Standing up for what you believe in isn’t easy. In fact, it can be the hardest task in a person’s life. Standing up for what you believe, especially when it’s unpopular, doubly so.
Which is why today, I find myself shocked and appalled so many are viciously attacking some of the bravest people online. People, who at great risk to themselves, are standing up for their principles.
Closely held beliefs that are so thoroughly intertwined into the very fabric of these people’s being that death would be preferable to violating them. In fact, these folks would likely lay down their lives to defend such lofty ideals.
So today, I salute your bravery, Bill Gates defenders.
It requires grit and tenacity to insist “Bill Gates earned every dollar”
It takes resilience to be told a thousand times you’re “some kind of grotesque idiot”
It displays incredible and unwavering belief to post from the rooftops “Bill Gates is applying himself body and soul to philanthropic works”
It might break you, but one needs immense courage to proclaim “Bill Gates undid the Holocaust”
A grand hurrah for you, sweet Gates defenders. Not since the Light Brigade have we seen such a selfless and romantic charge into certain doom for the benefit of an impossibly wealthy man who is unaware and unconcerned with your existence or sacrifice on his behalf.
Surely poets and singers shall write of your glory. Let me be the first.
Oh Captain our Captain
Of the computer industry
We giveth our life
For your wealth and many jet skis
You know not our names
You know not our our plight
But to die for you
Is our greatest delight
Oh proffer your boot
For our lusty tongues
That we should die happy
When we give you our lungs
Oh Captain our Captain
Even when tortured by imps
We’ll remain true forever
Your faithful simps
Jean Krill is is the co-editor and co-founder of Zero Balance. His writing navigates the many disparate visions of a radically better future.