Why We Must Stand Together with Empathy

Finding common ground among other individuals and citizens will become increasingly important. 

A fascist regime is trying to undo democracy in the United States, and possibly Canada, to replace it with a system that benefits the few. That is why we stand together.

In these frustrating times, it can be tempting to blame people with differing political viewpoints for the political mess. But we need to stand together and stand strong. The status quo has left many of us feeling vulnerable and destabilized. Nearly 80% of Americans and almost half of Canadians live paycheque to paycheque.

Within the earliest days of the Trump administration’s second term, citizens and individuals are being impacted. 

Someone who once supported the current administration could, and most likely will, be negatively affected by its fascist and unsound policies. 

Arbitrary authoritarianism eventually hurts us all

Martin Neimöller initially was a strong supporter of Hitler but was eventually targeted for his religious views. After surviving a concentration camp, he famously said: 

“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.”

In the vacuum of a lost democracy, individuals who feel safe can become the next enemy of the state. 

Trump is already displaying a tyrannical hold on power, rapidly spinning out of the realm of the normal. As columnist David French recently described in The New York Times, his approach is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland’s crazed Queen of Hearts: sentencing first, and determining the verdict after. 

Why we protest and join together peacefully

As part of the movement of Vancouver Against Fascism, we want to very loudly demonstrate that these rapid shifts are dangerous. We stand with American citizens, and we won’t allow extreme right-wing propaganda and poorly formed ideologies to weaken the foundation of Canada’s democracy.
We protest publicly and peacefully to show that what is happening is not normal. This allows others to also believe that it is not, to ask their own questions. 

One of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s notions of nonviolence was to befriend and not humiliate opponents. Eventually they may be inspired to speak out or resist. 

We recognize that we are calling for resistance within a challenging environment. The majority of citizens are seeking jobs, affordable housing, access to transportation, child care, and other supports that allow them to earn a living. We come together in person to acknowledge our shared challenges, rather than circle around online conspiracy theories. 

We are empathetic to all individuals, without appeasing destructive ideologies that promote discrimination, racism, hate, or violence of any kind. We are welcoming and open to anyone joining, as long as they are respectful of individuals’ rights to freedom of expression, to safety, and to community. 

Our callouts: Remember history, learn about what is happening, cultivate and disseminate knowledge, show courage, and be in community. If you feel inclined, join us, be heard, and hear each other.