I try to keep my blog from the political and negativity that is swirling so heavily in our country.  But today is a day for speaking up.  I think I speak for so many when I question if we can make a difference; well better put can we unite?  The populous can make a difference if they unite and have a common goal and cause.  Have we come too far?  Have we been too separated into enemy camps?  I see the great possibilities that social media could have in uniting us, but all I see as a result of social media is division and a great deal of name calling and almost hatred; a change how humans interact and not for the positive.  I dropped off  FB as I believe social media is more of a negative to society than a positive.  I remain on IG as I can control and filter that which I am exposed to.  I know all the technical and nuts and bolts of the impact of social media and how CMC changes and impacts humanity/society as I studied it in depth during my grad years.

I wish I had answers but all I have is more questions.  How do we change?  How do we take our country back from the 1% who have created a oligarchy?  We march and speak up but our freedom to do so is being etched out bit by bit.  Our own countrymen fight against our right for freedom of speech if they don’t agree with our ideals.  It is this division that deeply concerns me; this turning upon ourselves as wolves.  Our leaders need not destroy us as we are busy doing so ourselves.  And again I question how?  How do we unite before it is too late?  How do we overcome division so deep and a hatred that is seeping into our general populous?    Our entire culture is one of sickness; violence, hatred, greed, disrespect for others these images are blasted into our living rooms nightly via our TV programs and through our social media.  For years I have only watched foreign programs as I cannot stomach the violence and lack of ethics in our programming.

So I, like thousands of others like me, retreat into my own world.  Creating my own world insulated from the ugliness that surrounds me and trying to offer kindness and love. One small tiny light looking for other points of light in the darkness.  Striving to remain hopeful and positive.  But I cannot but continually hear this quotation by Niemoller running through my head:

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.

I need to be active again.  I raised my daughters to be strong and stand up for what is right!  They attended protest with me and cut their teeth on justice and truth.  When did I begin to retreat into my own world?  When did the feeling of hopelessness against this evil tide set hold of me?  So once again I will raise my voice and join others for fighting for goodness, kindness, and compassion for all mankind.  I will raise my voice to strive for a better future for my grandchildren and all children.

Resistance is not futile!!!!

Dedicated to the man who taught me that all people are created equal.  That humility always trumps arrogance.  To stand up for what what is right, even if I stand alone.  To be independent, strong, and believe in myself.  To not follow the crowd, but follow my own path.  To be authentic, honest, and true to myself.  Thank you Daddy!  Miss you with every beat of my heart!