General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMLK: "Power without Love is Cruel and Abusive, and Love without Power is Sentimental and Anemic."
Power at it's best is Love implementing the Demands of Justice! And Justice, at it's best, is Love, correcting everything that stands against Love.
It is Hope, with true acceptance of the realities we face, and a deep understanding of the interplay of Love and Power in the service of Justice, that is the life's blood of resistance.
We must do more than rail against "them."
Accepting the truth of the symptoms of our national illness is NOT giving up. It is an act of courage that fuels action. Just as accepting symptoms of a physical illness is an act of courage that frees up energy to take the positive steps you can -- energy that would otherwise be wasted in denial, complaint, and rejecting reality because it "should" be different.
Preserving Hope and taking steps toward healing requires the three C's -- Courage, Connection, and Creativity. And further, it requires an understanding that Power and Love are not opposing forces. They are essential elements as we work to turn the tide.
And note, I say work, not fight. Because what we are doing is work -- hard work. Non-violent work. Work for justice and core values driven by compassion, clear boundaries, hope, and strength.

MerryBlooms
(12,001 posts)pat_k
(11,755 posts)Somehow I though this would garner more recs. It remains a mystery to me. I've posted things as a throwaway remark that get lots of recs, and then other things I think are important get a tepid response. I will never be an "influencer" because I have no clue what gets attention. (And I'm actually fine with this form of cluelessness. I'll just keep postin' what I post when I'm able to check in on my DU community.)
MerryBlooms
(12,001 posts)Take care.
Thanks for the post 🥰
orangecrush
(26,700 posts)pat_k
(11,755 posts)... sort of wound up thinking about the role of compassion in morality and justice. And contending with the abuse being thrown at us.
BoRaGard
(7,526 posts)
bluestarone
(20,284 posts)Today these people in charge would CRUSH HIM!! (there is no doubt in my mind!!)
pat_k
(11,755 posts)It's been way too long since I read that collection of writings. We need what he offered us now more than ever.
carpetbagger
(5,360 posts)These are concepts fleshed out in the 1940s and 1950s by Paul Tillich (cf his book Love, Power, and Justice). He's giving a book report and giving the ideas hands and boots to march with.