We need an attitude of defiance, not an attitude of cowardice.

Host: The café was quieter than usual, the soft murmur of rain against the windows blending with the hushed conversations around them. The gentle light inside created a calm atmosphere, perfect for reflection. Jack and Jeeny sat across from each other, the weight of their conversation gradually taking shape as they sipped their drinks.

Jeeny, her expression thoughtful, looked up from her cup and spoke.

Jeeny: “I came across something by Jill Stein today. She said, ‘We need an attitude of defiance, not an attitude of cowardice. Out in the street, that’s how we are winning against the TransCanada Pipeline. This is how we have delayed the Trans-Pacific Partnership and forced it into an election season, gotten everybody to stand against it. Democracy is not about surrender.’ What do you think about that?”

Jack: He paused for a moment, his gaze focused as he processed her words. “That’s powerful, isn’t it? Defiance, not cowardice. Fighting back, especially in a world that often seems controlled by large corporations and powerful interests. Jill Stein’s message is about resistance, about not giving in to forces that seem too big to fight.”

Host: The soft sound of the rain outside filled the space as Jeeny’s voice, steady and calm, continued.

Jeeny: “Yes, exactly. Stein is highlighting that democracy isn’t about passively accepting things as they are. It’s about standing up, about fighting for what you believe in. When you see something that goes against your values, you challenge it, you don’t just surrender to it. Her words show that activism, even in the face of adversity, can bring about real change. It’s about making your voice heard and ensuring that decisions are made in the open, not behind closed doors.”

Jack: “I see what she’s saying. People are often afraid of going up against the status quo. There’s so much power concentrated in the hands of the few, and sometimes it feels like resistance doesn’t make a difference. But Stein’s point is that defiance, even when it’s uncomfortable, is how real change happens. It’s not about sitting back—it’s about acting, even if the odds are against you.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. Courage and resistance are what make democracy meaningful. When you stand up, when you resist, you’re asserting your right to be heard. That’s what keeps democracy alive. The power to say no, to fight against policies that harm people, the environment, or the future—it’s not about surrendering; it’s about participating in the process and demanding something better.”

Host: The café, which had once been filled with background noise, now felt like a space of quiet reflection. Jack and Jeeny sat in shared understanding, the weight of Jill Stein’s words hanging in the air between them.

Jack: “So, it’s about action, right? Not just voting or talking about change, but actually going out there, challenging what’s wrong. It’s about defying the forces that try to keep things the same, and not letting fear or complacency stop you from standing up for what you believe in.”

Jeeny: “Yes. Defiance isn’t just about resistance for the sake of it. It’s about standing firm in your beliefs and refusing to let systems of power dictate your future. Democracy is about engagement, not surrender. It’s about actively shaping the future, even when it’s difficult.”

Host: The café, now wrapped in the soft quiet of their conversation, felt like a space for the realization that true democracy requires more than just passive participation—it requires defiance, action, and a willingness to stand against the forces that seek to maintain the status quo. It was a quiet reminder that in the fight for justice, change, and progress, resistance wasn’t just an option—it was a necessary part of the journey.