Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Mascots of the Month: Non-Violent Protesters Risking Their Lives For Democracy

So the current protesters are totally risking their lives for Democracy. The Heads of Government in Tunisia and Egypt were in power for over 30 years.  Sometimes the "won" elections, sometimes not - but they employed a massive police and secret police force to keep down the population.
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Regular people, with more faith in humanity of the army than I have, have taken to the streets to demand change.  They aren't just risking their lives, they risk their families and run the very real risk of torture at the hands of the secret police.  That is a lot to risk just for the hope of democracy and a better life for their children. 
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I stand in awe of them.  Remember, in this country when standing up for civil rights for blacks, hundreds of people were beaten and arrested (not just in the south, Detroit and Los Angeles erupted into riots after mis-treatment of blacks).  During the Vietnam / Draft riots, thousands of people were put into jail and a few killed (Kent State).
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Even in the best of intentions, a mass demonstration brings massive risks to peace.  So kudos not just to the people who demand change, but the military which has showed amazing restraint. 
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Simply look to China and Tienanmen Square to see an example of an army that respected the government more than the populace.

So it is wonderful to see so many people demanding the simple rights we in America and most of the Western World has.  The right to vote and the right to participate in economic growth for all people, not just the gated and well-connected.
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My hopes go out that it turns out well, there are still so many chances for it to go horribly wrong.