For quite some time I have obsessed about the issue of whether to continue writing op-eds and making political posts on social media.

On the one hand, I am being or could be monitored.

While I am retired and less at risk than others, what I write can be interpreted as a critique–a rational and civil one, in my opinion–of the current presidential administration, as well as political leaders who acquiesce to the president.

Although no one should be monitored and targeted for disagreeing with those in power, sadly that’s the world we now live in. On the other hand, I have vociferously argued that silence is complicity and that the only way to stop what is happening to our nation is to resist, protest and be heard–a lesson we learned the hard way from history.

In addition, as a teacher of argumentation for more than 40 years, staying silent would be contradictory. No doubt my quandary about what to do is faced by others. All of us must ask whether we wish to stand up and speak out or remain quiet, whether principle or expedience should guide our decision.

Richard Cherwitz, an occasional columnist and op-ed writer, is Ernest A. Sharpe Centennial Professor Emeritus, Moody College of Communication and founding director, Intellectual Entrepreneurship  Consortium, The University of Texas at Austin.

https://www.courant.com/2025/10/20/readers-speak-should-i-keep-writing-political-op-eds/