These countries in the Middle East are having a love affair with democracy. They all want it; they are passionate and dedicated. They peacefully protest; in numbers they are strong, ready to sacrifice. What heady days… to overthrow a dictator. To have democracy now.
Is it that easy though? What now for Tunisia, what now for Egypt? How many will die in Iran, in Libya for this idea that we call democracy? It’s so refreshing to see this earnestness and effort to forge change. Change…. isn’t that what Obama stands for?
Do these countries see our democracy in action? or in paralysis? Do they see one party pitted against the other? Have they listened to the rhetoric, the spin, the mudslinging, the slugfest; opposition for sake of it? Is this what we call democracy? Are we a good example of democracy?
So much posturing; stonewalling. I am embarrassed. Who said something like that? Was that Michele Obama, when speaking of her husband’s campaign for change, said she was feeling proud of her country for the first time? Boy did she get jumped on for that comment!
Do our politicians and public speakers have to muzzle themselves to avoid even the slightest misinterpretation of their thoughts that c then an be used against them? Do we all have to say everything politically correct all of the time? Aren’t we stifling ourselves.
Well I am ashamed of our country. This big beautiful diverse country with so many good people and we can’t get our feet out of the concrete and pull together. How is it that a health care bill can be passed and then the next Congress will waste time trying to repeal it? The Democrats flee Wisconsin because of a Republican measure to curtail union rights? 25,000 Wisconsin citizens in the streets protesting the threat of losing unions…, free speech! BUT DID THEY VOTE?
What is up with our country?
The Middle East wants democracy? I hope they can show us the way.
Freedom in its truest sense is the action of wilfully participating in an endeavour of our choosing. Freedom from fear. In an odd way, we have a fear of saying things out loud. Not that we risk the wrath of a dictatorial government, but of what other people might thing about us based on a misunderstanding. Our culture has devolved into who can cast the worst light based on such interpretations. We seldom ask for clarification. It is a sad by-product of our instant culture.
ReplyDeleteWhen people give up critical thinking and let others do it for them, then we are truly lost some of the freedom our fore bearers had struggled to establish.
Joseph