Weekly Post-Cornyn Protest thoughts

A sterling group at the weekly protest in fron of Sen. John Cornyn’s office. Source: The Houston Democracy Project’s Facebook page

Another good turn-out in front of Senator John Cornyn’s office. I didn’t take any pics, so I’m fleecing this one from The Houston Democracy Project’s blog (thanks Neil!)

Some good discussions about how, even if only one or two people show up, that’s enough. One or two people can still convey the urgency of a situation. One or two people can still reach others, get them to thinking and maybe acting.

Also, starting and leaving a chant is really hard work for us soft-spoken types. I envy Neil Aquino who seems to be able to project across the county. In any case, we did get some chanting going and that was a lot of fun.

I can’t stress how much smaller gatherings mean. Consistency is key and Neil and others have kept this particular action going for eight years. In Cambridge, the Tibetan community has kept its Wednesday evening vigils going since 2008. 

Critics may say, “well, so what? What good comes of this?” A great deal, actually. For the people participating, a sense of community and at least the attempt to draw attention to issues that demand it. In and of itself, bearing witness is valuable as a deepening of presence and understanding. For those who may be passing by, perhaps this will inspire them to ask questions of themselves, if not of the issues being addressed.

“That which goes against the Dao comes to an early end." Daodejing/Tao te Ching, Chapter 30

I’ve already written about the value of protest, and I will continue to do so. I hope that this inspires people to consider the value of stepping out and stepping up. There is beauty in the unity of people coming together for freedom, for human rights, for truth. Truth still matters; the oligarchs and despots know that they can’t face the truth; hence, the lies and disinformation. They know deep in their hearts that what they’re doing runs against the natural order of things. 

“A gust of wind cannot last all day." Daodejing/Tao te ching, Chapter 23

At some point, the authoritarian project cracks and collapses. We can bemoan the lives damaged and the lives lost, but there is some solace in knowing that these kinds of repressive governments can’t last forever. This may be of small comfort for those of us who have to deal with the worst in the present and perhaps for those who follow us who may have to endure worse. But at some point, dictators and their shabby empires built on lies do crumble. Sometimes sooner, sometimes later. It’s never soon enough, but this is why we show up. This is why we yell This is what brings us together. 

It is also important to realize that coming out the other side, the country, the world, will look different and there is no going back to “the way things used to be.” What worked for awhile eventually ceased to work. Vision and visionaries will be needed and will arise to lay out a new way of doing things. Who knows what it will look like?

All the more reason to show up.