Why Do We Keep Working

The world assaults me daily with its bargains, its new technologies, its lack of social compassion and it calls for me to embrace my most selfish desires. While it is undeniably enjoyable to sit back and watch the world pass by, many of us can no longer accept the story that our public officials and media have sold us.

There are things far more important than trends. My father used to tell me something that drove me mad: “if everyone jumped off a cliff would you do it too?” I think it’s time you ask yourself that same question. I won’t blindly follow a movement over a ledge, but so many have done nothing but criticize and judge; they are guilty of following blindly. I am not a lemming.

If people could just put their cynicism on hold for one day to come talk with us we could get this done so much faster and it could be all the things you imagine. We need the wisdom of those who fought and protested in our past, without that experience we need to build a lot from the ground.

I’m not willing to settle for a slight amendment to the stock exchange, because this isn’t some game, this is deadly serious and I won’t risk my future for a few points of interest at the bank. I’m willing to accept that we’re not doing things right, but I’m still not coming home.

Anyone who thinks that this is a passing phase, and that their children will come back unscathed is sadly mistaken. I will come back, but I am changed; stronger, more compassionate, despite being beaten and scarred emotionally. I don’t think we’re coming back the way our friends and family remember us unless we manage to win. Losing this movement will likely extinguish the spark that makes each of us beautiful and inspirational.

Please remember silence is consent, it’s the reason why the media can claim many things. Sitting at home is telling me that you don’t mind that some of your tax dollars are spent to prolong oppression, to literally kill people. Our country, the one I was raised to believe brought peace to the world, is content worrying about profits while citizens are murdered in the streets in other countries. If you’re comfortable that our government has the power to intervene, but doesn’t, then sit down and enjoy yourself.

If you are a compassionate being and think that human misery should be prevented–no matter what–then I need you, and we need you to stand up…not tomorrow, not next week, not when you get a chance to schedule a vacation, but right now, and every day for the rest of your life.