Hello. I suppose you are wondering why I am here.

This is the the first post in Learning to Stand. This blog, unlike several other of the blogs that I have done over the years, is a shared project.  As I have stated on the Facebook group page, The High Plains New Common Sense, many people are feeling the need to be able to speak truth to power.  Standing up for something in which you truly believe does not come naturally for all but a few lucky individuals.  As a retired public school teacher for many years I can tell you that this is there is some good news here... it can be learned.  And better even yet, is the fact that there are tons of different methods by which you arrive at the place where you can stand up and speak your truth.  Even when the people to whom you are speaking are rude, or loud, or vulgar, or in a position of power, you can make your point without having to adopt those ugly and frightening tactics.

I am going to assume that if you are reading this, you are probably struggling with the recently emboldened followers of Donald Trump.  You are not alone.  I too struggle with getting my message out to people who seem unwilling or unable to listen to reason.  I have done community advocacy work for years and no two issues ever seem to be alike when you step into the fray.  Each and every argument presents many faceted reasoning, and it always feels like the people with whom you are facing on the other side other side, are more confident and willing to do do battle.  But let me let you in on a little secret here.  When an opponent is being loud, crass and even vulgar, it is because they have no substantive facts on which to make their opinion known.  They only have anger and a few time tested slogans guaranteed to fire up the the people around them, i.e., "If you don't love this country, leave!"  It is not fact based and appeals only to those people who are ill-prepared.

I recently posted the following on January 26, 2016 in feed stream on The High Plains New Common Sense, "If someone tells you that they believe torture is something that they believe the United States of America should utilize calmly ask them if they would want their own child who might be serving in the military to be tortured. Remind them that even if the person they love survives the torture, their child will never ever be the same again. Ask John McCain. Do not argue. Just plant the seed." I stated my point in this manner on purpose.  Many people can relate to someone who has a child in the military.  Generally speaking, most people can understand and empathize with the notion that this country has made great sacrifices in recent years.  This usually means that a young person goes off to war.  Many of these children come back and they are never quite the same.  Often it is because of injuries or PTSD.  If someone is tortured, it is life-altering. Rape is a form of torture. Hate crimes are a form of torture.  It is not a point that can be refuted, and even if someone tries to cast the argument aside, the others in their camp will most likely hear the message.

In the above example, I believe that you are refocusing people on their own "humanity," a quality to which most people, even those people on the other side of the argument, can relate as was pointed about by my friend Gail Segreto in her comment to the post.  This can all be done without screaming.  This can be done even if you are frightened because it is the truth.  The truth is powerful and if practiced with some regularity makes you brave and a worthy adversary.

This blog is about sharing your experiences.  This is a place to learn to stand up for your beliefs by hearing how others have arrived.  This is a place to share what your fears about standing up for what you truly believe.  If you are so inclined, I would love to have you guest blog here.  Just send me your post and I will post it for you here.  We are all in this together and this is a good place to share your story with others who are wanting to help you find your voice.

Be strong.  Share. Learn every day.