Posts Tagged ‘massacre’

Syria, Don’t Give Up on Peace

Friday, June 8th, 2012

United Nations monitors have been fired upon following yet another brutal massacre in Syria. Kofi Annan’s peace plan has been declared a bust. But that is no reason to give up on peace for Syria or the world.

The nation of Syria has long been in turmoil. High levels of poverty and corruption run rampant throughout the authoritarian regime, starting at the very top with President Assad. Attempting to forge a lasting peace would be a daunting task at the best of times, let alone while the country teeters on the brink of civil war.

Plus now that Syria has captured the international spotlight, who really knows what forces are behind the slaughter of civilians. The Military Industrial Complex would love another invasion to grow fat off of, and sending in ruthless hitsquads to take out a bunch of innocents is one sure fire way to drum up enough support for an armed intervention. It certainly worked in Libya.

And despite the fact that Libyan rebel forces bolstered by NATO were complicit in war crimes, or that Gaddafi has now been replaced by equally despotic tyrants, if the world’s people have to endure too many more photos of child sized corpses next to empty shell casings, Syria could very well be the West’s next disastrous military endeavor.

The Answer to Violence is Even More Democracy

Sunday, July 24th, 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb2fTQO31GQ

In response to the cowardly attack on his citizens, Norway’s Prime Minister issued some inspiring and courageous words:

“You will not destroy us. You will not destroy our democracy nor our quest for a better world.”

“Tomorrow we will show the world that Norway’s democracy grows stronger when it is challenged.”

“We must never cease to stand up for our values. We have to show that our open society can pass this test, too, and that the answer to violence is even more democracy, even more humanity, but never naïveté.”

While a natural response to such a tragedy might be to try and protect society with more restrictions, more laws, and more security, taking this approach too far can lead to needing protection from the system itself.

It is great to see that Norway will be taking the harder path, fighting for more freedoms in the hope that it will result in less violence over the long run.

Saudis Helping Bahraini King Massacre His Own People

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxeXtFv0xGY

(Here we see security forces re-enacting their favorite scene from ‘Fight Club’.)

Civilian casualties are mounting in Bahrain as forces from neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, have joined in the brutal suppression of the people’s movement. The King’s hired goons have even resorted to  attacking protesters with stolen ambulances.

Let these events serve as a stark reminder of the importance of keeping power in check. What is happening in Bahrain could happen anywhere, and if we aren’t careful, it might happen everywhere.

We are moving towards a globalized world. Some form of world governance is inevitable as humankind continues to come together. This great unification won’t necessarily be a bad thing, as long as we ensure that the system remains accountable to the people.

Totalitarianism is a real threat faced by our species. And, just like in Bahrain or Libya, sometimes those who hold the power will mercilessly slaughter anyone who expresses dissent, regardless of whether or not the discontent is warranted.

This is why it is so imperative that we reclaim our governments now, while we still can. We have the tools to ensure democracy and enforce transparency in authority. All you have to do is get involved.

Don’t let the tragic loss of our fellow freedom fighters dampen our spirits. Let us channel our anguish and frustration into action, strengthening the resolve of the revolutionary movement.