Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. ”

—Thomas Paine 

One of the most powerful moments in cinematic history comes from the movie "Crimson Tide. "

Following the destruction of a Russian Akula Class Attack Submarine, the USS Alabama SSBN (Submerged Ship Ballistic Nuclear)-731 suffers a catastrophic failure of its propulsion system after a rogue torpedo in proximity detonates and the ship begins to sink towards its crush depth. The XO (Executive Officer) receives word that the bilge bay is flooding, therefore the ship is taking on water and three men are trapped. 

The COB (Chief-of-the-Boat) informs the XO that unless the bay is sealed immediately, they will lose the ship. The XO orders the officer to get those men out and seal the bay. The officer emotionally informs the XO that if he goes in, he will also be trapped. The XO orders him to seal the bay knowing that three men will lose their lives for the safety of the crew. As our powerful Navy Hymn plays in the background, the young Lieutenant seals the bay and informs the XO that his orders have been followed with the XO confirming back. 

Just before the ship crosses the crush depth threshold, he is informed that with maneuvering, propulsion has been restored and the ship begins to rise. 

Today, we as a nation are sinking uncontrollably into the dark abyss. 

Will we allow a twice impeached, delusional, autocratic leader—with his treasonous cabinet, animosity-laden officials backed by xenophobic fundamentalists, duplicitous politicians, and opportunistic billionaires—to implode our great nation as each day more destruction to our way of life is undertaken seemingly unrestricted from the fundamentals of our beloved Constitutional Republic? 

No, this is the moment where we dare to rise with courage and not go quietly into the night. 

We are the United States of America, we have the power in ourselves and the mechanisms of this Grand Old Republic to eradicate this darkness, to address our failures and celebrate our triumphs, to work as a leader among nations rebuilding the trust these evil forces have forsaken, to revitalize our planetary home from the progress we have made and finally awake to the dawn of universal consciousness amongst the stars fulfilling our destiny as a species. 

Rise.

Ned Sader has more than two decades of public affairs experience working for corporations and nonprofits, with a specialty in the development of public/private partnerships. He has served on numerous regional boards and is a lifelong resident of Wayne County, PA.  You can find more of his writing here.