Reply #19: We can, and should, do both. [View All]

[Political Heretic]

The old saying goes, "do what you can, where you are, with what you have." Very wise. So people who only have the capacity to do little should not be berated.

But I think maybe doing little includes two components. One is whatever and individual can do directly to invest in others who need it. The other is whatever that individual can do to resist structural injustice. If that's just speaking out, great. As a former organizer, I believe in the power and need of public education and consciousness raising. If its getting actively involved in policy advocacy, great.

I recognize your legitimate right to be teed off at people who pass judgement about how you manage your life without knowing anything about you, and without it being any of their business. I can't tell you anything you do is right or wrong. I can only hope to persuade you that a commitment to both direct compassionate action and structural change is critically important.