There are two freedoms – the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.
–Charles Kingsley, Charles Kingsley: His Letters and Memories of His Life (1877)
On the morning after a show opening, I would normally simply thank everyone who came out the prior evening to see the new work and have an all too brief chat with me. I am doing that of course, for the folks who made it into the West End Gallery last night for the opening of Guiding Light.
I cannot be more appreciative for those folks, nor would I be anything less than effusive in my praise for them if I didn’t think that what is happening around the country today deserved attention here this morning.
Here and everywhere.
I am, of course, talking about the No Kings rallies that will be taking place all across the nation today. These peaceful gatherings of voices raised against the madness we are currently witnessing here in this country are vital shows of the strength and mass of opposing voices. It is important to show mass unity behind the rejection of those who seek to take away our freedoms and rights and who seek to exert control over our thoughts, words, and movements. To stand against those whose deepest desire is to make this country this a kingdom, dividing it into to baronies and duchies for their king’s wealthy enablers.
My own loosely formed credo has always been that I just want to be left alone and so long as others are not attacking or harming me or anyone else, I will leave them alone in return.
But when that pact is broken and others are attacked or harmed it is my duty, my obligation, and my responsibility to speak up. It is that simple– if I don’t stand for others, who will stand for me?
That is the price of freedom that must be paid.
If we can’t pay that price or are kept from doing so, we are no longer free.
As former Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas wrote in a dissenting opinion from 1952:
The right to be let alone is indeed the beginning of all freedom.
The millions that will be in the streets today are not terrorists nor are they partisans paid to be out there by nefarious organizations. Anyone with eyes and a handful of still operational brain cells understands that people will rise against tyranny on their own accord.
And fighting tyranny is truly on the table today. It is not opposition to the other party’s policies. It’s not about a matter of perspective or degree on any one issue.
It is black and white.
Decency versus indecency.
Compassion versus cruelty.
Unity versus division.
Justice versus the criminality of injustice.
Freedom versus subjugation.
Sorry to go on a rant this morning. However, it had to be said. I am sick of those who ignore or refuse to see what is clearly at hand.
If they aren’t willing to pay the price now, we will all pay dearly sooner rather than later.
Hit the streets, folks. Sing. Dance. Twerk in your frog costumes. Be strong but peaceful. Raise your voices on high.
That’s the cost of freedom.
Here’s song that you might want to keep in mind today from Crosby, Stills, and Nash.
Redtree Times 