This is not a time for silence

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The "war" in Iraq may be declared officially "over," but it's not. We are still there. We are giving contracts there. We are selecting an "American friendly" government there.

Bush's performance on the Abraham Lincoln made clear that we will be moving on to other regimes, and that is reinforced by Rumsfeld's remarks.

The war on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is not over.

The war on the environment is not over.

And there are still pockets to be lined with big paybacks even if it means 30 years of paying our way out of a massive debt.

We are at a tenuous time. The Peace Movement seems virtually stalled by the collapse of Iraq. It is difficult to communicate the larger picture. To communicate the larger (and seemingly ore amorphous) threat.

On the streets, in my classes, and in overheard conversations people tell those who try to communicate this larger issue "Why do you stay here if you don't like it?" (if they are being polite).

The "war" (or this "war") may be officially all but over, but the "patriotic" sentiment seems to still be growing. I am terrified as I watch history rewritten before my eyes and see people (way too many people) going along with the "new" truth. So willing to accept the changed version for out invasion of Iraq. It seems like some form of mind control. Are there special waves coming out of the TV these days, or is this a symptom of some insidious bio-chem attack?

People are silencing each other. Dialog (which had briefly picked up) seems to be crashing at a rapid rate. PATRIOT II is making it's piece-meal way into our legislation and there is really very little being said.

Very scary things are happening in the world. Maybe that's part of the problem - folks just don't want to see. There are anti-US protests going on in Iraq. But largely unreported is Anti-US protest in Kabul. Kabul, the one area of Afghanistan which is supposedly solidly "in our camp."

Israel is so far over the line after shooting reporters and peace activists, then today they Israelis fire on parents of injred British peace activist. ANd from the US government? Nothing. No response. Silence and therefore approval. The Israeli government seems to be sending a clear message that they will maintain a veil over what is happening. But the US regime is also sending a message - we can silence people too and approve of the Israeli approach. Where is the outrage? If this were happening in North Korea, Iran, Syria, or a number of other places, would there be this official "turning a blind eye?" Even Blair seems to be silent on this which has got to have the Brits seething.

There is an excellent article on Online Journal by Gibson, Gagged by the flag which brings up some good points too on the silencing.

It is critically important at this tiem to continue the dialog - even if many are saying "Oh shut up."

Posted by rowan at May 6, 2003 07:40 PM | Printable Version | [eMail this article!] |