America Must Not Remain Silent

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Robert Brescia
January 30, 2021

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his extraordinary, “I Have a Dream,” speech in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963. On the agenda that day as well was Joachim Prinz, president of the American Jewish Congress, recalling his time as a rabbi in Berlin under Hitler: “A great people who had created a great civilization had become a nation of silent onlookers. They remained silent in the face of hate, in the face of brutality and in the face of mass murder,” he said. “America must not become a nation of onlookers. America must not remain silent.”

Award-winning actress, author & fitness icon Raquel Welch says, “60% of Americans are Boomers, and yet they are all but invisible in the popular media and American culture. That has got to change.” I agree. Effective leaders must be vocal and demonstrative about their beliefs—it’s not enough to only “believe inside your head.” Good leaders show exactly how much they care through their actions within the public domain, politics and other human interaction.

The term, “Silent Majority,” was popularized by President Richard Nixon in a 1969 political speech. Nixon was seeking the support of those who never raise their voices in dissent or for consent. The value of his terminology was that it brought to our American consciousness the realization that we have too many people who do absolutely nothing to try and govern their own lives and all the societal factors that can affect them.

Many claim to be too busy or maybe even not well versed enough on the issues. John Ben Shepperd, former Attorney General of Texas in the 1950s and a great leader, used to speak about the typical expressions he would frequently hear from the Silent Majority of his time:

“You can’t do anything about it—forget it.”

“Politics is a corrupt business—it’s no life for a gentleman.”

“You can’t blame me for the mess this country is in—I ain’t voted in 25 years!”

On writing to a congressperson—“The letter would never get past his secretary. He wouldn’t pay any attention to a mere taxpayer anyway.”

“Not me—I don’t know anything about public affairs.”

General Shepperd also stated, “Our ailment is slumped-over citizenship, and the only cure for it is better citizen posture—a straightening of the spine.” Therefore, I say to Raquel’s Boomers: what are you waiting for? Get engaged and be visible! Most Boomers probably remember actor Peter Finch in the 1976 film Network. Finch’s character popularized the phrase, “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take this anymore!” You would be surprised what you can accomplish if you would just get off the sidelines and act. I’m not only talking about voting—that’s something you must do as an American—if you don’t vote, you are certainly deficient in your responsibilities as a citizen.

I am talking about reading up on public issues. If you are not happy with a particular public administrator or government department, write down your thoughts and find a way to send them in. How about writing an email to your congressional representative? Circulate a petition, hold a peaceful rally about a cause, pass out flyers at a public place, write a blog, teach history to your kids—do something.

Here is a quick 10-question quiz to see if you might be an “American onlooker”—part of the New Silent Majority:

❶ True □ or False □:  I know who my local, state and federal representatives are by name and political affiliation.

❷ True □ or False □:  My elected officials are in my email contact folder so that I can quickly contact them.

❸ True □ or False □:  I have been to a school board meeting in my area even if I don’t have kids in the school system

❹ True □ or False □:  I belong to (or volunteer) at least one civic organization (Rotary, Junior Achievement, business or non-profit organization)

❺ True □ or False □:  I am involved in providing any type of service to my community (school, local government, church, etc.)

❻ True □ or False □:  I read about political issues in a newspaper, magazine or other printed or electronic matter (not TV).

❼ True □ or False □:  I have strong feelings about the issues and frequently talk with others about my positions.

❽ True □ or False □:  I teach my kids to engage civilly and how to debate an issue using logic and rationality—not mudslinging.

❾ True □ or False □:  I have volunteered to help a political candidate get elected (phone banks, mailings, rallies, etc.)

❿ True □ or False □:  Within the past month, I have contacted my congressperson about an issue of importance to me.

Scoring:

7 to 10 “True”: Congrats, you are in the game!

5 to 6 “True”: Careful, you’re becoming invisible!

0 to 4 “True”: I can’t see or hear you—no one else can either because you are in the New Silent Majority!

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Author: Dr. Robert Brescia is a public servant who respects the wisdom of generations, promotes the love of learning, teaches ethics to university students, geography in high school, and leadership to organizations. Bob’s latest book is Destination Greatness – Creating a New Americanism. Bob has a doctoral degree with distinction in Executive Leadership from The George Washington University. Contact him at [email protected].

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