When I heard cries of “Class Warfare!” in response to President Obama’s proposal to equalize the tax burdens between rich and poor, I couldn’t help but respond: Of course it’s warfare! It’s called warfare because the other side is fighting back. Before, it was only oppression.
This week also saw the final step in the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Again, it was a fight because those who were oppressed by it fought back. It was not an easy battle to fight, staying loyal to the country and the military one freely chose to serve while having to fight against its policy that oppressed so many. Congratulations to the warriors among our warriors who can now can truly be all they were meant to be.
If the human race is going to make progress, then there will be a continuing need for warfare against all that oppresses us. There is plenty of that. Bigotry, poverty, disease and climate change are all forces that need to be confronted. These battles do not require violence or inhumanity to others. They do require resistance, confrontation and change.
As one wag said, “I don’t intend to grow old gracefully, I intend to fight it all the way!”
So pick your battles. And fight on.