Silence Means Assent

When rightwing friends start their diatribe of hate in complete confidence that they won't be interrupted or contradicted, you don't have to offer an elaborate or eloquent argument (when did you ever hear a "winger" offer one?). You don't have to be louder or more "in their face". You only have to stop them with a "I'm not so certain that's true ...".

When you speak up, no matter how quietly; when you offer an opposing position, no matter how tentatively ... you have done your part; you have sowed that seed, because you have shown others that there is another side, equally as strongly felt, and usually better grounded in reason.

Your silence, however, will almost always be interpreted as tacit agreement.

Nothing that has happened in this nation in the past three years has frightened me as much as the passive complacency and silent assent exhibited by my countrymen and countrywomen that I believe knew perfectly well that they were giving their consent to actions that were morally and ethically wrong.

Show a backbone. It only takes a few spoken (or written) words ... but most of it takes the courage to be seen and heard. And never forget that your vote is your voice ... on November 2nd, let's be heard in this land.

“I swore never to be silent whenever human beings endure suffering
and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the
oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor,
never the tormented."

-- Elie Weisel, Auschwitz survivor

Contributed by Charles Aulds