Editorial Reflections
Who will challenge injustices, inequities? Our neighbors right here!
Who's going to step out of their comfort zones and speak out for justice and equality as Martin Luther King Jr. did? Who's going to be the voice for freedom in these times? Who's going to challenge corruption, deceit and hegemony?
Who is going to step out and step up? Who in God's name will God raise up?
Are you ready when God does that?
Will we be too confused by the slanderous name calling, belittling and bickering? Will we be able to see truth in the midst of the deluge of information?
Australia is burning. Indonesia is flooding. Hurricanes are raging. Earthquakes compound hurricane damage in Puerto Rico. There were gunshots outside the Richard Allen Apartments next to The Fig Tree office. Troubles are not just far away. They are right outside our doors and inside our doors.
The news rages with more breaking news, more bad weather, more crime reports, more troubles. How can we take any more? Remember, the news happens, but it is often about the unusual, the conflict, the celebrity, the sensation.
The news is crucial as it covers economic, political, social, religious and cultural realities. We need to be informed so we care, voice concerns, protest, act and vote. What would we have done in the Holocaust? What are we doing? What will we do? Questions from the upcoming Holocaust exhibit are relevant today.
Martin Luther King Jr. risked his life to speak the truth to win civil rights, as have many others through the centuries. We need movement leaders, educators and advocates?
Who will challenge pipelines, polluters and plastic to stand up for climate justice?
Who will challenge racial inequities in our community?
Who will challenge stigma on mental illness and reach out to care?
Who will challenge housing discrimination and open doors?
Who will challenge us to see with clear vision so we respect all lives?
Who will challenge us to link arms and act together for justice every day?
Who will challenge us to learn from the past so we make life better?
Who will call us to speak out when we see hate and genocide?
Who will make sure the vulnerable have legal protections?
Who will challenge white supremacy and educate their communities on human rights?
We are not alone. Those who shared their stories and efforts in this issue are among the many people who do care and act.
Mary Stamp – Editor
Copyright@ The Fig Tree, February, 2020