To take on the forces of nationalism and populism, we need to

Hear the cry of Jo Swinson, who spoke in a time of division: “To take on the forces of nationalism and populism, we need to rally a liberal movement that offers a positive, alternative vision for the kind of country we want to be.” These words are not mere politics, but a summons to courage and imagination. For she names the struggle between two visions of the world: one that clings to the narrowness of fear, and one that dares to build a positive, alternative vision grounded in unity, openness, and hope.

The meaning of this saying lies in the contrast of forces. Nationalism and populism often arise from pain, from discontent, from the desire to retreat into walls and borders. They speak to the hunger of the people but feed them with division. Yet Swinson declares that to resist these currents, it is not enough to condemn them; one must build a vision greater, brighter, and more inspiring. Only when people see a better path will they turn from the easy shadows of anger to the harder light of justice.

History has revealed this truth many times. Consider the age of Franklin D. Roosevelt, when America was mired in depression and fear. Demagogues whispered of scapegoats and false solutions, calling for blame and exclusion. But Roosevelt lifted his nation with a positive vision—the New Deal. He offered hope through reform, jobs, and security, painting not merely what the nation should resist, but what it could become. Thus, his leadership turned despair into determination. This is Swinson’s wisdom: opposition without vision dies, but vision with action inspires.

The origin of Swinson’s words arises from the turmoil of her own time. In the storms of Brexit and rising populist voices, she sought to remind her people that the answer was not to fight anger with anger, nor fear with fear, but to stand firm in building a society defined by openness, compassion, and cooperation. Her quote carries the rhythm of the ancient truth: the way to overcome darkness is not to curse it, but to kindle a stronger flame.

Let us not mistake her meaning. To rally a liberal movement is not to speak of partisanship alone, but of the spirit of freedom itself—the belief that dignity belongs to all, that societies grow stronger through inclusion, and that the common good outweighs the narrowness of exclusion. This is not the vision of one party or one people, but of all who dare to believe that a nation’s strength lies in unity, not in fracture.

The lesson for us is clear: when confronted with voices of division, do not merely resist—create. Do not simply say what you oppose—declare what you will build. Speak not only against hatred—speak for compassion, for fairness, for opportunity. If you wish to defeat the fires of populism, you must carry water, not more flame. Rally others not with despair but with vision, not with bitterness but with courage.

So I say unto you: take Jo Swinson’s wisdom into your heart. Let your words and deeds form a positive, alternative vision for your family, your community, your nation. Do not leave the shaping of the future to those who trade in fear. Instead, stand boldly and declare the kind of country, the kind of world, you long to see. For in vision lies power, and in power lies the destiny of nations. And if enough hearts rally together, the forces of division shall crumble, and the forces of hope shall endure.