…sixteen years ago, Chris’ life was irrevocably altered. A freak accident, a mismanaged string of events no one quite understood at the time, and if they did, didn’t speak up, set him on the course that ended in his death. We trusted doctors we thought knew the right way. Fools, we were, in hindsight. Cruel, unfair hindsight. There’s no knowing how things would have gone had this event never happened, or been handled appropriately from doctors to school to our own misguided trust in both.
But that’s not what this post is about, really, though it decided me on a course of action when I saw the date on my calendar, and all the silence from too many directions, including Christofer’s, hit me so hard I literally doubled over.
Silence has its place. It can be powerful. I’m a peacekeeper, by nature, and it takes a lot to get me riled up. As a writer, I pride myself on being able to see all sides of a situation through someone else’s eyes, as a way of understanding a character, and getting them right on the page. I also see the benefits of applying that to life, and the people who populate it. A mother’s knee-jerk reaction to defend her young is a difficult one to overcome, but I’ve always tried my best to step back, see the other perspective, and then act from a place of understanding, not just emotion.
This election season has been a tumultuous one. I feel strongly, passionately about my choice and why I’ve made it. While I respect other people’s right to an opinion, I don’t have to respect that opinion. Some of what I’ve read, written by people I truly love, like, admire, respect, has left me flattened. Just this morning, because of some comments left on several posts I made yesterday, I’d decided I was going to step away from the whole political thing. I’m not changing any minds. No one is changing my mind. And then I saw today’s date.
I will not be silent.
It might cost me friends, but I will not be silent.
Some family members might get pissed, but I will not be silent.
I could well lose readers of my work, but I will not be silent. Because it’s important enough to get this peacekeeper riled up.
Women, especially, are taught from early on, to be silent. To back down. To defer. Anyone who doesn’t see what’s going on with this election is, in my opinion, purposely and determinedly putting blinders on.
So, I will not be silent.
Modesty Is For Suckers 
Never be silent when so much is at stake– our Country. I’m with HER and YOU.
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Thank you, MaryAnn. Not only do I appreciate you taking the time to comment, but it bolsters me in ways I’m sure you understand.
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You have a lot of courage. I’m better for knowing you.
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Darling ❤ The honor and privilege is mine.
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Terri, Your words are powerful.
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Thanks, Lynn.
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Shout it from the rooftops, sister! I’m with her. I’m with you. Thank you for being so bold <3.
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🙂 Sometimes, a woman’s just gotta do what she’s gotta do.
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I spoke my mind for quite a few months, even had sensible gun law conversations with people I knew. Or rather, I should say down right arguments that turned mean and nasty and then I got pissed (which doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s not pretty) When I looked back on it, I didn’t like who I had become so now I pretty much stay silent. I wish I didn’t have to but it’s too exhausting, and I can’t stand the meanness, hate and let’s face it, downright stupidity that’s out there. I do respect others opinions but when they can’t have a civil argument with name calling and being a parrot and not having their thoughts, I lose that respect. I hope, after some time away from political posts, I’ll have be rested up and ready to go again, but for now, I’ll just support your posts 100% ❤
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I hear you, Debbie. I feel very much the same way in fact. But I’m even less willing to let it go this time. It’s not often I fight, but when I decide to, I’m kind of relentless. 😊
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Never be silent. Yes, you may cause some unrest, but sometimes we need to shake things up. I’m right there with you! Don’t ever stop. Sometimes, Terri, I think you’re inside my head. ❤️
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I think you’re right! Great minds think alike, eh? L❤️
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You’ve got a great voice, sound reasoning, and fairness! Let’s hear everything you have to say!
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Thanks, Beverly. ❤️
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I first heard this in reference to writing: Defend your words!
It applies to our political views & as feminists, as mother’s & in life!
Our silence gives voice to the oppressor.
Love in abundance xXx
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Sorry about the apostrophe bad! 😉
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Absolutely true ALL THE TIME. ❤️
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(Without the apostrophe typo.)
I’ve made it a mantra – stay away from politics on social media.
If the UK was facing Trump, I’d be the Biggest Banshee on the Block.
I’m not even kidding.
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Wow. That’s saying something, cariad.
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