America, 91 days since the Trump regime took control (2.0)—To my fellow dissenters:
It’s a frustrating, frightening time. First, try not to let those anti-protest articles get to you. I know it can feel like a punch in the stomach after standing up for what you feel is right. Know that there are as many, if not more, pro-protest (or at least neutral) articles and news items. Those cheap shots the Right uses about the protests come from a position of weakness, because they cannot adequately defend their actions and values in light of the principles upon which we are protesting.

It’s a time of bullies. And cruelty. We have a big bully and a ring of bullies in the White House, supported by a growing bully culture. Bullies come from a position of inadequacy and weakness. They project that weakness outward and pick on others to comfort themselves into thinking that they are “strong.”

Be ready, too, for the cruelty and bullying to escalate—and as such, the attacks on the resistance/dissenters. It’s textbook schoolyard bully stuff. 

There is a phrase rising in the Right, you may have heard of it: “suicidal empathy.” Empathy in all forms is being vilified as weak, feminine, soft, etc. (Unless, of course, it’s empathy for one of their own…). 

Many people, from White liberal women, to Justice Amy Coney Barrett, to Pope Francis, are being attacked with this phrase, suicidal empathy. Those touting the phrase, like Elon Musk, try to justify it by saying something to the effect of, Oh, one can’t make good policy or decisions if one is too empathic or emotional. And journalists who are “both-siding” on this topic will point out the errors of the Left in the throes of too much empathy. 

I push back, and say, what I know in my heart is that empathy and compassion are the ROOT of all good decision-making and policy, as well as daily actions and words. And if you listen to the news stories today about the passing of Pope Francis, you will see this was his bedrock of being in the world.

Trust yourself. Trust your values. Know that standing up for what is morally and ethically right is not and has never been, nor will ever be easy. Especially as there is not always agreement on what is “moral.”

Imagine the risk and fear in the hearts of those who hid Jewish citizens from the Nazis? Rosa Parks as she took that seat on the bus? Remember Bloody Sunday, the one in Selma, Alabama, where Civil Rights marchers were attacked by police. The voices of history who’ve spoken up for empathy and justice, such as Jesus, MLK, and Abraham Lincoln (all three were assassinated). 

Speaking up—for human rights, civil rights, justice, Nature’s health and beauty, the rule of law, and democracy—is uncomfortable and it’s dangerous. BECAUSE it’s based in compassion, empathy, and love.  There is an old saying, “The antelope that stands out is the one that is taken [as in shot].” 

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. If we don’t stand up for what we know in our hearts to be right, then what the hell are we here for?

This is a time to put on our Biggest Big Person Pants. To stand up tall and strong. Speak out often and consistently against injustices here in our endangered America and across the globe. This is a time to persevere.