I write this column today to honour all of those people who are on the Right. That is, they believe that those on the Left have gone so far Left that they've lost complete focus on what's real vs what's imagined. What's important vs what might seem important. What's true and what's absolutely false.
Trying to speak out publicly on the Right can cause you harm. It often does. Today there are so many cases of Right wingers getting hurt or even killed for wearing a Trump cap.
Is it any wonder that most Conservatives or Republicans are quiet when it comes to everything but mundane things like talking about the weather?
That's why all the polls in the 2016 American election were wrong. They all predicted a strong win for Hillary and they all predicted that Trump had no chance of ever becoming the president. We are not looking for trouble. We are not looking for a fight. And most of us are not even looking for an argument. We are convinced that our wishes align with the policies of the leaders that WE choose.
Despite living in a Left leaning, Liberal country (Canada), I am constantly, happily surprised to meet and hear from people on the Right. Some are people I might have known for years but out of fear of attacks or otherwise negative consequences for them liking President Trump, being avid Zionists, disliking our PM Trudeau, identifying BLM for the antisemitic, communist organization that it really is and conforming to other Right wing thinking, have kept quiet. They have done their best to keep their innermost feelings under wraps. Rather than getting into heated debates with family, friends, colleagues at work, employers or even strangers and risk losing close relationships or even a job, they have decided that it's best to keep quiet. I can certainly relate. Although I
consider myself an exception to a point as I am quite vociferous when it comes to antisemitism and other important issues, I too do not look for a fight. I consider myself non-confrontational. I think most people who know me would agree. Yet I can't tell you how many times I've been sucked in to arguments (actually more like attacks) surrounded by people who can't fathom why anyone would like President Trump or why anyone doesn't like PM Trudeau or why people like me don't agree with THEM on the thought of the day (ie. anything they might come up with on any given moment because tomorrow they might reverse course and think the opposite). I never look for trouble but if asked a question I don't hesitate to give an honest answer.
I'm in a good position because I'm old and I'm retired. I'm also not famous or wealthy. So I have little to lose by exposing myself as a Jewish activist, proud white Conservative male. Although not a fan of labels like Conservative, I'm okay with using them as a general way to describe who I am. No one can fire me for my Right Wing remarks. Suing me won't get them any money either. Calling me out publicly would probably help my cause. I feel sorry for my fellow colleagues who would love to speak out about their innermost feelings about the dangers facing the world today and our grandchildren tomorrow. The indoctrination of our youth by a Left Wing educational system, the constant brainwashing of the rest of us by the Mainstream Media (MSM), the disturbing lawlessness by many on the Left and cooperation and in fact push for the destruction of democracy, capitalism, family, freedom of speech and many other hallmarks of good people by some in government and by many large social media giants are just a few points that many of us on the Right want to fix. The first step in fixing a problem is to identify it in words. If we can't get to that first step, then we'll never fix the problem.
Do a search for something like 'boy attacked for wearing a Maga hat' on youtube and you will find an endless list of videos depicting all sorts of people being attacked by those on the Left. From children to war vets, you can watch all of the disturbing things taking place on a daily basis and that's just in the US. I picked one at random here.
There are many ways to express yourself without exposing yourself to trouble. One can often post articles or comments on social media anonymously for example. Similarly one can make donations to excellent organizations anonymously as well. I will never judge someone on the Right who keeps silent, negatively. Maybe he or she runs a business and does not want to risk losing customers. Maybe someone is an employee and does not want to lose their job. There are a myriad reasons why one keeps quiet on political issues. An obvious baseline reason is that 'It's no one's business who I plan to vote for' for example.
The point is that you are not alone. Please rest assured that there are many of us who share your well thought out views. These same thoughts that were rolling around in your mind for years have also been shared by many others who might be as silent as you or as loud as me. So let me suggest to you, the silent majority that you need not let the Left silence you. I'm not saying not to use common sense when you want to voice your opinion. But I am saying not to totally give in or give up. Together we can make a difference. Together we can set an example for others who either share our views or are thirsting for another opinion. We don't all have to agree on everything. People rarely do. But we would be wise to seek out like minded people from whom we can draw strength and gain insights. It's not healthy to keep your concerns to yourself. It is healthy to talk them over with friends (real friends) who care about you and the things that concern you. Do yourself a favour. If you are the silent type, write your thoughts/concern down. Afterwards you are free to share your written words just like I'm doing now. Even if no one reads them, you'll feel better. Trust me!
