OPINION: Peaceful, not passive
Two distinct occasions collided Monday: Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. One event marked the peaceful transfer of power, and the other reminded us that peace is not passive.
As we embark on the second Trump administration, Democrats will continue to be the loyal opposition — pushing back on policies that deserve greater scrutiny. We embrace King’s declaration that “peace is not the absence of tension, but the presence of justice.”
Peace is not passive, but an active state of being. Peace does not just happen, it requires work. It exists in the way we work and struggle, regardless of what is going on around us.
The collision of Inauguration Day and MLK Day was fortunate: what better way to launch into the next four years than with a reminder of how to peacefully protest inequity, injustice and prejudice?
From the steps of the Lincoln Monument, King gave us direction on how to push back: “We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.”
King accomplished this by powerfully sharing his words, and encouraging others to use their voice. Today, we can choose where to direct our time and money. Find a cause that you care about and get involved. You have many options to choose from whether it's North Idaho Pride Alliance, Community Library Network Alliance, Kootenai County NAACP, or others.
Importantly, you can find community and support local Democrats as we embark on the hard work of promoting a brighter future for all Idahoans. We will kick off this work with an inspiring night together Feb. 15 at our annual Democracy Dinner.
Real peace, the kind that King envisioned, does not just happen when one political party becomes the momentary victor. Appeasement for some is heartbreak for others. While the billionaire White man might rejoice at Trump’s inauguration, the refugee immigrant feels terror.
"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice,” King said.
That means justice for all Americans — not just the ones who fit a certain race, economic, or gender mold.
"If we are to have peace on Earth, our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective,” King said.
When speaking of America’s fortunes, King pointed out that Black and White, bond and free, we rise and fall together.
"They (White allies) have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone."
The same could be said for two other groups who are on seemingly opposing sides: Democrats and Republicans. If we are to move toward the aspirational goal of, “One nation, under God,” then we must realize that the American promise is for all of us.
Political tides rise and fall. That’s the nature, and the wonder, of America. One day a certain party is on top, and then power shifts. What remains is the determination to move forward, to achieve better, and to elevate the American experience.
In King’s words, “As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”
As we look to the next four years, let us each determine to always move forward, no matter how slow. Stand for what you believe. Do it with courage and grace. And together, we can all continue to work towards a more perfect union.
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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.