Facing the Truth

Dissent

Is it okay to dissent, to hold an opposing view? Not in some circles. To have a dissenting view in Trump's America is disloyal, even treasonous. In places like China or Russia, a dissenting view leads to a re-education camp. In some countries, you might just disappear. 

To some people in this country, if you speak of systemic racism, or critical race theory, you run up against their views of our republic's history. And today, you become the enemy. Don't believe it. What just happened to Nancy Pelosi's husband? Threats against our political leaders are spiking. 

According to data provided by the United States Capitol Police, a law enforcement agency charged with protecting members of Congress, cases related to "concerning statements and threats" jumped from 3,939 in 2017 to 9,625 in 2021.

But our history isn't just about our successes or our failures. It isn't all this or all that. And to ask questions makes our democracy stronger. To question is not unpatriotic. To question uncovers the facts.

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots." -Marcus Garvey

Denial will not protect us from the inevitable when the truth is discovered.

And they'll jerk from their beds and think they're dreamin'
But they'll pinch themselves and squeal
And know that it's for real
The hour when the ship comes in… -Bob Dylan