I am filled with hope by the response of the average decent people who defended immigrants and refugees in the recent Muslim Ban crisis in the US.
I was reminded of the words from pastor Martin Niemöller:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
It seems like at least some of us are learning lessons from history and standing up for those among us to be persecuted by the so-called leaders. And isn’t that what history is for? That we might learn from the past mistakes and not allow those on the wrong side of history to do what they wish. Standing up for the rights of Muslims is the first step to destroying ISIS and creating a world more peaceful and more unified.