by Kathie MM
What you really need to do is promote quality education—including supporting, appreciating, rewarding, and protecting the teacher and student activists who embody democratic principles. As neo-fascism and anti-intellectualism and the distrust of education and educated people they promote engulf our shaky democracy, give thanks for the students and teachers who have the courage to speak out on behalf of nonviolence and quality public education . We need good role models right now.
Enemies of freedom and justice have always worked to prevent and curtail education for any perceived threats–click here and here for examples– to their desire to dominate and control. “Keep them in their place,” is the eternal message, “or they will threaten our way of life”—a way of life that keeps all too many people downtrodden and feeling powerless.
Right now there is a huge conflict going on in this country—between the tiny but powerful and very greedy plutocracy exercising increasing control over the lives of the non-elite and the forces of resistance, the promoters of democracy, the broadest category of dreamers .
If you really, truly, honestly want a functioning democracy, support the students marching for our lives and support the teachers speaking out on behalf of public education and nonviolence. Find the causes and undertake the actions that make you feel you are doing your share to make the country better for all. And please tell us about them.