Holocaust Remembrance Day
Roughly eighty years have passed since the devastating events perpetrated by the Nazi party, and yet still, we live in a world of hatred, prejudice and evil. Have we learned from the past, or are we doomed to repeat it?
When government agencies fail to recognize the humanity in each individual, everyone is harmed. It is perilously easy to point the finger at someone else, to look at the wrongs that they are committing.
Audre Lorde famously claimed that “…when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.”
When the Nazi party rose to power, they did so through a legally maintained democratic government. They fed off of the latent fears of the German people and relegated the Jewish population to the role of scapegoat. While blaming the Jewish people for their grievances, they invigorated the remaining population with an inflated sense of German nationalism and pride. Subsequently, these factors were manipulated to justify genocide and warmongering, this haa painted them as one of history’s most nefarious empires. By the time people discovered that their true aim was to consolidate power and eliminate any undesirables, it was far too late for those whose lives they had systematically destroyed.
As we observe Holocaust Remembrance Day, we must dedicate ourselves to remaining eternally vigilant. We must ensure that no government abuses their power through fear and destruction. We must recognize that every human life has value, and is worth defending. Inaction could cost a country its freedom. Apathy and ignorance are once again igniting an old historical pattern. Fortunately, we possess a number of fail-safes to prevent this from happening.
The system of checks and balances was designed to ensure that no one person or party acted outside of the interests of all Americans. This includes the judges who interpret the laws that protect the rights of all. This system also includes Congress’ duty to keep the U.S. President in check. Notably, this is not happening, which is dangerous. The third obstacle is the Bill of Rights, which constitutes the most important part of our constitution—the same constitution that American politicians swear an oath to protect.
Multiple Amendments to the Constitution are being violated
Amendment I
Americans have the freedom of speech, press, and to peaceably assemble. They have the right to practice their desired religion and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. (It is our right and duty as citizens to speak out against our government when it commits wrongs against its people.)
Amendment II
The people have the right to a well-regulated Militia and the right to keep and bear arms. (Protesters have the right to carry guns. They can follow officers of the law. While this may be unnerving, it is legal, and any action to oppose this is illegal. This does not mean a person can use a weapon to threaten an officer or anyone else.)
Amendment IV
Americans have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures. No Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. (Without a bench warrant, an officer has no right to enter a home or place of business without consent.)
Amendment V
Amongst other things, no person is without the right to due process. (This right is not limited to Americans; any person in the United States is afforded this right.)
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. (All people, when detained or arrested, have the right to their day in court. This is not limited to Americans; any person in the United States is afforded this right.)
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. (If a facility fails to provide services that constitute humane treatment, this is then deemed cruel and unusual punishment. Serving rotten food, fatal beatings, etc. are not valid uses of detainment.)
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. (Claiming one right cancels out another right is not lawful. For instance, if a person is arrested, they cannot forfeit their rights as a human.)
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. (If the Federal Government is acting in violation of a person’s rights, and the state government orders them out, they have that right.)
If we intently observe the actions and words of the Federal Government, the evidence speaks for itself: they are targeting the transgender and queer community, immigrants (both legal and “illegal”), politically liberal individuals, women, environmentalists, political foes, judges, prosecutors, etc. These are their targets so far. Maybe you are not on their list of adversaries today—but you might be eventually. If you are concerned by what is happening in the United States and elsewhere abroad, we advise you to notify your local, state, and federal representatives and demand action.
Speak with your neighbors and build community. Protect and support those without voices. These qualities are what America fought for when we aided the Allied Forces to dismantle those who implemented the Holocaust. This mantle now falls upon each of our shoulders. We are tasked with safeguarding the freedom of those most vulnerable.
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