Pick a lane. It’s time to stand up for what’s right and against what’s wrong.
It doesn’t matter what your politics or religion happen to be. Or your particular ethnic group. Or what you do for a living. It doesn’t matter how much money you have. Or where you live.
If you believe in democracy, it’s time to speak up and speak out against our country’s slide into authoritarianism. Against racism. And xenophobia. Speak up for truth and fairness. For decency. Civility. Respect for each other.
When will it get bad enough for you to break your silence?
What are you waiting for?
Your silence is deafening!
How bad does it have to get before you take a stand against injustice? Do you have to be the target before you speak out?
What do you value? Have you forgotten?
How long can you shrug, look away, and pretend you don’t see what’s going on? How long?
Pick. A. Lane.
Speak. Up.
Take. A. Stand.
The NRA tells emergency room doctors to “stay in your lane” when it comes to gun violence. The NRA’s message — “Who do you think you are to challenge our power?”
The President claims raking the forest floors is the way to prevent forest fires, ignoring the science behind climate change. The message is clear. Stay in your lane. Don’t you dare challenge me or I’ll cut off much-needed federal funds.
Trump rants about drugs and criminals “invading” our country to justify spending millions and millions of dollars for a gigantic wall on our southern border. Congress — with the Constitutional power of the purse — refused to fund this boondogle. In response, Trump cavalierly declared a “national emergency” in order to take money appropriated for other important projects. Stay in your lane. Do exactly as my whims dictate or you’ll pay the price.
A respected journalist is brutally murdered by the Saudis but this administration says that money is way more important than human rights and the free press. A chilling warning to all journalists — and the rest of us. Dissent and truth-telling are not allowed. Shut up and stay in your lane.
Lies, threats, and intimidation are eroding our democracy.
Instead of doing what’s right for the majority of people in this country politicians allow wealthy donors and lobbyists to make policy.
We’re getting numb to the constant barrage of fabrications, insults, and authoritarian power grabs.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg!
I’m mad as hell – and you should be too.
If you’re not, what will it take for you to say “ENOUGH?”
When will you decide to pick a lane?
When you pick a lane, you stand up for what’s right.
Live your values.
Understand that we’re all in this together.
You know our shared humanity means that abuse, disrespect, or discrimination against any of us hurts all of us.
Pick a lane.
Stand up for change so kids don’t have to worry about getting shot at school.
Do what you can to take care of your neighbors — even if they don’t look or worship or love exactly like you do.
There’s a lot of work to do.
Together we can create change.
Together, not divided into warring camps.
We need a country where kindness and compassion instead of hatred and division are the norm.
Where poverty and homelessness challenge us to make sure no one gets left behind.
A nation where we protect our environment so future generations have clean air and water.
Don’t let those in power tell you that your voice doesn’t matter. Because it does.
Don’t let anyone intimidate you or tell you to “stay in your lane.” Your lane is whatever you want it to be. Claim it!
America desperately needs you to pick a lane! Because what you do – or don’t do – makes a difference.
So pick a lane. Please.
10,000 Butterflies is dedicated to planting hope and growing change. Every one of us has the power to create positive change — in our own lives and in the lives of others. Together we can solve problems and build stronger communities. 10,000 Butterflies is a place to connect with others making good things happen, to find resources, to be inspired and to celebrate what connects us instead of what divides us.
Please join us.
Bonnie Pond is the founder of the 10,000 Butterflies Project and author of The Power of Three: How to be Happy and Get What You Want in Life (Without Doing Anything Illegal, Immoral, or Unethical) and Unlock Your Creativity: 30 Days to a More Creative YOU!
