I stand with (fill in the blank).  What does that really mean?

            People from Ukraine, Haiti, Israel, and Palestine hear that statement a lot lately.  Heck, it can even apply to factions within a community.

            But, what does that mean?  Does it mean that you agree with them? That you support them?  What have you really done to support them?  How does just agreeing with them help them?

            It can be a great "catch-all" phrase for politicians, especially those who are looking to curry favor from one group or another.

            Have you taken it to the next level?  Have you sent a check to support humanitarian relief?  Have you written to your federal elected officials to voice your support?

            What's that?  You participated in a protest march or demonstration that successfully closed a public highway, bridge, or tunnel.  Other than alienating citizens who might want to agree with you, what did it accomplish?  You say it raised awareness for the cause, but did it raise any money for humanitarian relief or spike change in government thinking? Was that awareness raised a positive or negative for your protest?

            Participating in protests that don't include putting your money where your mouth is or removing your mask and putting pen to paper to let decision-makers know who you are and where you stand, may only anger others to your cause.

            It's not hard to stand up in front of a camera, with or without a mask, and claim that you "stand with …" Where do you stand when the camera is off and the microphones removed?

            Does "I stand with" include spreading hate or even committing hate crimes?  It shouldn't.  Do you consider committing hate crimes nothing more than reasonable political discourse?  You shouldn't.     

            I stand with.  Perhaps you don't really mean it, after all, it's just an expression that you can easily take back or hide behind if your actions later contradict your words.

            If you say it, do it.  Stand proudly and support your cause.  If you don't really mean it, sit down and stop trying to divide people.