15,000 South Koreans protest the import of U.S. beef despite a government ban on public displays, hundreds of protesters have been injured in clashes with police 1. In Bolivia thousands protest outside the U.S. Embassy for deportation of rightist political figures currently hiding out in the United States 2. 70,000 Iranian’s from around the world gather in Paris to demand the PMOI’s removal from the World terrorist list 3. Public demonstrations in protest to election corruption in Africa, rice shortages in Asia, Human rights violations in China…
All over the World enraged and righteous citizens come together and make a stand for their beliefs. Often at risk of harm in countries where public protest is illegal, but they stand up for themselves and for the hope of a better future anyway.
It makes you wonder why in a country where freedom of speech is so proudly touted, the population would sit back quietly as they get screwed. Afghanistan, Iraq, Enron, Halliburton, Katrina, disastrous foreign and crippling economic policies. For the last eight years, Americans have watched it all unfold with little more than a grumble. And now with the oil companies making record profits while people struggle to keep up with rising fuel cost and the associated rise in food prices, the headlines should read…
Rising Fuel Prices: Americans Take It Up The Ass and Like It!
In the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Nepal, Indonesia, all over the world millions of people are actively protesting rising fuel prices. In London a major highway was shutdown by demonstrations, and in some countries entire industries come to a halt in protest, such as fishing in France and Portugal. What is the response of the American citizen? They whip out the credit card and bend over while they bitch and moan under their breath.
Americans love to boast they don’t take crap from anyone, but for all the bravado the average citizen seems unwilling to stand up for their own rights let alone anyone else’s. You have people with the “Support our Troops” bumper stickers on their gas guzzling SUV’s who proudly argue for war because “We are over there fighting for democracy”.
No! Thousands of U.S. soldiers are fighting and dying, YOU’RE sitting on your ass cranking up the A/C and selfishly sucking up natural resources. I don’t know when being an American became taking credit for the sacrifices of others without making any of your own.
Support Our Troops does not mean blindly supporting corrupt government policies in the name of false patriotism. It is not an empty catch phrase but a call to action to every citizen. It means actively taking a role in making sure that our troops are fighting for just causes, and making sure that our government is held accountable for every life it spends and it’s policies are shaped to the greater good of the people.
If Americans really wanted to support our troops they would be lined up by the tens of thousands demanding the government bring them home. If they wanted lower fuel prices they would organize massive gas boycotts cutting into the oil companies profits. If they really gave a damn about the environment, they would DEMAND wide-scale manufacturing and adoption of alternative fuel vehicles.
If the American people wanted a better world, they would have it. But they won’t! Why? Because it is inconvenient.
During WWI and WWII every American sacrificed everyday by giving up conveniences and cutting back on necessities. And not only were taxes raised to support the war effort, Americans bought war bonds with what little they had left over.
This is the first war in history where taxes have been cut instead of raised. As a result we have sold our Nation into debt to foreign powers and crippled our economy, all so the average American hasn’t had to sacrifice their plush lifestyle. The party has to end and at some point we have to take responsibility. People’s life style’s are going to change either by choice or far more menacing circumstance.
Maybe this Independence Day instead of knocking back beers until you fall off your rented pontoon boat, perhaps you should think about what the day REALLY means. Why you even have the right to celebrate. Think about the people that fought against all odds to gain their Independence, the values this Country was founded on, and what it really means to be an American.
Most of all, ask yourself; when will you stand up and fight for a better World?
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. — Edmund Burke
