Students, Protests & Democracy

[View this email in your browser]( Michael Blake’s Statement on Student Protests We are watching the powerful beauty of Student Organizing and Democracy on college campuses among complex multi-generational issues, which is sparking necessary conversation that in turn prompts for necessary political action. As some elected officials and media outlets unjustly try to portray raising of voices as equal to rising levels of violence, let us ground ourselves in the core point that college students and allies are speaking up because they see others in pain not receiving justice. Their protest is not disregarding pain that exists on all sides, but, it is fair to understand that when you feel pain not being addressed, you either decide to stand up or sit down. These students and supporters are clearly choosing to stand. From Columbia to USC, From Emory to UCLA, we are witnessing the latest historical example of the generation of Promise asking us all to live up to our promise. In a current biblical reflection, they are asking us, will we listen to what comes out of the mouths of babes? Commencements should not be canceled. Sending in riot police gear should. The notion of protest, a fascinating reality and possibility within a strong Democracy, has occurred for decades as leaders use their voices, their bodies, their minds to speak up for justice - not just on their campuses but around the world. Typically, it is continued protest - even when unpopular and sustained - that eventually leads to transformational change at scale. Yes, we need to acknowledge the pain that still lingers in Israel, not just from an attack but from loved ones still being held hostage. But, we equally must acknowledge that tens of thousands of Palestinians of color, namely women and children, are being killed is also unacceptable and deserves accountability. Therefore, Enough. Enough with making people feel bad for speaking up. Enough with trying to convey that the super minority of those going too far with their actions is at all comparable to the overwhelming majority who are peacefully protesting. Enough with ignoring the reality that police forces are attacking and arresting citizens who merely want to see positive changes. Enough with reckless rhetoric from so called public servants and pathetic propaganda visuals to make it seem that speaking up is unpatriotic. To the counter, speaking up is the core of our American promise. ENOUGH We are watching authorities block the streets to keep people out but equally then ask our children to keep their opinion in. We are fine with local citizens supporting our bars and restaurants but are quick to bar them from going to their own classes. We silence their voices and then ask them to vote. Enough. Do we really think that a college student is risking suspension or expulsion for something they see as frivolous? Maybe, we need to listen and pay attention to their deeper concerns and to their specific requests and not treat them as young in brilliance despite being younger in age. Over the past weeks, we have seen people of all ages flood the streets of their cities. We've seen students march across the cobblestones of their institutions, using the knowledge they've gained to resist injustice when they see it. What is the freedom to feel if our children are forbidden from crying out against the militarization of a country, where both governments in that region seem more intent on war, not peace? Let me be clear, the decisions of government are not indicative of the overwhelming majority of the people. Too often, conflict continues for the benefit of power and profit, not to the benefit of the people. What is the freedom to act within the laws of our land if those in authority compromise fundamental human rights because they find our fellow Americans persistence for change inconvenient? Unfortunately, we have heads of schools, members of political parties, and elected leaders who instead of defending everyone's freedom, they are bringing in military level of policing to deny basic rights to the very people they serve. Instead of engaging in intense discussions that might make us uncomfortable yet bring us to progress, they seem content with the turmoil that undermines our national and global security. Generations past defended our right to speak freely. Generations before us died for this right when it was denied to those perceived as three-fifths of a person. Today’s generation is at a crossroads: should they believe in our democracy or give up on it? We need to listen to our children, or else this conflict in Gaza or elsewhere will lead to those who should believe we can be better today choosing to stay home tomorrow. KAIROS "a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action : the opportune and decisive MOMENT" "The right or critical MOMENT" [Facebook icon]( [Instagram icon]( [Website icon]( [LinkedIn icon]( [YouTube icon]( Copyright (C) 2024 Atlas Strategy Group. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Atlas Strategy Group 1 Bruckner Blvd Bronx, NY 10454 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( [Logo]