If You See Something, Say Something

Since September 11, 2001 as I approached the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport from either direction I would see a sign s posted on the grassy shoulder of the road that read “If you see something, say something.” Everyone knew to what this referred. At the minimum the sign meant that we were responsible for the safety of each other against further assaults against the common welfare of citizenry of the United States that occurred on that awful day. If you see something, say something. And so I am wondering now where are the cautionary voices of the sycophantic Republicans who see and hear the assaults that Donald Trump has launched on the democracy of the United States as he threatens not to abide by the results of the free election? Of a president who now (and again) suggests that he may not leave office when his term ends and discovers to his surprise that he has not been reelected. Where are the strident Republican voices that claim to be guardians of our democracy, who have demanded that school children pledge allegiance to the flag and the republic for which it stands but who hear Trump threaten that Republic but who cowardly slink frightened under their desks or behind their closed office doors rather than say something or do something to safeguard our freedoms and our constitutional rights? If you see something, say something does not matter to Republican senators or congresspeople!

 

I think we are experiencing a very dangerous moment for the nation. At stake is the future of our democracy for which our leaders have supposedly pledged allegiance. Senators and Representatives take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. And yet, from the Republicans not a word of protest about what spews from the mouth of the demagogue Trump. Not a word!  I think of Marc Antony’s oration at Caesar’s funeral. Speaking of Caesar’s assassins Antony speaks full with irony, “They that have done this deed are honorable;/What private griefs they have, alas, I know not . . . they are wise and honorable/And will no doubt, with reasons answer you.” Honorable men? Pah!

 

If you see something, say something. Hah!