Tag Archives: Plato
the government we deserve
Close to 50% of citizens refused to participate in the last election for the President of the United States. That is their right. But the cost, ever more apparent to the entire world, is not only painful, it is far more damaging than we can imagine.
Our right as citizens is one of the greatest gifts we have been given. To choose not to exercise our right to vote is the ultimate disrespect all of those whose sacrifices have given it to us. Choosing to not participate, even at the most basic level, in politics is what guarantees that we have the government we deserve.
sad but true
silence isn’t always golden
I once heard it said that “Silence isn’t golden. It’s just yellow.” I think Plato would agree.
We are confronted almost daily with situations that are questionable at best, and morally ugly at worst. And our silence gives consent.
There are times when our silence gives tacit permission, even encouragement, to those whose actions are wrong by any measure we might choose. Our silence makes us complicit.
We need to stop being afraid to speak out when we disagree, especially when it comes to matters of injustice and gross immorality. We need to speak up and let those around us know how we feel. Otherwise, we are no better than those with whose words and actions we disagree. Actually, we are even worse. We have given our consent.