Before Jan. 21 march, a bus ride — we’ll step up to speak out
I have always been proud to be an American because of the values I feel make us who we are or aspire to be — a welcoming people who treasure freedom, equality, fairness, ingenuity and hard work. The 2016 presidential election was a spectacle like I never imagined I’d see in my country. It is the reason I am joining the Women’s March on Washington later this month.
In a country built by immigrants (my ancestors hail from Ireland and Germany), I was stunned to hear a presidential candidate call Mexicans drug dealers and rapists. I couldn’t believe that he suggested a ban on Muslims entering the United States and a registry based upon religious affiliation. In my view, that is diametrically opposed to religious freedom, a core American value.
All my adult life I’ve been politically aware and engaged, but I haven’t been one to turn out for big group rallies or protests. However, when I heard about the Women’s March on Washington, I knew that I had to be there. I called a friend with my idea of filling a bus with Central Floridians who felt the same way we did. She secured the bus and started planning. We emailed friends, and before long we filled the bus with people from different political parties and religious persuasions, senior citizens and millennials. The common denominator is the need to speak out against the horror we fear could become our country.
While a one-day rally in our nation’s capital won’t change the world, perhaps it indicates a march toward renewed civic engagement. While an estimated 200,000 will march in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21, millions more across the country will join us in hometown rallies like the one planned at Lake Eola that afternoon. We want the new president and Congress to know that we are watching.
However, watching isn’t enough. I’m happy about being part of the Women’s March on Washington, but a weekend bus trip means nothing if it isn’t followed by consistent action. For 2017, I have resolved that I will call the offices of my elected representatives at the local, state and national levels to make my voice heard on issues they are considering. I’ll criticize them when I think they’ve failed us and praise them when I think they acted in our best interest and not for a special interest. I also resolve to try to understand the political views of others by asking questions and listening. And I’ll continue to support candidates who defend the values that have made America great.
As the political philosopher Edmund Burke said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” I pray that the recent election mobilizes good men and women to take action.