Along with many ideologies throughout the world, Christian teachings clearly outline how we are to live among one another. We are to think and put into practice, “Whatever is true, noble, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8). When we use these seven qualities as a template to examine the current political administration, they come up void of all seven.

Taking away jobs and livelihoods from dedicated, good and loyal workers.

Taking benefits away from veterans who volunteered to fight and protect our country.

Taking aid from those who have been born with or, through accident, incurred disabilities.

Taking (stealing) money from retired workers who faithfully paid, from their wages, into Social Security.

Taking history from future generation, so evil men can repeat the same to rise to power.

Taking away the power of our court system, which restrained the rise of oligarchic rule.

Taking away the “unalienable rights” and freedoms our country was founded upon.

True? Praiseworthy? Admirable? Noble? Excellent? Lovely? Pure? No.

We are currently living under a government called “oligarchy,” which means “power and rule by a few.” And more than a few of these white men were never elected to rule — the same as during Jim Crow — keeping the vote from women and minorities, defeating ERA (the Equal Rights Amendment) and fighting everything that has not served their pursuit of power and wealth.

Our silence is consent. Our complacency is no longer acceptable.

This Saturday, April 5, is a day of national protest to say “Hands off!”

Along with the massive gathering in Washington, D.C., thousands of local gatherings will be opportunities for us to be heard. Throughout history, there has been no social change until people have taken to the streets to be heard. So show up! Be loud for a change.

A local HandsOff! Rally will be held in front of the Charles Town Courthouse this Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m.

Robin Young, of Shepherdstown