Author: Alex. Nemoianu
May 10, 2009
He who is silent agrees
Human existence can be summarized as being a string of continuous choices – choices between good and bad, between right and wrong.
These choices are made amidst the events of daily life with its struggles, its ups and downs, and its periods of boredom. However, the necessity to make choices is unavoidable – it is a given. In this context, we should also remember that the human condition is a fallen one, and as such is imperfect and prone toward mistakes, willingly and unwillingly. It is also important to remember that all human institutions are imperfect, and the only certain way of avoiding complicity with evil is to side with those who are weak and poor.
The complexity of the situation is compounded by the fact that human events do not occur “in principle” or in a vacuum; they are concrete and always “personal”, and for this reason, the obligation to make choices is more stringent. Therefore, it should be clear that the responsibility of those in positions of decision which affect great numbers of people, those who pride themselves as “movers and shakers”, is enormous. However, at the same time, that does not mean that the responsibility of the “rank and file” does not exist, especially in moments of crisis, when important decisions have to be taken.
History has its own momentum, and nobody can change its course. Leaders and those in positions of decision will be remembered as “good” only in as much as they are able to recognize the course of history. The leaders or the institutions that fancy that they can manipulate the “people” or the direction of history are bound to learn quickly that they are wrong. In fact, leaders and institutions that attempt to oppose the direction of history always disappear, like a bad dream. What should never be forgotten is the fact that when crises or moments of definition erupt, all those who have an opinion should speak there minds. There is no excuse for being silent.
The Romanian-American Orthodox community is facing such a moment of definition. In my opinion, it is a choice between its historical development to this point in history and taking a step backward that, again in my opinion, will mean an inglorious marginalization. Those who have an opinion should express it and should not forget that, “qui tacet consentit”, he who is silent agrees.