There’s No Avoiding Your Role in History

Which role are you playing?

When the history of the MAGA movement and threats to democracy have been written and the movies have been made, which role will you have played? There is no escaping the fact that each of us will be judged; by our children, grandchildren, historians and others.

As threats to democracy spread, some sit back and watch (or ignore), hoping for the best or simply putting potential threats out of their minds. Maybe they trust that others will address the issues. Maybe they assume that others are more capable. Maybe they believe that others, people like you, will do the hard and necessary work required to preserve democracy in the United States. Some of them may have more pressing concerns that force them to look away or even blind them to the current situation.  

Those who take a stand, take action, and try to make a difference will likely be recognized in the future for their insight, initiative, concern, and, in some cases, bravery. George Washington, Susan B. Anthony, Oscar Schindler, and Martin Luther King, Jr. are some from past generations who have been recognized for these traits. Many years later, we remain grateful for their efforts and sacrifices.

As I think back through my own life, I remember that, even as a child, I was aware that some people around me took a stand. Adults I knew took a stand when they attended marches, spoke up, or took the time to explain that a wrong needed to righted. I also remember that some didn’t speak up and quietly watched as wrongs were tolerated, ignored or even encouraged. These people recognized the wrongs, but did nothing to try and stop them. As I child, I asked myself what I’d do in similar situations; how would I respond, if tested? As an adult, I recognize that we’re tested often. Some of the tests are small, and sometimes we recognize they’re not.

I’ll never forget a long ago family dinner when our son was in elementary school. He and a friend had become interested in the history of WWI and WWII. A framed collection of photos from WWI that had hung on his grandparents’ wall for years had been the subject of much discussion. The collection included photos of men, including two relatives, from a small town in Germany who had served in the military during WWI; the small town was where his great grandfather had been born. Our son took great pride in the fact that members of his family had served their country during WWI, but it wasn’t until we were talking at dinner that night that the lightbulb went on in my son’s head, and he realized that those relatives had been in the German army. He literally burst into tears as he connected the dots. This was not the story he wanted to tell. It was not a story he was proud to share. He did not want to be associated with the German army, even if it was three generations removed and a continent away.

Every generation is tested. Many stories will be told. Each of us will have played a role. And each of us is likely to be judged, even if only by a few.

If you’re determined to play a role that involves preserving democracy and wondering how you can help, head to The Union Action Center to become a Democracy Defender. The “Filter” feature will enable you to find ways to take action that align with your strengths, interests and skills.

We can defend democracy for future generations. But we need to act before it’s too late.

Post submitted by Kathy Haselmaier, a volunteer with The Union

Note: The views and opinions expressed by volunteer contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of The Union, a single-issue organization that welcomes all and is dedicated to protecting democracy.

If you’d like to help defend democracy in the US, we invite you to join The Union.