We keep watching our government officials prioritize personal gain over public service. This should outrage every American, no matter their views. While our leaders enjoy privilege, most of us face daily struggles. Everyone deserves equal treatment, yet we’re denied it.

I refuse to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, because its promise is false. “Liberty and justice for all” means nothing when discrimination continues unchecked. Those in power break laws without punishment while making empty promises. This hypocrisy can’t continue.

When online protests are ignored, streets become our only platform. We must disrupt normalcy to make people understand why we demonstrate. This fight is for our survival, for our children’s future, for actual justice rather than comforting lies.

To those criticizing protesters: What positive change have you created? Your silence supports oppression. The powerful never surrender control willingly. We must claim what’s ours. We protest because workers starve on minimum wage while billionaires hoard wealth. We protest because healthcare bankrupts families and politicians serve corporations. We protest because racism persists, education costs enslave students and our planet burns for profit.

This isn’t about temporary inconvenience, but permanent survival. When voting fails and petitions gather dust, protest becomes our voice. History proves change only comes when the oppressed disrupt the comfortable.

So I challenge you: If not protest, what solution do you offer? If not now, when will you act? Stand with us or at least stop attacking those fighting for your future, too.

NOEL KANDEL
Astoria