There are so many issues in today's
world that every person must choose a thousand times over what side
they are on, who they prefer, what they want to eat, and where they
will spend a week-end, to name just a few choices.
Sometimes we yearn for someone to
tell us what to do and where to go, but in our hearts we know that
we do relish the freedom, even though at times it does become
oppressive. Even at a very early age, decision making is instilled
in our children - what video do you want to watch, ketchup or
mustard, blue or red, etc. There is an endless array of rearranging
and reshaping almost every aspect of life so that it
"fits" just perfectly into our scheme of things.
If everyone in the here and now are
barraged with choices then why does everyone sit quietly by and let
transgressions, errors, and omissions occur when they do have an
input and they are part of the solution? Is it because at an early
age parents taught the young "not to rock the boat" or
"make waves." Could be - but this passiveness does not
create solutions nor does it allow corrective change to take place.
So what is the right road?
In every history book in school, it
seems that countries, nations, and individuals have made mistakes,
and we, the future generations, are suppose to learn from their
mistakes. That is the legacy they left behind - a learning
experience of what not to do, when not to wait, and where to put
that period or question mark. Yet, as adults, as parents, as
educators, and as "people", we hem, haw, and stagger. We
don't let our ideals out just in case they may not agree with that
of our neighbor, or worse yet, a bit of who we are may peek out. You
certainly wouldn't want to invite a lawsuit by encroaching on
someone else's feelings or beliefs; yet, in essence, your silence is
doing just that. You are encroaching on your own freedom, your own
opinion, and your own special gift to make a difference.
Whether you believe the government is
making a wrong decision, your bank made an error on your checking
account statement, or your school is not teaching your child the
survival skills they need as an aspiring adult, by not saying
anything you actually speak volumes. Your silence makes it known
that the status quo is fine with you, and that you have no qualms
about future decision by an administration, an agency, or a company.
You are served a bad meal, a product
you paid for is inferior, or your state is punishing victims instead
of criminals - the list is endless. If you are not one to speak
openly - the pen is many times mightier then the sword; if you are
shy, letting others use their rights to infringe on yours is paving
the way for others to hide and run away from situations, and worse
yet, future generations will read about "no comment" and
take it to heart as more individuals and countries lose their basic
human rights and so may some of your future relatives.
For your own sake - raise your hand,
speak up, and throw that stone in and cause that ripple - it just
may save countless others from unspeakable atrocities and might
bring equality and good will a step closer to reality. What is the
worst that can happen - others may hear you and, because of you,
find the courage to take life and make it better for everyone. Now
that is most definitely a loss we all can live with. ENJOY!
