True American Patriots Should “Stand Back and Stand By”

 By Mildred Robertson

“Stand Back and Stand By” are the infamous words of the 45^th President of the United States that launched the most hideous attack on this nation since the Civil War. His clarion call to the far-right extremist group the Proud Boys was issued during the September 29, 2020, presidential debate. His command resonated throughout our politics over the past two years, and on January 6, 2021, culminated in an insurrection death, and destruction.  

His inappropriate use of the presidential bully pulpit resulted in an uprising that left as many as seven people dead, and numerous injured, including approximately 150 Capitol and Metropolitan police officers and other responders. In addition, hundreds of government workers, including the vice president of the United States were traumatized by the mob as they hunted them in the halls of the U.S. Capitol building. The mob threatened to hang Vice President Mike Pence and assassinate House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others.  All this was based on the words of a twice impeached, morally corrupt, failed president who desperately sought to hold on to power in the waning hours of his presidency.

As we examine these infamous words, at first glance, they disgust and repel most loyal Americans. But in my view, these words can take on a life of their own, much as the derogatory “n-word” has done in the Black community. That contemptuous, evil word meant to offend has been co-opted by Blacks who have decided to own this insult, stripping it of its power and violence and designing it to be used by Blacks alone.  

I posit that this is the path Democrats and liberals should take with the phrase “Stand back and Stand By.” I suggest that we strip this phrase of its venom, hatred, and its call to negative action. We should, I believe replace it in the American psyche as a call to all Americans who love democracy to take up the true arms given to us by the Founding Fathers. I do not speak of Second Amendment armaments, but the one most powerful weapon we hold as Americans…our voice at the polls…our VOTE.

There is a historical understanding of the power of the vote that hearkens back to our Founding. Our country was conceived on the concept that American citizens had the right to a say in how they would be governed. The fledgling nation took up arms to make that point. Throughout our history, the struggle remains as to who is an American…and how each citizen that dwells on our soil can be so defined.

While many have fought and died to gain or hold on to that privilege—that right; many have become disillusioned and disengaged believing that it is too difficult or too pointless to participate in American politics. Many have fallen prey to the propaganda offered by opponents of freedom. Many have become discouraged at the constant political bickering; the constant polarization and unrest in our nation. And frankly, many are consumed by the challenges of daily living such as the high cost of living, healthcare challenges, and instability in the world caused by war and other worldwide challenges.

Some question how the simple act of casting a vote can have a meaningful impact on their day-to-day lives. But it is that simple act that has the power to exponentially change our current situation. Everyone who checks out on their responsibility to vote checks out on their ability to change their own circumstance.

We do not need flagpoles whittled into a spear. We do not need men and women dressed in armor or carrying hand ties to capture and kill our opponents. We do not need gallows to hang our adversaries. We do not even need to march in the streets. We just need to vote!

That is how we conquer the horde. Those who love democracy…those who believe in the promise of America for all who come to our shores…those who desire “A more perfect union,” should Stand Back and Stand By to cast their vote on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/05/us/politics/jan-6-capitol-deaths.html

http://www.blackbottomarchives.com/blackpapersocialjustice/on-non-black-people-saying-nigga

https://80000hours.org/articles/is-voting-important/