To you who find my activism a source of amusement; who chuckle over my commitment to the cause of compassion; who smugly deride my desire to make the world a kinder place: I say, go ahead and laugh. One day we may share a laugh together over how much you have changed your mind.
To you who patronize me, who patiently explain to me the way the world really works and why my work is all for naught: I say, I am not a child. I am not playing at make-believe. I am using my adult head and my adult heart to bring about real, lasting change. But maybe you don’t understand how the process of real change really works.
To you who try to shut me up and shut me down; who try to stop me from stopping you and all the evil that you do: I say, realize it is not just me. One day we will all shut you down for good. One day a millionfold voices will drown out your lies; a millionfold hands will tear down your torture chamber; a millionfold eyes will see you for who you really are and will also see the millionfold alternatives that are out there.
And to you, who know me and care about me and what I care about; who know that I am far from perfect but that I am determined to do the best I can to act upon my ideals, to truly “walk my talk;” to you who love me and support me, even when I make mistakes; and especially to you who walk arm-in-arm with me down the path to liberation and justice for all: I say, thank you. And forever onward!
The Veg Monologues 
I keep this entry bookmarked on my desktop and read it when I feel the need. I hope I live long enough to see the torture chambers come down.
Thank you so much Cindy. I share your hope, of course.