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Rest in Power, Alexei
The Price of Courage
So, Russia tells us that Alexei Navalny is dead.
Given Russian disinformation, maybe he is, maybe he is not.
This won’t be a long, profound history of Putin, Russia, poisoning, or Tall Building syndrome. We all know those facts.
This brief reflection simply wants to highlight that while some brave others are willing to forfeit their health, their fortunes, their comfort, their families, and their lives, for freedom and justice which they may never themselves enjoy, many of us are unwilling to raise a hand, mouth a protest, or, heaven forbid, exercise our conscience before those who disagree,
for fear of temporary discomfort, losing friends, bucking the crowd, or being primaried.
Given that some willingly sacrifice much for others, may we at least look to ourselves and ask what little we are willing to do for justice? We do not yet risk poisoning, exile, long prison terms, or longer falls from tall buildings. In honor of Alexei Navalny, and his giving his all, may we, at a minum, give our least? If not now, when?
While he rests in peace, let us live in passion.
