The Benzie Dems stand with the good people of Minneapolis and
Minnesota. Renee Good could have been any of us going about our everyday lives—dropping kids off at school, buying groceries, or attending a religious service. Now, for the first time in recent memory,
Americans must fear our own government’s armed agents as we
move through our day.
This cannot go unanswered. We encourage people to stand up,
show up, and speak out—but always with safety in mind.
You may think calls to elected officials do no good, but they do.
They may not respond to your voices, but they do hear them.
You may think letters to local papers have limited audiences, but
they can help change minds.
You may think that protests waste time, but history shows
peaceful protests are among the most effective ways to change
hostile governments.
This last year tested us in terribly challenging ways. But because
we responded nonviolently with joy, hope, resilience, and
solidarity, we are making things better. It’s taking too long, but we
can, must, and will prevail.
Public actions in our region are coming soon. Meanwhile, take
care of yourself and others as we challenge the evil inflicted on
our neighbors and friends in Minnesota and around the country.
January 7 was a sad, tragic day for Renee Good’s friends and
family, especially her wife and her children. Our hearts are with them
as they go on without Renee’s bright light guiding their way.
We shall overcome.
