Loving All Our Neighbors The Trump rise to power has, from the start, been predicated upon divisions, scapegoating others and playing upon fear. They have wooed the downwardly mobile white working class exploiting economic insecurity and long ingrained attitudes of us vs. them that are heightened by demagoguery. And now, with Alt Right leaders like Steven Bannon ensconced in the White Hours, we are reaping the whirlwind. We’ve seen an increase in hate crimes, arsons at mosques, fear spreading among the undocumented and their families, increased alienation in communities of color and more.

We progressives have long worked to promote inclusion and community. Now we must redouble our efforts and stand in solidarity with Muslims, undocumented people, LGBT people, people of color, women in general and fellow activists subject to politically motivated harassment. If ever a time screamed out for mutual support, this is that time. Facing the specter of a Muslim travel ban and possible registry, the construction of a massive wall on the Mexican border, mass deportations separating families, increased attacks on those who are seen as “non-conforming,” including trans people, and a climate in which artists and intellectuals face defunding and marginalization, it is essential that we stand strong. We, in Peaceworks, have long regarded ourselves as allies to the vulnerable. In the months ahead we may find ourselves needing to put our rhetoric into action. Most will remember the words of Pastor Martin Niemoller whose famous poem begins in Germany “First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out . . .” and ends “Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” It is incumbent upon us to recognize our shared humanity; to celebrate it; and to honor and support all of our neighbors.