With appreciation to Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny
As fear abounds, may courage as well. In these times, we know we will need not to turn away nor surrender in advance. In the coming years, when asked to turn away, to focus only on our own survival and to disregard our neighbors's—
Knowing the promise of plurality, we will pay attention.
We honor democracy despite its unrealized ideals. We who value the give and take of shaping a future understand the importance of those groups and places that are essential to the democratic practices.
Honoring the many places that offer sanctuary, we will pay attention.
Though attacks on truth may rain down upon us, we will not succumb. What we spread will continue to be rooted in fact and to protect the honest lessons of history.
As a truth-loving people, we will pay attention.
We understand that the best of what we experience was hard won by those who came before us. We will continue to honor our spiritual ancestors. We hold the special grief of those who never thought they would fight for their basic rights again.
In the name of our ancestors, we will pay attention.
We who have had years of thriving, who have enjoyed times of abundance, hear the cries of those generations who may never experience this. We will think about how we might have a bit less that they have more.
For the sake of our children—and all children are ours—we will pay attention.
We who are struggling to comprehend all that is lost acknowledge the long a struggle before us. We pledge to engage in joy and fun, care for ourselves and our beloveds for undermining our own lives will not speed justice.
For the sake of our own good bodies, hearts, and minds, we will pay attention.
We will continue to hold the ideals of what our democracy might someday realize. When we are in a position to do so, we will defend others. When we are in need of defense, we will ask for assistance.
In the spirit of interdependence, we will pay attention.
In all of this we remember that we do not do this alone.
Together we will pay attention.