Talk is cheap but whiskey costs money. – American proverb

We appear to have become a society that demands common accord across the board.  We have taken the position that if someone does not openly and actively support our position in precisely the way we think they should, then they are [fill in the blank with an -ist word or similar descriptor] or they are an embarassment/disappointment. That can be true/accurate but demanding agreement does not work.  It just drives the “-ist” underground, only to have them pop up in another place often with a more damaging rhetoric.

Let me be clear: it is imperative to speak out against abuse and oppression – silence often enables abuse and oppression. Talking and speaking up are necessary but not sufficient however. Talking and speaking up can raise awareness and help determine what to DO. But unless we have the will to DO something to correct abuse and oppression (of any group), it is nothing but a clanging gong or a self-glorifying moment.

(To be clear, I’m not speaking of engaging in vandalism or destruction or violence. Those are, quite frankly, just forms of violent talking.)

For example, this morning I saw a reprint of a letter from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities which condemns President Trump’s recent actions/inactions, and communicates the resignation of all members. They have taken a stand.

My question to them – and to all who take a stand – is: What’s next? Taking a stand is important because it establishes a baseline from which to move forward.  But taking a stand should be just the beginning. Talking only goes so far; raising awareness only goes so far. Talk is cheap, whiskey costs money. Look at those who have worked for equality and fair treatment across our society and our world. They did more than talk and take a stand – they figured out what was “next”.

Actions with outcomes that create positive change can and should take many diverse forms. We should celebrate and acknowledge the creativity and diversity that allows us to be individuals who are part of making society better. We all have a part to play – we all have something we can do that is our personal “next”. Write your legislators; vote; volunteer at your local homeless shelter; mentor someone; put your arm around their shoulder – think about it. If you want/need a symbol to flash, may I suggest we all appropriate the heart – thank you, Kansas City Royals. There are so many things that can make us a better society and a better nation and a better world that don’t perpetuate the cycle of violence and anger.