Redress - to set right

The right to publicly speak truth to power without fear of retribution is at the very foundation of American democracy

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. - First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

The right to publicly speak truth to power without fear of retribution is at the very foundation of American democracy. I availed myself of that right recently to speak truth to my fellow Christians and citizens. I participated in a series of protests here in Greensboro and probably will continue to do so in the future. Mine is simply one voice in a great chorus but the hope is that, if enough of us make our voices heard, the powers that be will reconsider their current path. Speaking truth to power has a long and noble history in both politics and religion. <continued below>

Jesus publicly called out the Pharisees in His day calling them a “pit of vipers” and “sons of hell” for their hypocrisy and for using the name of God to gratify their lust for power and prestige. And they crucified Him for it.

Colonial Americans had seen the “divine right of kings” built on a convenient misinterpretation of Scripture used for generations to oppress the masses and excuse atrocities. So some of the foundational principles they built into this new nation included the equality of all men (including their elected leaders) before the law, a prohibition against establishing a state religion, and the freedom to peaceably assemble and petition the government to set right policies that are morally wrong. They believed so strongly in these principles that they mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to establish them. And it cost them a long and bloody war.

Things are different today than they were in Jesus’ time or back when the colonists were seeking freedom from King George…or, at least, they’re supposed to be. For over 200 years we’ve enjoyed the freedom to publicly criticize our government and its leaders without fear . Certainly, there have been times when that wasn’t the case but they have proven to be the exception and not the rule.

However, since the advent of Trump and his MAGA movement, a spirit of fear has permeated every aspect of public discourse. Those who dare criticize “his Majesty” are subject not only to sophomoric name-calling and insults by the leader of our nation, but investigations, lawsuits, political pressure and intimidation that can destroy careers, lives, and invoke violence. Not even Governors, Judges, Senators, Congressmen, or Mayors are immune. Law firms, universities, scientists, health professionals, the intelligence community, are all subject to black-balling, losing their funding, or dismissal if they fail to toe the Trump line. The press is considered “the enemy of the people” and is being intimidated and undermined at every opportunity. And the most vulnerable…the poor, the migrant, the refugee…are subject to being swept off the street by unidentified masked men and taken to detainment camps and eventually third-world prisons without any due process or recourse simply because of a mere accusation by some unknown bureaucrat. And when people of good conscience take to the streets to voice their opposition, they’re called traitors and insurrectionists and intimidated into silence by troops, tear gas, and arrests. Yes, there was some property damage done in LA by a handful of miscreants but local law enforcement insisted they were entirely capable of dealing with it. Nobody wanted the National Guard or Marines there except Trump. It was an excuse for him to intimidate and humiliate those who oppose him and spread fear in the Hispanic community. Take a good look at LA because it will be coming soon to a city near you if Trump has his way.

Such are the times in which we live. Yet, most people are too wrapped up with their day-to-day lives to step out of their comfort zone and make the effort to tell the world that what’s going on is simply and fundamentally wrong. We’ve grown so accustomed to the safe bubble in which we live that it’s easier to just tell ourselves that things aren’t really as bad as they seem and it will pass on its own, so let’s not rock the boat. I sympathize…I really do. And I hope you’re right. But history indicates otherwise.

I want to challenge you to ask yourself a question: what would it take to get you out on the street protesting what our government is doing? Just take a moment and try to imagine what would have to be happening to get you upset enough to actually join in a protest with your fellow citizens to express your outrage and indignation. Now, ask yourself if you’re really willing to wait until things get that bad. By that time, the consequences of letting your voice be heard could be quite severe. In fact, it could be entirely too late to change anything, don’t you think?

NOW is the time. At the protests that I’ve attended I’ve been surprised by the fact that most of the people were my age or older. I’ve seen people in wheelchairs and walkers braving the summer heat just for the chance to say “ENOUGH, I will not let this stand!” The right to peaceably assemble and petition our government…to set right these wrongs…to assuage the grief in our souls…is a precious one that was purchased in blood. Use it or lose it…