Quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
To sin by silence, when we should protest,Makes cowards out of men. The human raceHas climbed on protest. Had no voice been raisedAgainst injustice, ignorance, and lust,The inquisition yet would serve the law,And guillotines decide our least disputes. The few who dare, must speak and speak againTo right the wrongs of many. Speech, thank God,No vested power in this great day and landCan gag or throttle. Press and voice may cryLoud disapproval of existing ills;May criticise oppression and condemnThe lawlessness of wealth-protecting lawsThat let the children and childbearers toilTo purchase ease for idle millionaires. Therefore I do protest against the boastOf independence in this mighty land. Call no chain strong, which holds one rusted link. Call no land free, that holds one fettered slave. Until the manacled slim wrists of babesAre loosed to toss in childish sport and glee,Until the mother bears no burden, saveThe precious one beneath her heart, untilGods soil is rescued from the clutch of greedAnd given back to labor, let no manCall this the land of freedom.
Summary
This quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice and oppression. Wilcox argues that remaining silent when confronted with wrongdoing not only perpetuates cowardice but also allows those in power to continue their unjust ways. She criticizes the notion of independence in a country where inequality and exploitation persist. Wilcox calls for social and economic freedom, where the exploitation of labor ceases, wealth is not concentrated in the hands of a privileged few, and equality is extended to all, including children and their mothers. Only then, she argues, can true freedom be achieved.
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