To the People,

It is not the system that failed us. We waited for a deeply flawed system to save itself. It is us that watched a never-ending onslaught of monied interests, purchased politicians, and organized treason draped in patriotic necessity to capitalize upon moments of national fear, squandering our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It was us that thoughtlessly assumed a system of the People, by the People, and for the People could exist without the People actively participating, and in that vacuum, those that would enrich themselves took from us what we left undefended; and in that respect, we have failed the system, we have failed ourselves, and we have failed future generations.

We watch men of leisurely upbringing, unaccustomed to a hard day’s labor, self-assured by their own ego, and reassured by committees of carbon copied sycophants, continue to assault our senses with fear, anger, and hate; based on a foundation of lies compounded by repetition, and magnified by ignorance. We have allowed these enemies of the People to twist the minds of those incapable of seeing beyond the silver-plated words of forked tongue manipulators. We did nothing as our most emotionally vulnerable and mentally susceptible were accosted by propaganda, their futures ripped from their lives.

This melting pot of People, cultures, and ideals mustn’t be further poisoned by the shortsighted leadership of self-enriching populists uplifted by the very systems and technologies that are forcing Americans from their jobs and homes. Such efforts are an affront to representative democracy and freedom of thought. Humanity cannot flourish in an inhumane environment; and there is no doubt that those in charge are anything but humane.

At what point does self-defense become justified? When is it necessary? Why must it be taken? And to what extent must one go? These questions have no specific answer, no gospel truth; Society must be collectively pushed beyond its limits before action will be taken. There is no point in defining those limits, as they are different for each individual and society, and more importantly, because those limits were surpassed long ago.

It is perhaps both ironic and poetic that we find ourselves once again forced to weigh the actions our forefathers took to ensure their freedoms, and the very acts we may find ourselves having to take to ensure ours. Will we continue to build our own prison out of the flashing lights, sweet smells, and denial? Or shall we dream of something greater, as courageous men once did?

To those who consider themselves patriots, your time has arrived. For those who consider themselves helpers, your time has come. For those who have been waiting for a sign, you have now received and read it. All that remains is remembering how to dream.