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Booker did not read the phone book, as other senators have done. He did not simply read state laws into the Congressional Record, as Thurmond did to pass the time. He did not read children’s books, like Ted Cruz.

Instead, Booker used his time to argue that what we are witnessing in our country is not only abnormal, but fundamentally wrong. He connected his argument to the U.S. Constitution, the Bible and our shared sense of right and wrong. He explained how the moment we live in fits into the broader context of history while also being unique. Seamlessly, he wove references to literature, religion, law and politics.

Booker was not killing time merely to inconvenience others; he was using the time to persuade an audience. That is why his speech became so captivating and why millions tuned in to watch. He was not wasting our time or his. He was using it efficiently and effectively to sound an alarm that too few have heard.

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Collective action is important, and supporting others can help, but the power of individuals speaking out is what despots fear the most. It is why Putin jailed and killed Navalny. It is why China prohibits individuals from engaging in even solo acts of protest or posting certain content on social media.

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