To all kossaks who are alarmed at the language being warned about in this diary, I have a message for you. We have no reason to fear these people - but at the same time, we MUST NOT ignore them. Just the same as we MUST NOT fear them. And for that reason, I would like to thank the diarist for bringing this nonsense to our attention. My response to those who want to turn to and encourage violence? Take note:
"Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent."
-Salvor Hardin
Join me for some more courage below the fold.
In the 60's, a movement with the decree of non-violence began to solidify and lift a people up from the throes of oppression and inequality. These people marched, boycotted, and reasoned their way into a deafening cry, yearning to be equal to it's counterparts in every way, and in every law.
And we were not afraid. And our nation made great progress.
As a result, our nation learned the meaning of true compassion. A lesson sorely lacking in the days of manifest destiny and slavery. But we made it to the plateau where hope prevails. Equality had finally been realized, and would slowly be implemented, no matter how painful.
And we were not afraid. And our nation made great progress.
But as for the Non-violent movement that transformed our country for the better - their marches, meetings, and efforts were met with the thing they sought most to avoid; violence. And they still won.
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In the coming days, weeks, and months, we could continue to see what we are seeing now: Full blown, domestic terrorism. Their strategy is no different than that which EVERY terrorist uses. "If you don't do what I say, then there will be bloodshed." That is how true terrorism works. I would like to remind you that a terrorist cell can be as small as a single member. The size of your faction is of no matter, the goal is to elicit action no matter what the cost. And I, for one, don't submit to terrorism.
The right has convinced themselves that they can violently manipulate their way into getting what they want. If we are afraid for even just one second, then they will win. Five percent of this country will succeed in overthrowing the will of the other 53 percent, while the remainder either watches idly by or comes to it's senses. No way in hell am I scared of a small number of folks who want to get into some proverbial shootout on the front lawns of liberals just because we did something to help the American People. No way.
No matter how the scenario unfolds, one thing remains true - there will still be folks who will fight for all we have done. There is no light at the end of the tunnel if this is how they truly wish to proceed. They can vandalize, terrorize, and demonize us all they want. But remember, there are NOT MORE of them. They DO NOT have us surrounded. I will give Glenn Beck whatever ounce of respect I can muster for him for trying to help his side have some pride left. But he went too far. They believed his crazy talk, and now think that the path taken by lesser fools (and suggested by even bigger fools) is the best path to take.
They can bring whatever they want to my way, and I am not afraid. Anyone who lived through the Civil Rights Movement damn sure ain't afraid (In fact, my mother routinely reminds me that this ain't nothing by comparison. If any time in our nation could be referred to as "Armageddon," the 60's were it). Anyone who made it through the Bush Administration damn sure ain't afraid. Anyone who made it through October 2008 damn sure ain't afraid. But as I've said before, this is CERTAINLY NO reason to ignore the crazies. Be alert, be alarmed, and be ready for action. But there's no reason to be afraid. Fear is for the weak - and I think we've been proving we are not weak for some time now. Actually, we're 65 Million strong (by way of vote count only), and you can count on us. We've got your back ;)
Anyway, as I've said before, I'm not the best diarist, and can sometimes utter some things that border on the insane. But hopefully this diary wasn't like that. I will continue fight for what I believe in, no matter what the consequences. And so will they. I may have the marbles to know not to threaten people with violence, but I weep for anyone who makes that very threat against me. And I don't necessarily urge you to take the same perspective. I urge you to have no fear. When all is said and done, we will still be standing, and we will continue to fight for common sense rights for ourselves, and for everyone around us. I will fight for a more perfect union to the bitter end if necessary.