Creation Covenant Alliance

The Cowardice of Staying Silent

Simply telling the truth is not a call to violence. Democracy depends on transparency, civil discourse, and a free press.
American flag with diverse faces to the right hand side

When the stakes are high … when there is a real threat … should staying silent even be an option?

Martin Luther King, Jr. had a lot to say on the subject of silence. He said, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” And, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

He spoke of how, in the struggles for freedom and justice, what we will ultimately remember is “the silence of our friends.”

Are we to be friends to the vast numbers of Americans whose fundamental rights and livelihoods are on the line at a pivotal time for our nation? Are we to be friends to the communities that we know will be targeted, marginalized, and denied America’s promise of opportunity? Are we to be friends to the planet itself, and the life it supports from the bounty of nature to the entire human race?

Many people would say that when faced with the choice to speak up – to sound the alarm – or to remain silent, that choosing silence is not simply cowardly, it is immoral. I am one of them.

The greatest movements for freedom and justice of the last century were defined by peaceful methods. Passive resistance in the civil rights movement. Civil disobedience in anti-war efforts. Divesting financial support from unjust systems and institutions like South African apartheid.

From rallies and marches to peaceful sit-ins, in no way was speaking out ever seen as a call to violence. Shining a light on injustice is necessary. And in a democracy, the most powerful remedy must always – always – be ballots, not bullets. That is why we organize.

There is a difference between truthfully explaining to people what is at stake for them in an election and targeting one’s political opposition with dehumanizing slurs. The same goes for using dehumanizing rhetoric against groups of people based on their race, religion, gender identity, sexuality, or national origin.

The difference between truth-telling and violent or inciting rhetoric is not simply in the eye of the beholder. We should be expected to draw the line between the two. Political actors need to respect that line. And the media does too. For the news media, that means not being cowed into treating important and necessary truth-telling as something dangerous or unsavory.

It is unacceptable to suggest we are in the middle of a second civil war and that it could tip to violence if one side does not get their way. It is unacceptable to suggest that certain election results could trigger a “bloodbath” or warrant armed insurrection or violence between various groups or factions of Americans.

What else is and should be out of bounds: calling opponents “vermin,” describing them as a disease, referring to certain groups of people as “rats” or less than human, or saying the primary goal of tens of millions of people who might disagree with your politics is the actual destruction of our country.

What is certainly fair game and must remain fair game: vocally sharing the truth, in a matter-of-fact way, about your opposition’s stated agenda and policies, and what is at stake with the choices in any given election.

Right now, in the wake of the most recent act of political violence – itself a direct attack on our democracy, to be sure – many far-right media figures and activist leaders are trying to equate fair criticism and discussion of the stakes of this election with violence-inciting rhetoric. It is a scam. And it is yet another attack on our democracy. That is because democracy depends on transparency, the civil free exchange of ideas and information, and a free press that is not too intimidated to report the facts or shy away from those sounding legitimate alarms.

Calls to suspend valid criticism of any party or candidate are no different than calls to quash dissent or eliminate critical thinking among the members of a society. The mainstream media, from newspapers to networks to online platforms, must fulfill their obligation to the truth and live up to their important role in our democracy. They must not give into cowardice. They must continue to provide a platform for those who tell the truth and continue to report, loudly and clearly, on facts, evidence, and what is at stake for our country.

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

Trending News

Mississippi River Faces Persistent Saltwater Intrusion, Region Seeks Long-Term Solutions



For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi River is experiencing significant saltwater intrusion, prompting local communities and environmental experts to search for sustainable solutions. This recurring issue arises as the river’s flow decreases, allowing saltwater to move upstream and threaten drinking water supplies. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively involved in addressing this problem, employing temporary measures like saltwater barriers to mitigate the impact on affected areas.



Saltwater infiltration poses serious risks to public health and agriculture, as freshwater sources become compromised. The situation is exacerbated by prolonged periods of drought, which have reduced freshwater flow in the Mississippi River. According to the National Weather Service, drought conditions have worsened due to climate change, increasing the frequency and severity of saltwater intrusion events.



Local authorities are collaborating with federal agencies to explore permanent solutions. Among the proposed strategies are enhanced levee systems and improved water management techniques. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating the feasibility of long-term infrastructure projects to prevent further saltwater encroachment. Additionally, community leaders are advocating for increased funding to support these initiatives and safeguard the region’s water resources.



The impact of saltwater intrusion extends beyond drinking water concerns, affecting local ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farmers in the region have reported crop damage due to elevated salinity levels in irrigation water. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working with farmers to implement adaptive practices, such as planting salt-tolerant crops and improving soil management techniques.



As the Mississippi River continues to face challenges from saltwater intrusion, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. The ongoing threat underscores the need for comprehensive planning and investment to protect one of America’s most vital waterways from the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors.

November 19, 2024



Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



The conference, designed to promote global climate agreements, faces criticism for allowing fossil fuel companies to participate extensively. Environmental groups claim these companies undermine efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.



According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



Experts suggest that the influence of these companies stems from financial contributions and longstanding relationships with decision-makers. Critics argue that this affects the conference’s ability to enforce meaningful climate change regulations.



During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



The controversy surrounding fossil fuel involvement at COP29 underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing industrial interests with the global imperative to combat climate change.



November 19, 2024