This is the title of Sally Thorne’s editorial in Nursing Inquiry published on March 11, 2025. The editorial is “free access” – meaning that reading and downloading the PDF file is free of any cost. Her message is clear – in the face of organized and powerful assaults on human health and freedom, nurses are called upon to remain grounded in our fundamental ethical core, and we are made for this moment. She speaks truth to power in her description of the situation we now face:

. . . in key parts of the world that matter, we have witnessed a dramatic upsurge in political conceit and power-mongering, legitimization of alternative facts, normalization of hate speech, eradication of the rights and freedoms of those most in need of a social safety net. We have seen oligarchs with no apparent moral compass placed (and supported) in positions of policy authority and making decisions on behalf of millions of people on the basis of personal whim and a desire to display control. The policy decisions that are being made unilaterally and without intelligent consultation by some governments are rapidly having devastating impacts on such foundational institutions as health care, scientific research, education, and social welfare.

Thorne calls on us to invoke fundamental values and the historical place of nursing in the world:

• Refuse any mandate to engage in hateful acts, acts of division – any action that further disadvantages the many and privileges the few.
• Continue to do what nurses have always strived to do – optimize health and health equity in the fullest sense of those terms for all.

Thorne calls forth acts of courage that nurses worldwide bring to the challenges before us. Each nurse can contribute something, no matter how small or large, including actions such as these:

• Study and know the evidence and facts of the situation;
• Write, speak and stand in protest against injustices;
• Work to dismantle injustices in the name of our profession’s commitment to rationality, and ethical justice.

Nursology.net, and the team of site advisors and managers, have a well-established history and tradition of political activism grounded in nursing values, knowledge and our historical legacy. We welcome your contributions to this legacy! Comment below, or submit a blog. Your story of courageous action will provide support and inspiration for others in facing these challenging times.