S.O.S.

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW,

Washington DC, 20500

January 20, 2017

Dear, America
 

We are all brought down—to the lowest common denominator. The most decrepit human being, the most deprived hominid.

We are all brought down—by the subjugation and oppression of our brothers and sisters.

We are all laid low—by the men and women who do all in their power to perpetuate inequality.

We are all threatened—by every human being who quantifies prejudice, who makes it palatable by using code words and ambiguous actions.

I cannot in good conscience sit and watch; I cannot in good conscience let society willfully ignore the consequences of its own actions.

I cannot—take one more step further—till all people stand on equal footing.

If I must be relegated to exile, ridicule, attacks of character—if I must go to hell for having a conscience—if I must go to hell to improve the conditions of all people; I will surely burn in good company.

Ghandhi, King, Baldwin, Marx; the way things are . . .

I’d be much happier down there.

Sincerely,

1964