Missing in action

Each and every individual and organization has the right to offer or not offer their views on any subject, under the protections of our unassailable doctrine and laws pertaining to the freedom of speech.  Many comment on issues in manner and content with which I disagree, but they have the uniquely American right to comment.  I served to defend this and the other rights we enjoy as American citizens.

"I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."  Attributed to Voltaire.

Recent reports of the violent assaults perpetuated nationwide under the title of the "knockout game," in which unsuspecting strangers (white, Asian, Hispanic) are viciously struck and knocked down by black youths, reveal many self proclaimed journalists, social commentators, activists, legislators, elected officials, community organizers, and organizations are missing in action by their silence:

• Al Sharpton
• Jesse Jackson
• Tavis Smiley
• Rachael Maddow
• Chris Matthews
• Valerie Jarrett
• Oprah Winfrey
• Whoopy Goldberg
• Corey Booker
• Rham Emanuel
• Congressional Black Caucus
• NAACP
• Urban League
• Organizing for Action
• Clintons
• Ed Schultz
• Keith Olbermann
• Eugene Robinson
• E. J. Dionne
• Barbara Walters
• Reverend Jeremiah Wright
• Robert L. Johnson
• Maxine Waters
• James Clyburn
• Marc H. Morial
• Harry Belafonte
• Eric Holder
• POTUS

More important at times is what individuals and organizations do not say or when they choose not to speak.

"The sin of doing nothing is the deadliest of all the seven sins. It has been said that for evil men to accomplish their purpose it is only necessary that good men should do nothing.” Attributed to Charles F. Aked.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Attributed to Edmund Burke.

Failing to comment upon and condemn the reported violence speaks loudly about those who so fail.  They are simply missing in action.