Day 6 - Mark (Being Politically Engaged)

I was reminded this morning of how we take our freedom for granted in the U.S. when I read the following tweet:

marhoon Husain Marhoon

نشطاء"وول ستريت"يغلقون موانئ الساحل الغربي للولايات المتحدة من كاليفورنيا إلى ألاسكا. خمّن نوعية التهم لو أن ذلك حصل في البحرين! #bahrain

"Wall Street Protestors close down Port Authority in the western United States from California to Alaska. Imagine the accusations if that happened in Bahrain."

This is a simple but powerful statement. Maybe it's a joke, maybe it's a complaint, maybe just an expression of frustration. But people in the Arab world are acutely aware of how valuable the freedom of expression and the ability to criticize your government are. Many of them are giving are giving their lives for it (more than 5,000 in Syria this year). I've heard people make open calls for Americans to protest or put other forms of pressure on our government on the behalf of the Arab spring. For example, nobel prize laureate Tawakkul Karman called on Americans to join her in a protest outside of the UN to demand President Saleh's resignation.

But not everyone has time for this sort of activity, so how else might we stay informed and express solidarity? My opinion is constantly evolving, but lately I feel that personal connections are the most important foundation for real solidarity. I think that most people living abroad would be more than happy to talk about their difficulties and explain how Americans can help. Not only are we able to vote in (relatively) free and fair elections, but we can make calls and even visit our representatives to talk to them in person. I would be the first one to argue that our political system needs a total overhaul, but in the meantime it would be naive for us not to express our discontent to people who are willing to listen. I'm always open to discussion on this point, though, because I know people who have been trying that method for a long time and feel that there is little hope of internal reform except when big money doesn't get in the way.

One very important way we can offer help is by supporting small businesses abroad, especially in places facing political instability. Nikki has purses for sale made by Congolese women, all profits going directly to the person who made it. Egypt, for example, is facing serious economic trouble, especially as tourism has decreased, so it will be important for us to search for ways to support small businesses, and ideally to connect with them personally in the process. If anyone is interested in that sort of thing, let us know!