An immigrant watching the destruction of Democracy
I’m not usually one for long winded political posts but after seeing the notorious RBG lying in state last night I felt compelled to write something.
In school I remember learning about wars, dictatorships and political oppression and these seemed like very far-away concepts. They were historical events to be studied and lessons to be learned, but I thought these issues would never have to be faced by modern first world societies. In my mind we had moved past the quest for power at the expense of the masses, we had moved past oppressing human rights on the basis of personal or religious beliefs. I clung to the belief that as a society we had grown out of these patterns of destruction and could focus on becoming better people who lift up those that fall, who lends a hand to those who struggle, and who strive for equity amongst all people. These past few months have been heartbreaking as we watch a worldwide populist nationalist movement gain momentum, particularly here in the US where we are watching the destruction of democracy unfold in real time. Fear-mongering and hate speech has made people cling to the ideal that everything must stay the same and any changes would result in anarchy. This false rhetoric of fear and anger prevents us from fixing systems that would make all of us better.
Healthcare access for all makes us better. Don’t continue to let people die on the streets and go bankrupt because they’re terrified of the cost of seeing a doctor.
Education access for all makes us better. Don’t let people live in cyclical poverty without access to education. Fight for affordable and accessible education and don’t let it continue to only be available to the rich and powerful.
Separation of Church and State makes us better. Do not let any religion influence public policy or the Governance of a multi-faith society.
Transparency and honesty in positions of power makes us better. Don’t let the lies and fear of this administration destroy America as we know it.
Voting access for all makes us better. Don’t let anyone suppress voters or steal an election. Every single voice counts, make sure yours is heard.
As an immigrant in the US, people often ask me ‘why do you care?’ or ‘if you don’t like it then leave’. To the first point, I care because we’re all humans. My caring is not limited to just Australian citizens or Australian Government. Nationalism has no place in the modern world. And to the second point, I will borrow a quote from Jim Jeffries:
No. I will not leave. I came here legally and I pay my taxes so I’ll say whatever the fuck I want. Thanks first amendment.
If you’re willing to overlook the lies, violence and disregard for American citizens perpetuated by Trump, and you vote against the policy changes that will genuinely make this country great just to keep a few extra bucks in your back pocket, then you don’t deserve to call yourself an American. You’re the one who should leave.
VOTE!!
