In a starkly divided America, where the courageous stand up for what's right, the powerful and wealthy elite have chosen to remain silent - even as lives are threatened. The case of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, killed by federal agents in Minneapolis just days after his death sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage, highlights the shameful complicity of America's ruling class.
In contrast to the brave communities that gathered in their neighborhoods to mourn Pretti's death and demand justice, the CEOs of major corporations, including Apple, Amazon, and Zoom, attended a glitzy screening at the White House, munching on commemorative cookies and popcorn. The juxtaposition is telling: while ordinary Americans risked everything for their neighbors, the elite lined up to congratulate themselves.
The silence of America's elites is not just puzzling; it's also revealing. Those who lead major institutions have been socialized to value individualism above all else, combined with a deep-seated fear of taking risks or speaking out against authority. This toxic mix has led many to prioritize career advancement and self-preservation over standing up for democratic values.
The author of this article knows firsthand the effects of such an upbringing. Trained in elite institutions from a young age, they learned to cultivate confidence in individual talents but also followed rules set forth by figures of authority without question. However, after years of working as a community organizer, they witnessed ordinary people taking enormous risks for their families and communities.
The author now calls on elites to break free from this conformity and take a risk: harness the power of solidarity to stand up against authoritarianism. By standing together, institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and MIT have won reprieves in court, while law firms that resisted executive orders have emerged victorious. Even some Republican-appointed judges have blocked authoritarian policies.
However, these examples remain exceptions rather than the rule. The country desperately needs more elites to speak out against fundamental rights violations and repression, not just because of ideology but also because of fear. We need institutions and leaders from across the ideological spectrum to stand up for democratic values.
For inspiration, they would do well to look to the thousands of working-class people who have bravely stood up against federal violence and neighborly exploitation with only cellphones and whistles to protect their communities. If America's elites can find that same courage, we might yet prevent our country from descending into full-blown autocracy.
Ultimately, it's time for America's ruling class to remember the confidence they learned in school - and move beyond conformism. By doing so, they may just change the trajectory of our country's future.
In contrast to the brave communities that gathered in their neighborhoods to mourn Pretti's death and demand justice, the CEOs of major corporations, including Apple, Amazon, and Zoom, attended a glitzy screening at the White House, munching on commemorative cookies and popcorn. The juxtaposition is telling: while ordinary Americans risked everything for their neighbors, the elite lined up to congratulate themselves.
The silence of America's elites is not just puzzling; it's also revealing. Those who lead major institutions have been socialized to value individualism above all else, combined with a deep-seated fear of taking risks or speaking out against authority. This toxic mix has led many to prioritize career advancement and self-preservation over standing up for democratic values.
The author of this article knows firsthand the effects of such an upbringing. Trained in elite institutions from a young age, they learned to cultivate confidence in individual talents but also followed rules set forth by figures of authority without question. However, after years of working as a community organizer, they witnessed ordinary people taking enormous risks for their families and communities.
The author now calls on elites to break free from this conformity and take a risk: harness the power of solidarity to stand up against authoritarianism. By standing together, institutions like Harvard, Princeton, and MIT have won reprieves in court, while law firms that resisted executive orders have emerged victorious. Even some Republican-appointed judges have blocked authoritarian policies.
However, these examples remain exceptions rather than the rule. The country desperately needs more elites to speak out against fundamental rights violations and repression, not just because of ideology but also because of fear. We need institutions and leaders from across the ideological spectrum to stand up for democratic values.
For inspiration, they would do well to look to the thousands of working-class people who have bravely stood up against federal violence and neighborly exploitation with only cellphones and whistles to protect their communities. If America's elites can find that same courage, we might yet prevent our country from descending into full-blown autocracy.
Ultimately, it's time for America's ruling class to remember the confidence they learned in school - and move beyond conformism. By doing so, they may just change the trajectory of our country's future.
i mean i know there's a lot of issues but this article is making me think about how some people are more scared to speak up than others lol did u see that apple employee who got fired for tweeting something wrong? 
like isn't freedom of speech important or wut 
. anyway, i think this author is right, we need more people in power to stand up for what's right and not be afraid of taking risks... even if it means rocking the boat 
. It's like they're speaking different languages or something. These CEOs attending a White House screening while the nurses are getting killed by federal agents? That's not solidarity, that's just out of touch 
. The author makes some valid points about how elites are often socialized to prioritize individual success over collective good. It's like they're taught to be self-satisfied and afraid to rock the boat 
.
It's not easy to break free from that conformity and take a stand. The author's call to action is spot on, though – we do need more elites to use their power to promote democracy and human rights.
. I mean, with just their cellphones and whistles, they're taking on the system and fighting for justice. If the elite can find that kind of courage and solidarity, maybe we can avoid a full-blown autocracy 
.
It's like, what's the point of having all that power and money if you're not going to use it for anything meaningful?
like a rotten apple core. The bigwigs at those corporate giants are just too scared to rock the boat, even when lives are on the line. I mean, what's more valuable - their career or some average Joe's life? It's all about them thinking they're above the law, but that's just not true 
.
️. They can't just sit there while the country goes down the drain. We need more of them speaking out against injustice, even if it means ruffling some feathers 
. It's all about standing together for what's right, not just looking out for number one.
, but this one takes the cake. It's time for America's elites to stop being so darn scared and start fighting for what matters most 
. We need that change now 
!
... it's just not right.
.
Like, they gotta remember that school confidence thing, you know? And move beyond just bein' comfy. We need 'em to stand up for this democracy stuff. 