Who Gets to Talk and Who Should Be Listening?

Many years ago I wrote a rather tame letter to the editor that was published in a small town newspaper. There were two rather nasty rebuttals and that was the last time I did that. Since I tie myself in knots over plenty of other things, I don’t need to go looking for new ways to worry, so I very rarely post my opinions online. 

The current situation this June makes it trickier than ever to know what to say. Or even if something should be said at all. But what if silence means something, too? Obviously all humans should have equal access to the tools and opportunities of our society to make the most of their lives. It’s also obvious that this has not happened yet. So obviously that needs to change. What’s much less obvious is how this is going to happen.

Writers naturally want to hit the keyboard to inspire, explain, and promote discussion. They want to craft words that are share-worthy. Words that are meme-worthy. Words that will change the world. 

Yes, the world needs changing. But right now, maybe people like me should be listening more than talking. But if asked to speak up, then we should not stay quiet either.