Farewell, Tony Benn.

A green field beyond a wicker fence and flowering tree, Froxfield Green, England.

 

Farewell to Tony Benn, a man of great character, who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of many, many people.

Tony Benn: A Blaze of Autumn Sunshine

Just before Christmas, I referenced a BBC Panorama documentary about the appalling manner in which Amazon.co.uk warehouse workers are treated. A woman of my acquaintance announced she would no longer have anything to do with me, as I was "always so angry." At first I was offended by Fiona's remark, particularly at a time when both my father and my husband were seriously ill. Then I realised Fiona doesn't really know me, nor does she appear to have much compassion for others. And she was trying to silence my voice, as she preferred to hear only "happy things" in her self-imposed comfort zone.

I hope I never stop being outraged  - or trying to do something - about the inequities of this world. Tony Benn and his anger at injustice and inequality and his determined efforts to help others made a huge difference in Great Britain - and far beyond its borders.

As a child, I learned from observing Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Morris Dees that individuals working collectively can help change things for the better. As an adult this lesson of activism and social responsibility was reinforced by Tony Benn, the late King Hussein of Jordan, Nelson Mandela, Sen. Bernie Sanders and other courageous leaders. And I believe we have a moral imperative to speak out, wherever and whenever injustice thrives.

Tony Benn deserves our gratitude for crossing vast political divides, shining a light on injustice and championing the rights of those less fortunate. May his legacy long inspire others to follow in his footsteps and/or blaze a few trails of their own.

Listen to Tony Benn speaking to filmmaker Michael Moore about the National Health Service.

Comments

[Colette]

Absolutely brilliant response to those who have their head in the sand. They are part of the reason bad things happen. Anger shines a bright light on those bad things so that they can be addressed/redressed.
Love, C.

[jeanie]

I remember hearing a bit about Tony Benn but I'm not sure where -- more likely than not it was in conjuction with Moore's film "Sicko" on the health care system. I remember thinking (however I saw him) how well spoken he was and (OK, this is silly) he had a great name!

After reading the link I realize how very much his career made an impact on a lot of lives. Indeed, it is a sad passing.

As for your "anger" -- it's just telling it like it is. I admire your passion and eloquence, your fearless ability to 'go for it.' Poor Fiona. If we only hear happy, the day the dark comes will be all the harder.

[Marilyn]

Now I am sad to say I didn't know Tony Benn.
Yes, we can make a difference even if it is talking
to one person and our vote. Keep up the good work, Tara!
xoxo
m