Driving home from my acupuncture appointment through Wisconsin's beautiful autumn countryside, listening to NPR "All Things Considered", I heard an interview with Professor Deborah Lipstadt about the rise of anti-semitism....not only in America, but around the world.
Obviously the interview was in response to the recent slaughter at the synagogue in Pittsburgh. The news filled with another list of innocents murdered and injured. The perpetrator now in custody. This man walked into the synagogue with one purpose - to kill Jews. Kill them with his automatic weapons.
The professor's thoughtful comments were measured and one or two sentences still stick in my mind. I may not have her quote exactly correct....but she said "Silence in the face of bigotry is acquiescence.....there is no neutrality....we cannot let it pass."
She also went on to say that this recent rise in anti-semitism did not start during 45's adminstration, but rather during President Obama's terms....perhaps because he was our first black President. But she did say that 45 and his adminstration have "lit a fire under it".
So her words of caution were that good people need to stand up and say..."No...that comment/joke/action is not acceptable to me."
Be brave....even if it's beloved Uncle Edgar who is known for his "outrageous" remarks....this year say no. I hope it doesn't ruin your Thanksgiving gathering....but say no.....
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