Celebrating Dissent
This photo of my grandsons Jalen (at left) and Zachary (in the “kiddie cage” at right) joining the national protest against the Trump Administration’s separation of migrant families made me more than proud.
It serves as assurance that the gene of dissent has successfully made its way to the next generation.
I wanted to share it with you because today we Americans celebrate our national contribution to dissent – July 4thor Independence Day.
On this date 242 years ago the 13 American colonies declared their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain took a collective first step in forming the United States of America.
The mission statement of the colonial revolutionaries was clear; although it apparently required numerous committee meetings and tinkering to get it there. (A process sadly familiar to all Agitator readers.)
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
At the time it represented quite a stand to take against the status quo and the most powerful kingdom on Earth. It also made a notable contribution to the history of dissent—the essential lubricant in the complex machinery of human progress.
Of course, we American didn’t invent dissent. Others like Martin Luther, who nailed his 95 objections to the Catholic faith on the door of a German church in 1570 leading to the emergence of Protestantism was one. Soon after, Galileo Galilei, again challenged the Church by stating that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. Convicted by the Church of heresy he died under house arrest.
On and on …the parade of dissent marched forward and happily continues this day. Much of the creative activity involving change and progress in human activity is a reflection of all that dissent.
Right now, vigorous, informed –and persistent–dissent is more important than ever. Particularly for those who believe that democracy is the most acceptable form of government. Why? Because it provides the right to non-violent dissent without fear of severe punishment or death—powerful governing tools of authoritarians and dictators.
On this Independence Day 2018 I hope all of us will renew our commitment to a strong, resilient, transparent nonprofit community with the integrity and willingness to spark, sponsor and advance dissent. After all, the organizations we serve are platforms essential to a robust democracy—and the civic fireworks of dissent worthy of that first 4thof July.
Roger
11 responses to “Celebrating Dissent”
Behavioral Science Q & A
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There is no better feeling, especially in times like these, than seeing your offspring or their offspring carry the torch of democracy forward…to see them truly feeling compelled to ‘show up’ for the causes that you personally have held dear…to know you’ve taught them well. It gives me hope. Because the idea of going to the grave having everything I’ve worked for in my life, be undone, is just too much to bear. The next generation will indeed carry the torch.
Way to go, Jalen and Zachary! And thank you, Roger. So well said.
Great post. Got me thinking about a book I read a few years back – https://www.amazon.com/Dissent-History-American-Ralph-Young/dp/147980665X and how that’s going to need another chapter for sure!
Happy 4th to all!
Thank you. And please thank your grandsons for carrying on the tradition.
Love this Roger! RESIST!
Beautiful, Roger! Thank you. And thank you to your grandsons for carrying on their grandfather’s legacy. I think the most patriotic thing I’ve seen today is the young woman climbing the Statue of Liberty in protest. I have great faith in our youth – and in women everywhere.
Roger, thank you for sharing. There’s obviously been some good parenting and grandparenting going on.
Any any endeavor, a key ingredient for success is showing up. For a democracy to be healthy, we-the-people need to show up. We need to show up to voice our informed opinions, and we need to show up to vote. And we need to show up to engage those with whom we might disagree so that we can perhaps learn something new and/or change a mind (even if it is our own).
Your grandchildren have set a fine example by showing up. Bravo!
Roger, this makes my heart sing. Thank you sir!
P.S. So pleased to see the strong physical resemblace too. Lovely!
Thank you, Roger, and your grandchildren, for showing up. It is so, so critical.
I love your grand kids. I may have to copy their protest signs.
And INFORMED dissent is totally the key to effective dissent.
Happy 4th!
Thanks for this Roger, I’m just back from a short (avoid everything Trump) holiday visiting friends and this was a joy to see. From the Canadain side of the border, I can say we are truly scared given what is happening to your country. Bullying. Racism. Corruption. And, children in cages! Which is why voting, donating and the Resistance are so important.