I have purposely not posted anything political or controversial on my website or Facebook author page. Mental illness, depression, and anxiety does not care about political or religious leanings. It is something that ties us together, and we need each other in order to survive. However, I can no longer stay quiet. People are being rounded up every day and not just immigrants. People in congress are being detained while doing their jobs. The Jan 6 “protestors” were pardoned, but those who speak up against Trump are being threatened. With birthright citizenship dangling precariously, when will the roundups be expanded to other people of color? When will they come for me?
It is easy to sit on your high horse and make excuse after excuse for what is happening in our country. It is easy to turn a blind eye to the things you don’t want to see and keep your head just above the swirling waters of deceit and misinformation. Some day you will see the sky is just as dark as the dangerous waters of lies you are treading. What will it take for you to see—and feel—the horrors in our country? When they come for me?
Someday I could be rounded up just because of who I love. I am a lesbian. I am also your aunt, sister, neighbor, niece, cousin, and friend. I changed your diapers and held your hand when you were scared. I was your coach, teammate, co-worker, childhood friend, youth leader, and confidant. You have my number in your phone, because you know if you ever need me, I will be there. Will you be there when they come for me?
History is repeating itself. The current administration lacks any human decency or compassion—the only god they worship is power. So, I don’t understand why you defend them? Why would a good person follow them? Are you really that narrow-minded you can only see that one thing you agree with and ignore all the bigger things happening around you? Will you ignore it when they come for me?
Now is the time to wake-up and speak-up. ICE is terrorizing good, decent people. Where are the good, decent Republicans who put country before party? Where are the Republicans who believe in the Constitution? The MAGAts are infecting our country with their hate. In the end, where will you stand? Will you be part of the solution to save our country? Or part of the problem set on destroying it? Don’t wait until they round up your friends, family, and neighbors—or when they come for me.
Someday they may come for you.