Saturday, March 17, 2007

Democracy Is A Participation Kind Of Thing

Today I was part of an anti-war protest. The very same protest that inspired me to create this blog. It was certainly an interesting experience. There was a lot of positive vibes and the turnout was great but as we stood on the side of the road, I couldn't help hear some derogatory comments being shouted. None of them were creative and I was not impressed by the maturity nor intelligence of those shouting the pro-war slander. The term "fucking hippies" caught my attention a few times. I suppose it's better than being a brain-washed neo-nazi. And then at the end when I was walking toward my car, a girl shouted something vague about someone killing me for protesting. Well, if that is a pro-war extremist I don't know why we don't have more of them? Kind words from kind people.
I would venture to guess that 85% of the cars honked and supported us, 10% just drove by and 5% shouted things that didn't do their pro-war cause any justice. I would say those are pretty good odds in our favor. It inspired me, though, that some people took so much energy to try and put us down because it showed that ideas are more powerful than guns. Anyone can fire one. It's usually the aiming that is controversial. Honestly, I had a great time at the protest and wish that more people take part in their country's affairs. Though I may have been standing on the side of the road, at least I can say that I stood for something! Whether you support the war or denounce it, get involved peacefully and be a voice of the people to the people. That is what this country is all about and that is what true patriotism is. Class dismissed.

Make The Choice!

With tensions growing in Sadr City, the U.S. may be in for quite a setback in the security crackdown they have been taking credit for in the past weeks. The crackdown that has been hailed by the Bush Administration as a major step in a victorious direction is mostly the responsibility of al-Sadr. After all, it was he who told his militia to not fight the U.S. troops when they entered the city and he has kept the violence at bay. Meanwhile, Bush claims that the crackdown is the work of our troops on the ground when in reality they are getting comfortable in what could be a trap if the U.S. does not pull out soon.
Patience is thinning out in Sadr City streets as al-Sadr issued a statement yesterday to a large crowd of supporters, "Raise your voices in love and brotherhood and unity against your enemy and shout 'No, no America." This is the sound of a group of people who have tried everything to expel us from their country and are now finding that a peaceful resistance is not working. This news comes after two truck bombs with chlorine tanks killed eight people and injured 85. I am not saying that al-Sadr is good or bad. I am just saying that as a firm leader in the Shiite community, he has a pivotal role to play in the rebuilding of Iraq and it is up to Iraqis if they wish to follow him. All of the violence he has brought has been in an effort to expel U.S. troops from Iraq so how do we know he is truly a bad man. He could simply be patriotic. But what would the Bush Administration know about patriotism when they abuse their rights as a government in more ways than I can fit in this post to send our soldiers to fight in a war that had nothing to do with freedom in the first place.
There are plenty of countries around the world with dictators as their leaders and millions of people are oppressed elsewhere. But did we help them? No! We went after the country with no ties to al-Qaeda, no weapons of mass destruction and made no threats to the United States. Why don't people realize this? It is because people don't care. Well, you better start caring because the decisions we make today will have repercussions that will be remembered for generations.

War is already an ugly thing but this war is a vile disregard for the responsibilities given to a powerful nation. When will Americans stand up to this tyranny? When will Americans say, 'This is enough!'? When will we take back our rights that this administration has tried so desperately to deprive us of? NOW! Now is the time to stand up for what is truly right. Break away from what the politicians tell you. They will always have their hidden agendas. Research and think for yourself and when you see the truth behind what is happening to this country you will see that the problems we face are not just overseas in Iraq but within our own boarders as well! While the government distracts us with a war on the other side of the globe, we ignore the carpet being pulled from right below our feet. Making the choice to be a patriot means preserving the Constitution and all that America stands for and not allowing someone behind a veil of stars and stripes to kill everything that makes this country great!