What Price?

This morning I heard a rather disheartening statement about the aspect of hate winning the field on a particular day when senseless tragedies motivated by it take place. It was even said that perhaps hate had won, I beg to disagree. I disagree as I refuse to give up hope that humanity will bow to the will of hate. I refuse to believe there are none amongst us who will stand together united against it, I refuse to believe all hope is lost for humanity. What I do believe is that if we do not act and speak against it, then it will in fact prevail. There is a quote which sums up the fact quite pointedly, that quote is "It has been said that for evil men to accomplish their purpose it is only necessary that good men should do nothing." There are truly evil men that dwell among us, men that harbor darkness within their hearts and evil in their souls. If we do nothing then these men will surely prevail.

What will be the alarm that truly wakes us from our lullabied slumber? There have been moments that we stir in our sleep, only to re-enter our deep sleep once more. Have we not witnessed enough injustice already? Have we not stayed blissfully ignorant long enough? How many more must perish before we declare an end to it? Will we be complacent and allow future generations to bear the burden that we refuse to resist? Will we allow our children, and our children's children to suffer even greater injustices than we have endured? I will not, I will stand in direct opposition to the aspect of hate, whether be it on my own accord, or with like minded comrades who would dare stand with me. Regardless the cost, I will not simply capitulate to the notion that we can do nothing. I will not surrender nor will I yield. I will never surrender the field to those who wield hate as their weapon.

We must ask ourselves what will be the price of inaction when faced with this prospect? Are not our children's futures and lives well worth the cost of engaging in this battle? This fight is not one primarily fought for ourselves, but for our collective futures, for the future of our children and grandchildren. This fight is fought for the betterment of all humanity, for the security of our future and for the generations to come. Is this not a noble enough cause for us to stand united? Is this not of such importance that we need to take up the cause of struggle? Is this of such little importance that the multitudes have little regard for it? I dare say not, for if they disregard it, those who will surely suffer even greater injustices will be future generations. Is this the legacy we wish to leave to our decendants? If our leaders will not speak against the growing darkness of hate that looms on the horizon, then it falls to us to take action against it.

By Richard Trotsky