Speech delivered by Joshua Lawrence at HandsOff! Western Kentucky Fights Back on April 12, 2025 at Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 184 1127 Broadway, Paducah, KY.
Before I begin, I'd like to echo what Michael said and thank everyone in my generation who came out today. We are the future of this country, and there needs to be more of us out here.
Our country’s leaders have recently gone to great lengths to convince us that “wokeness” is ruining the American way of life. People like Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and JD Vance have attempted to manipulate the American public into believing that our failing economy, our disappearing jobs, our poor education, come from a place of “DEI hires” and “radical leftism” and not from their very own agendas to hand this country to the rich and powerful.
I ask you, who benefits from a shift to oligarchy? Is it the veteran? Is it the disabled, the marginalized, or the oppressed? Is it you, or me? Or is it the men and women already in gross wealth and power who cannot bear to lose it?
These politicians, most of whom we have elected to serve us, are now doing the exact opposite by taking away the average, working American’s right to a job or school. Even if you do not believe yourself to be at risk of being discriminated against, you absolutely know and love someone who is.
Look at me, for example. I'm a standard-looking White guy. I'm in good academic and behavioral standing. But I have back problems, and it hurts me to stand for long periods of time. Under the restrictions that this administration proposes, this disability could prevent me from getting a job. It can happen to anyone. That is why I ask you to think not of yourself, but of your mother, of your brother, of your spouse, of your neighbor, of your teacher, of your friend, of your fellow human who is no less deserving of making a living or obtaining an education than you are.
We allowed these people into office to help improve our lives. If they neglect to do so, then they are useless to us.
That is why it is imperative that you do not comply with the tyrannical measures being taken to silence you. Do not allow your words to be censored. Do not allow your race, or your sexuality, or your gender, or your status to be classified as a sin. Do not be passive. You have a say; you have a voice! Use it! Be loud, and be obnoxious! Let the words that you say ring in the ears of the fascists who aim to oppress us. If you do not do this, if you do not stand up for yourself, and if you allow these suits to make decisions on your own way of life, you may regret it for the rest of your natural life. And that is all I have to say.
Joshua Lawrence is a concerned Murray State student and aspiring librarian from Russellville, KY.
