Time to get into ‘good trouble’

To the editor:

The late and venerable John Lewis stated that, for America to attain its goal of full equality and opportunity, people of moral foundation must continue to cause and get into “good trouble.” Now, because of explicit words and actions of leaders such as Ron Johnson and the spineless complicity of leaders such as Mike Gallagher, our state and country is entering a new era of Jim Crow. This version of Jim Crow under the guise of voting and electoral reform is spreading across our nation as evidenced by the recent actions of the Georgia Legislature.

The time for silence is over. It is time for people of moral character — not merely moralistic words — to stand up. Silence is compliance.

When the Jesus of traditional Christianity overturned the tables in the temple, he was not objecting against economic activity. He was metaphorically standing up for the poor Jews and the neglected “others.” When Gandhi led the non-violent revolution against British oppression in India, he was opposing the “White Man’s lie of having a God-given duty to protect those less capable than them. When John Lewis marched across the bridge outside of Selma in the mid-1960s, he was saying “no more” to unequal treatment under the law — regardless of the physical consequences and threat of death.

It is well past time for people of conscience and faith to do nothing. When we hear and see words and actions of hate occurring, speak up.

I am more than willing to work with and talk with Republicans of high moral fiber. I never have considered myself a full-on Democrat. However, those type of referenced Republicans are hard to find these days — especially for me. When actions are motivated solely by fear-based politics is the norm, our hard fought for democracy is jeopardized. When loyalty to one individual supersedes privately held values, bad troubles are afoot.

Let’s get into some good trouble.

Ken Kroenke, Shawano