I recently wrote about the courage of my Rabbi and contrasted it to the members of Congress who either meekly went along or ignored the implications of what is happening in our country.

The most obvious example of courage today is the actions of the people of Minneapolis who are protesting what is going on in their community. They have ignored freezing weather, thug-like behavior, tear gas, and even killings of fellow protesters.

It reminds me of the Civil Rights marchers who demonstrated in defiance of the laws of segregation. They were called Communists and outside agitators. The police used dogs and water hoses on them. Yet, there was a collective conscience in America that was appalled by what they saw happening to people because of the color of their skin.

There were killings but not by the government. When students were shot at Kent State it was a national tragedy.

The people of Minneapolis remind us that the time to remain silent is over. What is being challenged is the essential decency of our people and we must rise up and say “Enough!” Not to defend the status quo or to promote a particular point of view. Rather, to insist that American exceptionalism is our ability to live together and care about others in our community.

I choose to believe we can do that. I hope others do as well.