top of page
Search

What Are You Doing Today? “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”

“What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum?

The barbarians are due here today” (Constantine Cavafy 1863-1933)


It’s unclear who actually professed the first quote about how evil triumphs, but it is a truism that history bears out. The last most stunning example in recent history is, of course, Nazi Germany. But the list runs long:


The Rise of Nazi Germany (1930s-1940s) The Holocaust


The Rwandan Genocide (1994) nearly 800,000 people, mostly Tutsi, were slaughtered in just 100 days


Jim Crow Era in the U.S. (Late 19th – Mid 20th Century) – Systemic racism and segregation were perpetuated in part because many well-meaning white Americans remained silent or indifferent, allowing discrimination and violence against Black Americans to persist.


The Soviet Gulag System (20th Century) – Millions were imprisoned or killed under Stalin’s rule, yet many within the Soviet Union and abroad hesitated to speak out, either out of fear or apathy.


The Appeasement of Hitler (1938 – Munich Agreement) British and French leaders allowed Hitler to annex Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland, hoping to prevent war. Their inaction and appeasement only emboldened Nazi aggression.


The Fall of the Roman Republic (1st Century BCE) – Corruption and power grabs by figures like Julius Caesar were facilitated by senators and citizens who failed to act decisively to uphold Republican values.


The second quote is from a poem by Constantine Cavafy entitled, “Waiting For The Barbarians”. Written in 1898 but widely quoted during World War II and after into the Cold War, it precisely describes what we are witnessing today:


Why isn’t anything going on in the senate?


Why are the senators sitting there without legislating?


Because the barbarians are coming today


What’s the point of senators making the laws now?


Once the barbarians are here, they’ll do the legislating.


You can read the full poem here:



I suggest that the above list will someday include:


The Rise of Authoritarianism in America (2016 - TBD)


Many historians and authors will successfully argue that the seeds of this were planted in America at least a generation ago. Evil does not happen overnight - the seeds are planted but no one notices what goes on underground…all winter…the invasive species lies dormant in wait for the right season to send its shoots up through the soil into daylight. And even then, we see only the top of the plant and think if we kill that portion and its tendrils that all will be well again - the invasive species destroyed. But what we don’t see are the rhizomes spreading insidiously in places we never thought to look - right under our feet.


But here we are now and in broad daylight being suffocated by an invasion of barbarians.


Breathe deep the gathering gloomWatch lights fade from every room (Nights In White Satin, Moody Blues)


Today (March 29, 2025) I will attend ongoing rallies and organizing events hosted by Audacity.org. (see here for more details on how James Cook is dedicated to preserving democracy through consistent participation, conversation and demonstration) Audacity 


Here in Rockland, Maine all ages gather to express their audacity in the face of the crimes being committed at the highest level of offices in this Country.


There are ample opportunities arising every day in communities or online - choose something that suits you - but choose something so that when the latest chapter in American history is written you’ll know where you stood or did not stand as the barbarians took root.


And If you need further inspiration read Joyce Vance’s recent Substack here: 



By Susan Wright, Democracy Is Us Board and Council member


 
 
 

Comments


Democracy Is Us

Democracy Is Us is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring citizens to preserve and vitalize democracy through conversations, actions and events.

Address:

Suite 3

3589 N Shiloh Dr

Fayetteville, AR 72703

USA

Join Us

Stay in the loop on inspiring events, news, and ways we can advance democracy for a bright America!

Almost Finished! Check your email to verify...

© 2025 Democracy Is Us |  Terms of Use  |  Privacy Policy

bottom of page