Strong Voices Rise
Two strong voices with not only generations parting them, but also miles. They speak of different reasons that drive their passion for activism, and yet they are united in the fact that nothing will stand in their way as they help our world work towards achieving its dream for a true global democracy.
Zainab Alkhawaja stopping Bahraini Riot Police (photo credit: Mohammed Mirza / YFrog / NY Times)
One young woman is Zainab Alkhawaja, the daughter of prominent Bahraini human rights activist Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, who is following in her father’s footsteps while also protesting the actions perpetrated by the government of Bahrain on her people. She is outspoken because her father, husband, brother-in-law, and uncle are all being held in long-term detention by their government. After her recent hunger strike ended, Zainab took her actions further when she blocked riot police and their vehicles from attacking a peaceful protest and funeral procession. NY Times editor, Robert Mackey, recently conducted an extended interview with Zainab that will open the eyes of those of us who don’t live under tyrannical conditions.
Dorli Rainey pepper-sprayed at Occupy Seattle (photo credit: Joshua Trujillo / Seattle PI)
An ocean away, another woman became an unsuspecting hero in another protest movement in the United States. Dorli Rainey is an 84-year old activist who has spent her life standing against causes that she sees as detrimental to society, whether it be nuclear power or social injustices. She recently spoke to Keith Olbermann about the day she was pepper-sprayed by the riot police at Occupy Seattle. Her most cherished thought is about one of her heroes, Jackie Hudson, who said, “Whatever you do, take one more step out of your comfort zone”. Hear her inspiring thoughts as she speaks to Keith on his show, Countdown KO.
Many people are now walking into activism, political or otherwise, even at the threat of being yelled at or insulted by those who aren’t ready for any kind of substantial change. These are just two remarkable women from within an ocean of humanity who are standing up to speak in strong voices against those social ills that have changed all of our lives. Their causes are as different as the lands that they come from, and yet they both hold onto a single dream that we all share: a free and democratic world with a prosperous and safer future for everyone.
Suddenly, our individual problems begin to pale as we start to realize that the path that we all walk has become more precarious by the day. Everyday, a new voice is added to the call. More and more people are answering it in their own way. And in ever-increasing numbers, entire countries are awakening to a darkened future that can only be changed if we all work together. That’s the key that we all still need to understand: Together. Because alone, we won’t be strong enough for the battle to save us all.
it's weird the riot police are attacking those that are fighting for the police men's very own rights. as public workers the police are the 99% and here they're following the orders of the 1%....
Sadly history is filled with many examples of the same societal pratfalls. History also records where the suppressors have turned and joined the oppressed to produce breakthroughs in democracy. Ahh optimism I love it. ;-)
We are at the edge of tyranny. The efforts of all the Occupy and their supportive sideliners are being forcefully harrassed by law enforcement units. Hmm well where or where in history have we heard and seen this before? The big money support of the NYPD is and example of the corrupting influence the wealthy are having on our government. Again, where have we seen and heard this before? Regardless - we -the-people of the world must sing and be heard. http://tinyurl.com/ccobbg
It is a scary time, and history does seem to be repeating itself on an increased frequency. But people are singing loud and clear everywhere - just look at the two 2 city legislative movements at Boulder, CO (http://youtu.be/FwtRg2WMm6A) and Los Angeles, CA (http://youtu.be/0EowNLWa7eQ) to reject corporate personhood. We can't stop now as our future needs things to change.
Well, those actions are encouraging and Senator Casey has introduced a Senate bill to also override the Supreme Court's decision on personhood. There is also talk of a Constitutional Amendment that would make sure it does not return to haunt us. I think the big thing is we are beginning to realize, again, that America does not just happen, we need to continually nurture and protect it. A much needed wake up call. Thanks for your reply.
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