Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Fallujah, Free speech, Foul Play
At a risk of being criticized for having a personal agenda, I present: http://fallujapictures.blogspot.com (thanks Mel & Jesse!)
This is very very enlightening: the things we don't see in the media but ought to be seen. I think the author of this weblog has it more thought out than a blunt anti-Bush campaign or a "stop war, make love" commentary - the comments by others on the site make you think about the level of knowledge the American people have on the situation, their sentiments towards the war, and the meaning of choosing Bush for another 4 years in office.
With great power comes great responsibility.
What I really felt after surfing this site was the sad realization that no matter how much people speak up -- via weblogs, photos, live satellite feeds, etc. -- if the right people are not listening, it won't really make a difference.
It is as if someone -- US soldiers, Iraqi insurgents, the children, a Republican, a Democrat, a concerned world citizen -- is screaming in front of a roaring jet engine - a futile attempt and you end up burnt. The irony of free speech is that the more you can say, the easier it is to get lost in the sea of words - it is also harder to judge what is important and easier to ignore the important things.
As I read through the comments, I can feel that the people's opinions are hardening under their own conviction and trying to make some sense within themselves - a deaf ear by harsh backlash against those who disagree.
Why have we become so cynical?
Have we become so stubborn that we cannot admit a screw up and turn back? I personally cannot help but become very dismal about where power is located in the world today. Geopolitics has changed since - oh, end of Cold War and the waking of China. The US is no longer the benevolent "Daddy Longlegs" nor the lone big bully in the playground. But equally, the world leaders outside of US need to take a strong stance to create a balance of power (my bet is on the Euro and the US deficit to actually make a shift in powers).
Long story short though - I encourage you to visit the site and see it for yourself. The more informed we are, the better we are armed against ignorance. http://fallujapictures.blogspot.com
This is very very enlightening: the things we don't see in the media but ought to be seen. I think the author of this weblog has it more thought out than a blunt anti-Bush campaign or a "stop war, make love" commentary - the comments by others on the site make you think about the level of knowledge the American people have on the situation, their sentiments towards the war, and the meaning of choosing Bush for another 4 years in office.
With great power comes great responsibility.
What I really felt after surfing this site was the sad realization that no matter how much people speak up -- via weblogs, photos, live satellite feeds, etc. -- if the right people are not listening, it won't really make a difference.
It is as if someone -- US soldiers, Iraqi insurgents, the children, a Republican, a Democrat, a concerned world citizen -- is screaming in front of a roaring jet engine - a futile attempt and you end up burnt. The irony of free speech is that the more you can say, the easier it is to get lost in the sea of words - it is also harder to judge what is important and easier to ignore the important things.
As I read through the comments, I can feel that the people's opinions are hardening under their own conviction and trying to make some sense within themselves - a deaf ear by harsh backlash against those who disagree.
Why have we become so cynical?
Have we become so stubborn that we cannot admit a screw up and turn back? I personally cannot help but become very dismal about where power is located in the world today. Geopolitics has changed since - oh, end of Cold War and the waking of China. The US is no longer the benevolent "Daddy Longlegs" nor the lone big bully in the playground. But equally, the world leaders outside of US need to take a strong stance to create a balance of power (my bet is on the Euro and the US deficit to actually make a shift in powers).
Long story short though - I encourage you to visit the site and see it for yourself. The more informed we are, the better we are armed against ignorance. http://fallujapictures.blogspot.com
// posted by sakit @ 8:42 PM 
