Lead, Follow, or Get the Hell Out of the Way

 I caught a lot of flak for this Facebook post:

I hear of people on social media asking when is the right time to leave the country. The answer is:

NOW, you cowardly piece of shit. Our fathers and grandfathers didn’t fight and die so you could cut and run the first time things got tough. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass. We don’t need you.

Part of the pushback is my own fault. I never meant to include people who may feel genuinely at risk; I thought that would be understood. That’s on me. I accept the responsibility and offer sincere apologies.

The actual targets of my brief rant are those who have had it good in this country, enjoying the fruits of our freedom and economic strength. Especially straight cisgender white men such as myself. We’ve had it better than most since any of us can remember. If you sense you might have to live under less favorable conditions – as many who are not white cisgender men have always had to do – and are looking into abandoning ship, then, yes, you are a coward. Get the fuck out.

“I have children to worry about.” I get that. If that’s what you actually mean, then get them and their mother out. If you really care about them, stick around and help the rest of us as we try to bring back the America you hoped your kids would grow up in.

Speaking of your children, take a second to think about what kind of example you’re setting. If the lesson they learn is to run away when things get tough, then I’m sure any place you may run to will be delighted to have you.

There’s an old saying that goes, “Either lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way.” If you’re looking for the nearest fainting couch, this is the chance of a lifetime to get the hell out of the way. Don’t impede those of us willing to push back in ways more strenuous (and potentially riskier) than running your mouths on Facebook or Bluesky. We have work to do. All I ask is that you not come back and expect to pick up where you left off after we’ve done it.