Member-only story
We Live in a Country That Allows Free Speech.
Why Am I Afraid to Speak Up?
The purpose of including this photo here will be obvious in a few paragraphs.
The privilege of writing and speaking freely.
I spend considerable time writing, mostly on a novel I am trying to finish. Of late, however, I have agonized over whether I should share certain thoughts–on social media, within the pages of my novel’s manuscript, and even with some of my friends. There is never a justification for hateful rhetoric or harmful statements, but everyone is entitled to an opinion. However, I’m usually hesitant to voice what I think and, the reason why frightens me.
The United States election looms less than a week from now and tensions are high. People are passionate about their views and anxious about what will happen, as am I. This post is not intended to pick a fight, but to air something that has been bothering me.
To write an excellent story, the author must raise the stakes.
This election has raised them plenty. There is a lot at stake for all of us, admittedly for some more than others. Our vote in this election is about how we want to be governed, as much or more than it is about the issues we defend.
