Over the weekend I saw an interview of Maulik Pancholy done by Ali Velshi on MSNBC. Velshi does a regular weekly segment he calls his "Banned Book Club" and Maulik had been feature on that previously as well (his completely unobjectionable children's book "Best At It" having been targeted). It was an interesting interview as Maulik made a particular point about the importance of one of the community members having the foresight to video the School Board meeting and then putting that video out on social media to show how the Board was talking about him in their decision to disinvite him. Velshi played some of that video and one of the board members began her comments with "I don't mean this to sound discriminatory but..." I guffawed. Anyone anywhere on any topic who has to begin with that phrase is clearly on the wrong side.

I digress. Anyway, the publicity generated by circulating footage of the board on social media put tremendous pressure on the Board. Last night they changed their mind and have reinvited Maulik to speak at the anti-bullying event.

Lesson: Anyone could be the one to shine a big light on cockroaches to send them scurring back into the dark shadows. It is easy to feel powerless, but always remember that loud voices--and video especially--are powerful tools. So whenever anyone can use them, do so! You never know when it might make a difference.

From my favorite Nightwish song "It is hard to light a candle, easy to curse the dark instead."

Don't just curse the dark, everyone. Light a candle.

Just like you do, James, by spreading the word on things that are happening.