I'm Losing My Battles: US-19 vs GW-0

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

I've always believed that some times you have to "pick your battles" and apply your force where it is most effective. Evidently, I haven't picked the right battles. For over a decade I have been an activist for dozens of important issues, but (so far) I haven't won a single victory. Here are just a few:

1. Since 1989, I have fought for health care reform. The system is still broken.
2. I fought to fix the education system - it is still broken.
3. I fought to eliminate poverty - it is more widespread than ever.
4. I fought against the Patriot Act - it is still in effect.
5. I fought against TALON and monitoring without a warrant - they still do it.
6. I fought against Don't Ask, Don't Tell - it is still policy.
7. I fought to eliminate "priority groups" out of veteran benefits - they are still in place.
8. I fought against dog fighting and animal rights - they are both still widespread.
9. I fought for equal human rights - they are still abused all over the world.
10. I fought against rendition - it still happens.
11. I fought against the torture of prisoners - it still happens.
12. I fought against Guantanamo - it is still open.
13. I fought for same-sex marriage - it is still illegal.
14. I fought against election fraud - it still determines the outcome of "free elections".
15. I fought to bring our troops home from Iraq - they are still there.
16. I fought to end the Afghanistan war once Bin Laden was dead - they are sending even more troops there.
17. I fought to keep music education in our schools - yet many programs have been eliminated.
18. I fought to have the previous administration charged with war crimes - nothing has happened to them.
19. I fought against sexual harassment in the military - but my command retaliated and discharged me.
20. I'm fighting against a muscle disease - but the myopathy is slowly winning.

After much thought, I'm going to call an end to my activist efforts and refocus my time and energy on some new projects. There is a big difference between giving up and having done all that you can do, and I think I have accomplished the latter.

Do I have any regrets? Not really. I have to live with my failures, but that is much better than having to live knowing I didn't take any action when something is wrong. Sometimes when you make a stand, you will find yourself to be the only one standing. I owe my life and inspiration to my former congresswoman Cynthia McKinney. In many of my battles, Cynthia and I were the only ones brave enough to fight against the system.

I also owe much to you - my friends. You have always been there for me in good times and bad. I wouldn't have made it this far without your prayers and kind words.

I love each and every one of you!

-- Gary Wright II

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