Keeping Quiet

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/18/opinion/magas-violent-threats-are-warping-life-in-america.html

("MAGA'S Violent Threats Are Warping Life in America")

I have been writing letters to the editor for 16 years now. A one-time minor occupier of my time has become a clear obsession. I write about virtually anything that captures my focus. And sometimes I worry if my published thoughts will strike an exposed nerve of someone who reads them.

I have mostly received calls or letters of thanks and praise for the views I express. My comments always being published in a "liberal" newspaper, I find "comfort" in knowing I am speaking, mostly, to those whose beliefs are aligned with mine. Comfort, in the sense that I have little concern of an act of retribution by those who find my sentiments, who find me, abhorrent.

It is very easy to track me down. My name, and the town in which I reside, is appended to each letter that finds the light of day. People have correctly determined my profession, where I work, where I reside and my home phone number. And yes, I have on rare occasion, received a far less than complimentary response to my stated position.

Once I even contemplated asking that a letter, which had been accepted for publication, be withdrawn from consideration. I had used what were particularly  vitriolic terms to describe the actions of a once, and if he has his way, future President of our country. But I decided not to go through with this request. I think it was my ego at seeing my name in print overriding my concern for remote possible consequences. In the end, there were only crickets in response.

What can it mean for the future of this nation, for the future of freedom of expression, when a person such as me, one not in the public eye except for the most fleeting of moments every now and again, worries whether to temper, or silence, his own voice. There are topics I have not spoken about in recent months, a third rail, as I see and know the public's white hot sentiments on each side of this particular matter.

Life in this country has changed dramatically over the many decades I have been an inhabitant here. What was once whispered in the shadows now appears in broad daylight in all capital letters. Actions once suppressed are now proudly exhibited. Lines in the sand once only faint, now are in bold. Worst instincts emboldened. A flag of hatreds now woven into the very fabric like a badge of honor and courage.

So, yes, we have been seriously damaged by the acolytes of Mr. Trump. Make America Great Again a movement that has done anything but. 

The voices in opposition now hesitating to speak, knowing what may lie ahead. The sound of silence maybe the most frightening thought of all. Even from my tiny corner of the universe, hesitation a constant nagging presence.