Ever since I read the Diary of Anne Frank decades ago, I’ve wondered if I would have had the courage to do what Miep Gies did. Would I have risked my own life to bring food and comfort to a family in hiding? Would I have been brave enough to bike through town with bags of vegetables or books dangling from the handlebars? Would I have dared open the secret door to bring Anne and her family news of the outside world?
When I first read the diary, filled with the holy righteousness of youth, I did not hesitate to believe I would. Anne Frank was my friend, my confidant, my kindred spirit and I would have done everything in my power to save her. I continue to feel that way though I confess there were times I was thankful I’d never be put to the test. It was ok to risk my own life, but what of my daughter? my son? I was thankful to live in a country ruled by laws.
What I did not realize until recently was that our laws are fragile fences dependent on WE THE PEOPLE to buttress them against the winds of oppression, tyranny and dictatorship— dependent on each of us to honor and protect them.
The Holocaust did not begin with the death camps, but with division. With an US against THEM mentality. With the failure of ordinary people to use their voices against oppression when their voices could still be heard.
President Trump was impeached by a preponderance of evidence. His disgraceful actions were bolstered by a parade of civil servants who courageously risked their livelihoods to speak truth to power. Unfortunately many who were elected to support our laws, cowered in their cushioned seats. Some in the administration left rather than serve a corrupt leader. Many have leaked anonymous truths easily verified by what we see with our own eyes and hear with our own ears.
It’s time for truth-tellers to speak out in defense of what is right and good. It is time for anonymous voices to say their name and speak their truth openly. Your daughters and sons will be proud of you. The ideals of our country will not perish.
