Remember that bully in your old neighborhood — big and intimidating and ready to take on anyone who disagreed with him or tried to take away his power?
In his gang were some because they were afraid not to be. Some were there so they could maintain their own credibility in the neighborhood. Some were there because they were so totally enamored with the gang leader they just had to be with him — for right or wrong.
And there I was — a little 9-year-old girl who had lunch money and a little extra cash to buy some candy, and I just wanted to go to school. But the gang was in my way. Was I afraid? Totally!
And now there’s another bully in the neighborhood. I willingly give him my money annually (called taxes), which buys me the protection and rights of living safe and securely in my neighborhood. Why am I still afraid?
This bully wants things his own way, and he’s using my tax money to spew revenge on those who hamper his getting it. He gives to, or he punishes, those who don’t support his ideas. And these are the very people in the neighborhood who provide for me — governmental entities, schools, universities, libraries, researchers, scientists, attorneys, judges, Congress. And yes — the law.
Can we do anything? Yes! We need to think deeply about what we personally believe, and what our own morals are. What principles and laws do we, ourselves, live by? By what standards do we expect to be treated?
We don’t need to change political parties; we don’t need to change our beliefs. But we need to stand strong in our belief in democracy and the Constitution.
And we (the little 9-year-old) need to kick the bully in the shins and run like heck!
Karen Post, Sandy
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