Moral Crisis

Dante Alighieri

"The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis." --Dante Alighieri

I recently read Inferno by Dan Brown (great book) and the quote above was found all throughout it. Although I do not agree with it literally, I do think it carries a useful meaning. What happens when the masses stop caring? The innocent suffer at the hands of the powerful. This has been proven throughout history: slavery, the holocaust, the Mormon expulsion from Missouri. Most people living at these times probably thought they could just live their lives without a care for the ongoing crisis because it did not directly affect them--even if they knew it was wrong.

The result of people not taking a stance on an issue is apparent approval for the current action. Certainly we do not need to speak against every little thing we disagree with; that would be exhausting. But when there is an impending injustice--especially on a large scale--we need to take a side. This includes voting for government officials and taking part in the political process. Do you care about gun control? The right to bear arms is in the Constitution. If we tighten the grip on guns, will that give the government the power to tighten its hold on other rights? Such as assembly and speech? If we do tighten it, then will school shootings go down? What's your position? It's a big issue!

There seems a never ending line of people willing to complain. Taking a stand does not mean whining. It means forming an educated opinion, being respectful, and working for change. It is possible to present an opposing view without being irritating. The masses have the real power in the world, but if the people do not use it then others will. Use your power and take a stand. Engage in conversation. Vote. Stay up-to-date on current events. And please, take interest even if you are not directly involved.