Today is the international day of Peace Protest. Perfectly fine, as membership in some kind of democracy involves some rights and obligations. To wit:
1. Vote. Voting is the essential keystone of democracy. Majority rules, even in Florida. Mark your X, have your say, win graciously, lose graciously. Those who do not vote are not entitled to or engage in any of the other rights and obligations. Even if you have to hold your nose to do it, vote.
2. Listen. Your elected representative is exactly that: YOURS. You own him or her and if they forget that little point, remind them. Sometimes listening to the elected representative will tell you more about their stand and how it either matches with yours, or deviates from yours.
3. Think. After you have heard someone speak, be it the government or someone with a contrary opinion, let it sink in. Does their position make sense to you? Is it sane, rational, or delusional? Is it backed up by facts that you can check, or just ‘they say’ assumptions.
4. Speak. You are entitled to complain about governance. If you are not heard from then your silence is considered acceptance. Speaking, even in a forum as obscure as RoadDave is perfectly acceptable as it gives others something to think about. They might not agree with you, but listening and thinking about what you say may, or may not convince them of your point of view.
The reason I’ve listed these four, simple, points is this: Raytheon Presents The Gulf War II, brought to you by Lockheed-Martin (c) looks like it is going to happen, regardless of what Hans Blix and the Hot Licks has to say. My position has always been War is Bad. But if you’re going to fight, do it hard, nasty and fast, come First, then go home.
Other people and organizations do not share my point of view. However, this list forces an obligation on both sides of the argument. You must let those who do not agree have their say and listen to them.
Don’t automatically call someone who thinks further inspections are a waste of time or the only path to peace, a hawk or dove or war-monger, or ostrich. This means no detention camps for peaceniks or fighters. After the decision is made, in whichever direction it goes, we all pull together. We’ve had our say, we’ve listened and now we act together.
RoadDave 