By Matt Underwood If you’re not standing with LA right now, you’re the problem. This isn’t just about a city facing challenges; it’s about a potential precedent being set, a creeping disregard for democratic norms that threatens us all. The gravity of the situation demands a response far beyond passive observation.
If you’re unconcerned about the deployment of the military within US cities, you’re missing the point. This isn’t simply a local issue; it’s a test, a trial run of power, starting with a visible target before potentially spreading across the country. The silence from many is deafening, a silent consent to the erosion of fundamental freedoms.
If you believe this is merely a “both sides” issue, consider the scale of the actions being taken. This isn’t about political disagreements; this is about the potential for authoritarian overreach, the systematic dismantling of democratic processes. Blindly invoking “both sides” ignores the clear imbalance of power and the alarming implications.
If you’re preoccupied with the actions of protestors—the looting, the property damage—you’re missing the forest for the trees. While these actions are undoubtedly problematic and should be addressed, they are often overshadowed by the larger context of an authoritarian power grab. Focusing solely on the negative aspects of the protests diverts attention from the core issue of the military’s presence within US cities.
If you’re arguing that “the looting and violence” negate any support for the protests, consider that such arguments risk giving free rein to oppressive forces. These are responses to the initial threat; they don’t diminish the validity of the underlying concerns. Focusing solely on the negative aspects overshadows the critical need for national attention to the bigger picture.
If you dismiss the concerns as hyperbole or an exaggeration of the situation, remember the historical parallels. We should actively engage in fighting against these developments, even if it takes a long, sustained effort. Our inaction might lead to an increasingly authoritarian environment.
If you feel helpless or overwhelmed, remember that even small actions can make a difference. Raising awareness, speaking out, contacting your representatives, and contributing however you can—all contribute to collective resistance. The sheer scale of the challenge should not prevent us from contributing what we can.
If you believe this is solely an LA problem, consider the ripple effects. If democratic norms are violated in one city, they can be violated anywhere. Inaction emboldens those who seek to undermine our freedoms. We must understand the danger of setting a precedent.
If you’re prioritizing your own comfort and convenience over engaging with this crisis, you’re not only neglecting your civic duty but also contributing to a growing sense of apathy that will eventually harm everyone. Comfort cannot supersede the responsibility to defend the integrity of our democratic process.
If you’re waiting for someone else to solve this, you’re already part of the problem. This isn’t about assigning blame, it’s about recognizing the shared responsibility we have in protecting our democratic values. This isn’t a spectator sport, it requires active participation.
If you believe that focusing on positive messaging is a superior strategy than direct confrontation with the issues at hand, you are perhaps underestimating the seriousness and immediacy of the situation. The need for direct action and immediate engagement is crucial to preventing the further erosion of democratic principles. Positive messaging is certainly helpful, but it must be accompanied by robust and assertive action to address the crisis at hand.
If you believe that participating in protests or other forms of activism is pointless, you’re dismissing the power of collective action. Even small acts of resistance can build momentum, and create a ripple effect encouraging others to take action. The seemingly insignificant actions can create large-scale movements and changes over time.
If you feel alienated by those who are protesting, remember that diversity of voices and opinions is essential to a healthy democracy. The shared struggle for fundamental human rights should unite us against those who threaten those rights, regardless of individual differences. The unity of purpose is more important than an artificial purity of action.
If you’re choosing silence in the face of injustice, you’re actively contributing to the problem. The time for apathy is over; the time for action is now. The future of democracy depends on our collective willingness to actively engage and defend our rights and freedoms.