Fire

By refusing to accept our fellow human beings on this great earth as human beings, our “leaders” and those who support them have systematically created a system of darkness blind to our needs. Their approach to life, made powerful only by our involvement in it, robs the humanity within us all. I say it is time for a change.

There is a buzzing I hear and feel right now. It grows louder each day and becomes more focused in its quality. I know each of us, at least subconsciously, understand what this sound is. We are responding to those who peddle the drugs of war and unnecessary suffering. We are rebelling against the idea that one man should be held superior over another. We are resisting the blind use of materialism and irresponsible capitalism to affect our lives . Why do we do this? Why do we seek to make the powerful accountable for their actions?

It is not because we are Communists. It is not because we are Socialists. It is certainly not because we hate the United States of America. It is not because we discount or take lightly the freedoms we enjoy. In fact, it is because of these freedoms that we reject their outright thievery of the human spirit. It is because of these freedoms we are able to reject their policies in new and creative ways. It is because of these freedoms we are entitled to say “Basta! Enough!” I, for one, wish to see all my fellow sisters and brothers of this world enjoy lives as full of beauty and potential as mine. I want us all to be free.

Yes, our freedoms entitle us to a great many things. But freedom does not come free. Freedom cannot be found in the bargain bin. Freedom is not a loss leader. Freedom is not a sale item. Nor is it necessary for freedom to be soaked in blood. If we are to risk true freedom, we must be ready to work for it. We must be ready to work with one another, together moving towards a more humane world.

“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." -- Wendell Phillips, a great abolitionist said these words in the years before the American Civil War. “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” It is both a profound and simple statement. But it really hits it on the head as to why we are here today.

Since arrogance eats at the human experience and makes us deaf to stories of suffering, we must seek to be humble in our mission. We must make one another accountable. We need to ascribe to a dangerous unselfishness. We need to understand that we can change the world for the better. And we need to remind each other woman and man we meet that we are capable of such action.

Do not get me wrong, we do face an uphill battle. The systems we struggle against are indeed powerful. But take comfort in knowing those systems cannot coexist with the humanizing wisdoms of justice and love. Take comfort in knowing that the new world order need not be our order. Take comfort that the fact we can transform this seemingly unending opera of war and violence, into songs of peace.

We are part of a movement. We are women and men determined to be people. We are unstoppable. For we have a fire inside of us, and I know y’all sense it, that no water can put out. Let that flame burn brightly inside each of us. Let us bring a great light to the darkness. Let us become beauty. Thank you.