Changing the World in the Realm of "Heroes"

Martin Luther King agitated for change in his time and was despised for it. And if you haven't read his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," stop what you are doing and go read it. It's a document that exposes how his "friends" were responding to him when he was marching for change. It's interesting, the things you encounter in this life. I'll never have a clue how MLK was treated and the dehumanizing way that he was abused by systemic racism of his day.
Martin Luther King was a great example for everyone trying to change the world. The good news is that very few of us will have to worry about being treated as he was. But engaging the task of changing the world isn't free. Those things and people you lose along the way to making a difference are part of the process of change.
There are many things about the world that need to be improved. There are few people willing to stand up to do that work. And doing that work will almost always anger those vested in the status quo. Sometimes they even put up social media pages in your honor. That's when you know you are making some progress.
I have been involved in public policy issues for many years. Last year when I decided to get involved in support of my home town against the interests of the public unions, little did I know that they would create social media pages in my honor. Actually, it's somewhat flattering to my effort that they so obsess over what I write in social media that they devote an entire presence just to refute me, my political views, professional position, and industry. Apparently they are upset with me for speaking my mind.
Now the AFL-CIO public union agitators are attacking me for filing a police complaint last year against a prominent person in the community, who I (and every non-biased member of my family) felt had overstepped their duties and navigated into the kinds of personal attacks that would give most people reason for concern.
In truth, it was the right thing to do at the time and I would have to do it again if confronted with the same decision. I harbor no ill will for this person but clearly, I won't be popular among those who believe a pass should have been given in that situation.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Those who hold power in our society should be held to a higher standard, hero or not. Those who hold themselves out as heroes before the public, have a duty to protect, serve, and respect constitutional rights of others without using perceived intimidation, bullying, or defamation.
I respect the right of dissent and free speech. I don't respect cowards who hide behind alias identities to harass. Especially when they proclaim their hero status in our community. If you really are a hero, step out from behind anonymity and man up. But that would require some strength of character.
True heroes don't have to have it announced, don't need a certificate of recognition, don't expect special privilege, and don't feel the need to remind people of it all the time. If you'd be a hero, be one that is true.
Martin Luther King didn't expect privilege. He didn't expect homage from government or the public. He was persecuted for the things he did both from supposed "friend" and foe. He spoke truth to power. He challenged the societal structures of systemic racism. He demanded justice and equality. He was murdered because he did these things. He was a true hero.

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