The High Price of Heroism

The High Price of Heroism

Many of us have had the great fortune of having lived in the United States all our lives, never so much as once being exposed to a world lacking in so many of the everyday things we have come to take for granted at our earliest ages. Those things which we assume everyone else in our community enjoy as well.

We are taught by our community what is considered appropriate and that boldness combined with the expression of unique ideas or truths may lead to embarrassment and ridicule or much, much worse. For the most part, we as American Citizens have become creatively and compassionately sterile and quiet. When all the while, there are secrets which we all know should never be kept (i.e. DUI, AIDS, etc.).

So precious is the one individual that suddenly breaks away from conventional wisdom and speaks out, with a faltering and nervous voice or reaches out, with a shaking and timid hand to anyone or on behalf of any cause.

And so sad are the all too frequent moments that the individual must pay a hefty and sometimes even lethal price for their selfless and charitable efforts. With dirty and/or suspicious looks and words from those surrounding them. Some of whom they may even admire. Such is the risk those take when stepping away from the ocean waves of popular opinion. They begin thinking for themselves and stand up for what their hearts tell them is bright and true.

If it sounds to you that I know how this feels, you would be quite correct. I could not even begin to count the times that I have been jeered, laughed at, thrown out, and yes even beaten senseless by rednecks and law enforcement both, for saying those things I knew in my heart needed to be said. And I said them, trusting in constitutional rights of freedom of speech to do so.
And even to this very day, my reputation and name are being pillaged by the most publicly celebrated of local community and cultural leaders. Those who prefer I keep secrets, turn my head and look the other way (play the game by giving up my turn). All the while, those unable to pay their politically correct prices suffer in unimaginable ways. And for what? What would I receive? A pat on the back by those who would have me call them my leader? Never. And neither would you.

It’s all right now; it’s all right to be afraid, nervous and apprehensive. You are the only on that needs to be proud of you. Those that would prefer you to be quiet or speak other then what you feel will not be standing beside you when your ultimate time of judgment comes. Nor will they be holding your hand as you lay inside your deathbed, recounting these moments as invaluable assets in and of you life. Moments in which you bravely fought for those weaker than yourself. And when those you respect the most ever so subtly twist your words and accuse you of ridiculous atrocities and outrageous conspiracies, you can hold your head up ever so high, knowing that all along, you have performed your duty and fought for truth, justice and the American way. A real super hero. And what’s more, you will finally know for sure who your real friends are. Very quickly too, I might add.

So, if you do decide (or have already decided) to speak up (with or without a cape), I have some tips for you. A few skipping stones of arrogant tid-bits I have collected along my way that will certainly NOT make you task any easier at all.

1. Beware of he/she who takes you aside only to advise you on what or what not to say – anytime and anywhere.

2. Never be afraid to read a previously written statement.

3. Know your facts and know their myths. In that order.

4. Don’t stop speaking for anyone or any other reason until you are done no matter what they say or do. A jury never disregards and neither will anyone else.

5. Only answer the questions you care to. Don’t be afraid to say "No comment" and repeat as needed. (5th amendment – remember?)

6. Regularly monitor freedom of speech and libel/slander laws, as they may change practically with every new court case (I keep various cases printed out and folded with me at all times).

7. Feel free to immediately leave after you’ve finished speaking. And why not? Your job is very well done.

8. Call 911 if you think your’s or another’s safety is in question (no call is ever to small if 911 comes to mind). Even if you are feeling threatened by what may or may not be loosely referred to as authority figures (PoliceOfficers, Security Guards, Men in white coats – or black).

9. Don’t argue unless you want to (see number 5) and if you do want to argue, only argue the way that you want to – for your rights to advocatefor the rights of your cause – if necessary – Don’t let them pull your chain – you are always in complete control of you! And you already finished what you started; (see number 4) so feel free to stop arguing at anytime. Or not.

10. If you really feel the heat and your heart is bleeding from the stings of optical and/or verbal daggers, try and remember it’s all a lot like a casino – if the pit bosses are starin’ you down and sayin’ sly stuff you can’t quite make out, it is only because the evening is ever so much better for you then it is for them. Seriously. 11. And last, but not at al least, please remember this dear reader, whenever anyone tells you like it is, no matter who it is, find out every single fact on your own. You are the only expert you will ever need.So, let the record show now, that you too can be a hero. Suddenly your on your own - Alone.And you look like a fool, but not to everyone. There are those that will see who you really are – a real life super hero and they just might hold your hand.

GO GETTEM’ TIGER! The suffering need someone to cry out for them. Will you cry?

Robert Stanford
Airport Neighborhood Activist
http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=%22robert+Stanford%22+modesto