It’s as if there’s a national script we have learned and I think by accepting the script we tacitly accept that the script will end the same way every time, with nothing changing—except for the loved ones and the family of the victims, for whom nothing will ever be the same. It’s easy—it’s almost tempting to be paralyzed by such a monstrously hateful act, to despair and say, “Oh, that’s the way the world is now.” Well, I don’t know what to do, but I do know that despair is a victory for hate. Hate wants us to be too weak to change anything. Now these people in Orlando were apparently targeted for who they love. And there have been outpourings of love throughout the country and around the world. Love in response to hate. Love does not despair. Love makes us strong. Love gives us the courage to act. Love gives up hope that change is possible. Love allows us to change the script. So love your country, love your family, love the families and the victims and the people of Orlando. But let’s remember that love is a verb. And to love means to do something.
Stephen Colbert
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (June 14, 2016)
