#NoKings #protests #PeacefulProtests #MinnesotaShootings
Millions of people stood on the streets and public plazas this weekend with a simple message: “No Kings.”
They say the numbers signify a movement, but they also showed that we all still have agency, and our opinions mean something.
That same Saturday, two state legislators and their spouses were shot in Minnesota. One legislator and her husband died, the other couple survived.
The “No Kings” protests are an example of how Americans SHOULD behave. The shootings show the opposite.
The country was founded on the principles of democracy, separation of powers and rule of law. Standing up for that is what citizens should do. Taking lethal revenge on those who don’t think as you do is un-American.
There is much work we must do as citizens to reclaim our country. We must elect representatives who stand for democracy, separation of powers and rule of law. That means everyone who is eligible must vote when elections roll around.
When no election is imminent, we must let those in power know how we, as citizens, feel, whether those in power want to hear it or not.
That may mean, in some places, standing in protest as an eligible voter if someone says you are not.
It also means the return of respected institutions to their full and upright capacities. That means bringing back facts and knowledge when some would discard them.
That means bringing back bona fide research that some wish to replace with conspiracy theories.
It means not letting a would-be king overwhelm our power as citizens.
Democracy, separation of powers and rule of law may not be for every nation. But this nation was built on them, and we shouldn’t let anyone take them away from us.
Democracy, separation of powers and rule of law were given to us by our forebears. It’s our job now to protect them.
As we protect these virtues of our self-governance, we do so peacefully, unlike the Minnesota shooter. Guns may show hard power, but peaceful protests show soft power.
We must leave the areas at which protests are staged just as we found them. We must ensure that no one gets hurt by our message delivery.
Even if those who resist us may try to hurt us, we must not hurt them. We must only deliver our message loudly and clearly.
So, if you don’t like what is happening in our country, you can work to change it. You can do so peacefully. You can do so in many ways that make clear how you stand.
It took much work and time to build this country as we want to see it. It can take remarkably little time to tear it down. We, as citizens, must stand in the way of that.
Peter
Tag Archives: democracy
FREEDOM, MANDATES AND OVERREACH
#overreach #rules #regulations #beliefs #freedom
Everyone wants freedom.
Few, if anyone, want mandates.
Still others object to overreach.
That is, until one, or one’s representatives, gets power.
People are out there protesting for their “freedom.” The emphasis should be on the word “their.”
They want the freedom to do what THEY want, but don’t want others to have the freedom to do what “THEY” want.
They object to mandates that they don’t want, but are happy to mandate on others things those others don’t want.
Some will object to overreach by this or that entity. But, those same folks are happy to overreach when seeking their own goals.
Yes, democracy is not easy. One person’s freedom is another’s violation of beliefs. One person’s mandate opposition is another’s necessity.
In short, we want our own freedom, but are willing to impose restrictions on others that those others do not want.
It’s all about power, and who has it. It’s all about making the system work for YOU, regardless of whether it works for others.
To paraphrase the James Bond title, it’s the Live and Let Die syndrome.
To make society better for everyone, we have to be more “live and let live.”
One does not have to adopt others’ beliefs, but that same person should not impose his beliefs on others.
We end up with laws and policies imposed on people by others who would not be affected by them.
One is entitled to a set of beliefs that suits him or her. One is entitled to follow rules and norms that are part of those beliefs.
But, when one imposes those rules and norms on others who don’t necessarily follow those same beliefs, it crosses a line that need not, and should not, be crossed.
There are certain rules imposed on everyone that have been demonstrated to contribute to the public good. There is, more or less, general agreement on those.
But imposing unnecessary restrictions aimed at specific groups is wrong, no matter the imposer.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, as the adage goes.
We all should be able to live in a diverse world without feeling marginalized or oppressed. We all should be able to find common good among differences.
We will not change the world by imposition. The world will evolve, no matter who imposes what.
Peter