PM (0+)
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Encouraging others to take that leap of faith
Yvonne, you touched on a very interesting point: that at one point life got 'uncomfortable' for not just us, but everyone around us! That point came three years ago for me after hearing a disturbing news broadcast. It took me a while to convince myself to get active, but I eventually did get engaged yet others didn't 'rise up'...even, especially, the people closest to me. But that is when you've seen what lies beyond that wall which virtually no one else has seen. And it is a matter of belief, a leap of faith - if you will. You've taken the leap, you believe the truths and your job is to continue to talk and discuss it and not give up until others leap with you. Thanks to people like Margaret at OEN we have a great opportunity of having our voices heard by a larger audience. by Andrew Kishner (13 articles, 2 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 3 comments) on Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 at 8:12:45 AM (0+)
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