By James Revels
February is Black History Month, a time observed for many years to reflect on the struggle for equality and contributions of Black Americans to our history. Because Black history is American history, this year I would like to comment on the threat to our democracy, posed by the enemy within.
“Great nations do not fall from the actions of their foreign enemies,” an ancient sage noted. “They always surrender to the enemy within.”
For years, I penned commentaries for the El Paso Times, and each February I focused on Black history. Last August, writing for El Paso Matters, I cited the success of military integration, a 75-year landmark achievement. This noteworthy event was made possible by Executive Order 9981, signed by President Truman on July 26, 1948.
This order effectively ordered an end of all-Black units, and paved the way for a gradual elimination of discrimination in the armed forces. But it did not defeat the scourge of racism still gripping this nation.
Recently, a life-sized statue of baseball great Jackie Robinson was destroyed in a Kansas park, near where it stood for years as an inspiration to young baseball players. At this writing, those responsible have not been found or arrested.
As we pause to observe another Black History Month, we all must recognize that bigotry, hatred, racism, sexism, misogyny and xenophobia reside deeper in our souls than we care to admit. Anyone who continues to deny this fact need only attend a Trump political rally. We are a nation divided, and under assault from within.
We have never faced the threat from within existing today. If left untreated, this cancer will destroy us all and no amount of time spent reflecting on our history will alter this reality. Black history is American history, a work in progress.
An even greater threat to our democracy resides in a polarized society. When voters cannot tell the difference between real news reports and fake social media postings, truth then loses the ability to convince.
History, like respect, is achieved, not awarded. The fight for freedom and democracy is a worthy pursuit, but cannot be taken for granted. The more things change, the more they remain the same.
When it comes to change, we all need to heed the wisdom of Romain Rolland, who wrote: “The world is fed with little truth and many lies.”
While hypocrisy continues to grip our body politic, the success of Black warriors, in the fight for democracy and equality, demonstrates that character, integrity, honor and truth matters. Hatred and bigotry are not easily conquered.
Thomas Paine wrote long ago: “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it…”
James Revels is a retired Army colonel and former columnist for the El Paso Times who lives in East El Paso.
