Like most of us, I’m deeply horrified and saddened by the events that transpired this past weekend in Charlottesville. This kind of hate should not have a platform. And the fact that white supremacists – people who do nothing but feed hate – dubbed the awful rally as part of the “summer of hate” is even more telling about their agenda to divide our country.
I just wrote an article about how we should keep the conversation going. That we must keep talking despite our differences and not shut each other out. The events in Virginia demonstrate that people filled with such hate aren’t willing to talk; only to shout. Which is why we need to stay loud and stand up to hate and discrimination in all forms. This hateful rhetoric isn’t who America wants to be. At least, I hope this isn’t what defines us. But right now, it is.
So we must STAND UP. We must KEEP TALKING. We must defend those who are victims and targets of injustice and hate.
I realize I don’t typically talk about politics here, nor do I necessarily want to. But the personal is the political right now. So, I’m getting political.
The only way to conquer hate is with love. When we show compassion and speak up against hate, when we advocate for those who have no voice or whose voices aren’t heard, we are choosing our America. We are choosing who we want to be as a country.
I stand on the side of love. I don’t think we have another choice.
I will use my voice to keep talking. To stand up for what’s right. To move our country forward. If we don’t do this now, think about what we risk – people fought and died for this country. Let’s honor this mission that is democracy with action. We must not assume others are dealing with politics for us. We must not step out of the conversation because we’re not “political,” or because it is too difficult. There are too many people at risk. As Americans, we have to be active participants in the struggle forward.
If you live in America, it is your solemn duty as an American to be an active part of our democracy.
I know there’s more love than hate in America. I write about love here on this blog. I still believe in it. We all crave love. We all want love.
Love cannot be drowned out. So let’s lead with that.
XO,
Kelly
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
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