But why even get involved in the madness at all? It is because inaction does not lead to change. Those who simply condemn violence on all sides while not adding their strength behind a solution of some kind are being intellectually dishonest. If we don’t actually invest ourselves in addressing the issue, then our judgment of what goes on in the street is inappropriate, even hypocritical, because our decision to remain uninvolved, to just remove ourselves from the problem, is a degree of tacit participation in the status quo injustice and danger the oppressed are fighting against. Those who are physically present at the rallies, linking arms, peacefully demonstrating for tolerance and love, and those who spend actual time and energy advocating for real legislation, are at least working to create actual change. They’re presenting an alternative. If every American took action and got their feet in the street or at city council meetings rather than just waiting it out, then violent anti-fascist groups likely wouldn’t feel the need to rise up in the first place. If we’re not in some way actively involved in forwarding a solution, then we’re part of the problem, and the blame lies partially with each of us. Apathy and patience are not luxuries in which the hated and oppressed can afford to indulge, because they face very real danger in their lives.