Nowhere to run, ain't got nowhere to go
FaVorites:
Bruce Springsteen
I try not to get political too often on FH, but to me, opposing cruelty should be the norm, not something divisive. It's not easy to speak up these days. Social media has helped led to both sides become more extreme in their reactions to oppositions. I'm not 'both siding' this however, although there are bad apples in every crate, statistics from the Center for Strategic and International Studies show right-wing extremists have historically been responsible for the significant majority of U.S. domestic terrorism incidents and fatalities.

That being said, for me personally, speaking out against the deranged idiot currently in the White House isn't political. It's not about opposing a party, or really, any specific policies. While I disagree with many of his policies, speaking out against the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is about protesting issues beyond politics. The would be Emperor rules through cruelty and division. Trump haters are not deranged, they're simply intolerant of using racism, sexism, homophobia and most of all cruelty as the core of how they operate.

You can be pro life without endangering the lives of women. You can be against trans athletes in organized sports without demonizing another human being. You can be for tough border control without vilifying immigrants. The currant pro life administration is full of 'Christians' who squeal withe excitement at the deaths of their enemy's. While real lives are being lost, Pathetic Pete reacts the way an 8 year old winning a video game when an opponent is killed. These hates use the Bible to back-up their hate, ignorant to it's bigger messages of love and tolerance.

I have been shocked over the last 2 years how few celebrities have used their voices to protest. Again, not against a political party, but by the cruelty and bigotry so prevalent. We are without a doubt becoming immune. I have turned off almost every news channel due to how horrible I feel when watching. Thankfully, there are a few who stand up. Rosie O'Donnell and Kathy Griffin, as they always have, speak up. A few actors, so successful they don't care, sound the alarm. But Robert Di Nero can't do it alone. Yes, I've seen others, recently Julia Roberts, finally speak, but there need to be more, and they need to be louder.

When it comes to musicians, kudos to Bruce Springsteen for leading the way. Like Di Nero, Springsteen has had a long career, and has really nothing to lose career wise by speaking up. Still, like everyone who is vocal, he gets his fair share of death threats, and I'm sure the extra security and worry, both he and his family, takes a toll. Springsteen thankfully see's that it's worth it.
I've always liked some of his music, but really until the last year or so, wouldn't have called myself a huge fan. I am now, and hope his example will somehow motivate others to speak up. There are many making small statements, and many saying nothing at all. History will not be kind to the quiet or the scared. History will be especially harsh on the the successful and rich burying their heads in shallow holes of sand.