Speak Up and Act Out

Before I begin I would like to collectively take a moment to reflect upon Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement for which he, literally, gave his life. It is the reason I have put pen to paper (actually, fingers to keyboard). It is his nationally observed day, the holiday with which his name is attached, that brought U.S. Congressman John Lewis' televised speech into my living room this morning. Congressman Lewis', brief, recap of his interaction with Dr. King and the action John took within the movement to not only get The Civil Rights Bill signed into law, but the beating he endured as a result of his action trying to get voting rights to be supported made me weep.

Yes, tears welled up and ran down my cheeks as I listened and heard him talk about his life; his Truth. It is that Truth that was felt within my heart, which whenever it's heard, seen and/or felt it is undeniable to any and everyone who's open to receive that Truth. You don't have to be the smartest person in the room to understand It Is true. You don't have to be religious or, even, believe in God (insomuch as the way most people describe God) to be able to discern It Is Truth. The truth, whenever It Is witnessed - however It Is witnessed, will always be perceived and received directly within our core. The Truth Is what It Is and because It Is so Real it will cause, even, the toughest and strongest of men and women to shed a tear.

With all of that said, now I'll get to the point I wanted to make that was sparked by something Congressman Lewis said in a, completely, different context. The congressman was talking about his need to speak out and stand up for what's right despite the reality of physical (and financial) harm that would be inflicted upon him and his family. His message to those of us listening was, "If you see something going on that shouldn't be going on; speak up. Don't stand by quietly." To those of us who were listening (and hearing) his message it was clear. It's a message I've always employed in the way I live my life as well as a message I've passed on to my son. The message of "always do the right thing" even and especially when the people around you are too scared to say or do what's right. Don't limit the good of everyone because you're afraid of being judged.

I've, also, said (many times) that "the right thing" or "the right way is never easy." Granted, whenever I've said or talked about such things I'm speaking to my son or to people who make up the majority of the "general public." People born into privilege and remain privileged throughout their lives (unless they've done "hands on" volunteer work with impoverished people) don't have a clue about the depths of that truth. The incoming president is a perfect example of that privilege.

But it doesn't stop at privilege; his aura and demeanor exudes entitlement and immaturity. There is nothing about him that tells the story of a person who is, or even capable of being, self-sacrificing. A person willing to save anyone but himself (or, possibly, his children) at his expense and/or demise. He shows nothing that says anything except "self-service" now nor in the past; recent or otherwise; there is zero that he's done and very little he's ever said.

Although Trump's behavior has been accurately called out by various members of the press and many political office holders (both past and present) he and his team continue to blame his unacceptable behavior on those who point out his many flaws. It is shameful and insulting to our (those who aren't fooled by him nor his team) intelligence. Moreover, the way he lashed out to Congressman Lewis via (not surprisingly) Twitter wasn't just deplorable it was unfounded. But, considering how much he hates facts (especially when those facts point out his, very obvious, flaws) it's not surprising that everything he said, attempting to tarnish Representative Lewis' pristine reputation, came from his emotions (which are located right upon his surface because he has no depth) rather than being well thought out or with any thought at all.

So, it appears that Representative Lewis isn't alone with his decision to abstain from attending the inauguration ceremony for the incoming president, Donald J. Trump. He's being joined by other members of Congress. Here is the list of those members of Congress whom are abstaining from the inauguration as reported by NBCNews.com: Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva, California Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Rep. Jared, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Ted Lieu, Rep. Mark Takano,  Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Maxine Waters, Georgia Rep. John Lewis, Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez, Massachusetts Rep. Katherine Clark, Michigan Rep. John Conyers, Jr., Missouri Rep. William Lacy Clay, New York Rep. Jose Serrano, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Rep. Peter DeFazio, Rep. Kurt Schrader, Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen, Washington Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and Wisconsin Rep. Mark Pocan. Within moments of my composing this list it had expanded by a few names (according to one of my favorite news anchors as her program was airing. So don't send me hate-mail or tweets. Be aware I'm aware and move on.

The boycott isn't limited to politicians only, oh no, celebrities have been boycotting the event for a while. The commonality of the boycott from politicians and celebrities is the general principal of Trump's intolerable behavior. In fact, that may be the one thing in which we can all find common ground. The foundation that all decent Americans can build - not a wall - but a "hall of justice" or, at least, a hall for justice. A place where liberty and justice exists, truly, for all. In closing I hope that more and more people (democrat and republican both) to stand up to everything that's wrong with the world. Believe me when I tell you that everyone needs to speak up and act out against and in opposition of those things, including people, that are wrong. Those who are bad at their core.