A Time For Action

I think fear is what holds people back from speaking out or taking action to change something that they believe is unjust or unfair. Many people are afraid to question authority or to stand up to the powers that be. So they become apathetic or they just try to ignore what's bad if it doesn't affect them personally. I think this is part of the reason why we have so much corruption and bad behavior in our society, because not enough people speak out against it, not enough people act to demand change.

Our newspaper reports on what its editors decide is newsworthy. As concerned citizens, we can write letters to the editor, but the editor can change our words so they fit in with what his/her agenda is. The editor can even decide what subject matter is allowed and what is not. We can write comments at an on-line forum but the editors can delete whatever comments don't fit in with their view of what is newsworthy. This is not right. So, frustrated people with a voice write blogs. They have taken action and it is working. They won't tolerate being force fed the viewpoint of a select few. Neither will their readers. People are taking action against being edited and muzzled.

It's just plain cruel for the newspaper to not acknowledge Bill Villa, a grieving father who has legitimate questions regarding a justice system that is supposed to be fair to all, regardless of one's social status or connections. Bill has been banned, blocked, deleted, and muzzled by the Morning Call. Please take the time to read his story and the comments at Bernie O'Hare's blog. (See previous post for link). I believe Bill's hard work and persistence for the truth will pay off.

More people should be willing step up to the plate and swing for the fence.

Photo: Bill Villa, writer, musician, and activist-dad