Not Today, MFer

For years, I’ve had in my office a framed postcard with the Martin Niemoller quote, “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” I try to live by that approach and to speak up when something isn’t right.

I’ve also seen a meme going around lately that says, “Remember sitting in history class thinking, ‘If I was alive then, I would have…’ You’re alive now. Whatever you’re doing is what you would have done.” That has really stuck with me.

When Donald Trump issued his order blocking refugees (refugees!!!) from Syria, stopping immigration from a handful of Muslim-majority countries, and adding a religious preference to our immigration policy, I was pissed. There’s really no other way to describe my emotional reaction. It’s such a short-sighted, Islamophobic, pandering policy… so guaranteed to have no positive outcome and in fact only make things worse for our nation and especially our troops serving abroad… that I just couldn’t sit by and do nothing. And even though I was tired yesterday, even though Mike was out of town and I had Michaela, even though going to a demonstration doesn’t seem very impactful… I did.

I saw an alert on Facebook about a gathering at the local Islamic Center, to show opposition to the Muslim ban and to demonstrate support for our Muslim neighbors. I called my mom to see if she’d watch Michaela and she immediately agreed. I ran over there and my dad helped me make my sign. They’re good people.

I was pleased when I got to the Islamic Center that there were about 30 people there. I took my spot on the street, holding up a sign that said “Muslims Welcome Here.” As time went on, more and more people gathered. We chanted and waved our signs. Some people driving by honked their horns in support, and, in a moment that touched me deeply, a couple of men from the center came out and offered us water bottles.

I stayed for about 45 minutes before heading home. I was going to leave my sign for someone else who’d come without one, but I realized I will probably need to use it again, so held onto it.

It’s not much, but I’ll keep doing it until I don’t have to anymore.