Reply #31: either have I

[Two Americas]

I have never abandoned advocacy, speaking out for what is right, for the sake of some shallow loyalty to any politician or personality.

We fight for the politicians to give US a break, not the other way around. That is our moral responsibility and civic duty.

I have been called a traitor to the country for marching against the Viet Nam war, and for speaking out against the invasion and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

I have been called a communist for marching for Civil Rights in the 60s, and much worse.

But never until now was I accused of "hurting the Democrats" or of "trying to tear down" any politician for merely speaking out for the same things I have always spoken out for. This is new. It is very suppressive, and threatens to destroy the party and the prospects of success for the new administration.

Were Labor organizers being disloyal to FDR?

Were Abolitionists being disloyal to Lincoln?

Were Civil Rights protesters being disloyal to JFK or LBJ?

I don't ever remember anyone saying that we should not support Civil Rights or should not oppose the Viet Nam war - or not speak out for many other causes - because it would hurt some Democratic party politician. The very idea is absurd in the extreme.



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