On the morning of March 21st, in an online conversation with a freedom-loving person, and in the context of what we must do in 2010 and 2012 elections, she asked me, “Do you think we’ll make it?” This spurred me to consider how we should think about our days ahead.
Paraphrasing my response to her:
Guessing at what “might be” is not our path. We shall think, act, learn, teach, lead, and pray – follow the course that is right. Led by our conscience we will dedicate our efforts to do good even though we cannot expect a guarantee of any given outcome. The constant battle for liberty holds its risks, but it provides the possibility of freedom. Doing nothing, or giving up hope, guarantees a condition of slavery.
The person to whom I made these comments was encouraged by them, and that is why I share them with you now.
Now, continuing on these thoughts:
At any point in any real fight for life and liberty, it does not matter what we guess to be our chances of success. We should not spend a moment asking ourselves that question. To the ideals that have brought us such a bountiful life, and to our children, their children, our countrymen, and to the decent people of other countries who today live in bondage, we owe our best and complete effort to do the right thing, at each moment, to preserve, restore and secure freedom. The outcome shall always be uncertain, but our determination must be completely certain — merely because, intrinsically it is the good and right thing to do.
I am not attempting to set any kind of expectation of level of activism. We all have our complete and complex lives to lead. However, do what you can, rearrange priorities (as many of you already have), step out of your comfort zone, perhaps meet with others, help them to understand what is at stake, and help them consider ways that they can engage for positive effect.
There is a war being waged upon freedom. Prepare for the opening of new war fronts upon individual liberty. Fight the good and best fight. That is the only answer.
