World Affairs

---

It used to be he had a voice,
That he was free to speak;
When other’s views were not his choice
He countered with critique.

It used to be he didn’t fear
Opposing points of view,
And though he thought them odd or queer
Gave everyone their due.

But we don’t hear him anymore—
His voice has now been stilled;
Just as has happened oft before
Discussion’s all but killed.

The bullies and the bigots rule
With arrogance and hate—
The threat of violence the tool
That stifles true debate.

When ‘good’ men fear to speak the truth
Because of violence
Catastrophe will be the fruit—
The corollary of silence.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR