Finally CHANGE We Can Believe In
1/30/11 – President Obama – The changes unfolding in the Middle East are necessary and welcome. For far too long the United States has backed and supported ruthless and corrupt dictators simply because the American government believed it was in its best interest. Much of this support has come as a result of America's one-sided defense of Apartheid Israel and a desire to do anything to protect this defiant government who stands in the way of real peace.
Fortunately the meltdown has begun as Algeria, Albania, Tunisia, Yemen, and now, Egypt begin to throw off the shackles of their U.S. Supported dictators. And, this represents only the tip of the iceberg. Not only are these countries attempting to rid themselves of these rulers, they are also sending a message to you and the American government which says, “keep your hands out of our business.”
The World has reached a turning point and your actions in the next few weeks will be very telling. Will you urge these burgeoning democracies to choose Pinochet-type leaders or will you allow them to freely choose their new leaders and their new forms of government?
You urge the current governments to refrain from the use of violence against peaceful protesters while your own government turns a blind eye to the brutality that happens all to frequently in the U.S. against “peaceful” protesters. Look closely at the recent Democrat and Republican Conventions or perhaps, the Mayday mayhem practiced by the Los Angeles police in 2008 or the Battle for Seattle WTO conflict in 1999 or pick any G20 conference.
During your campaign and frequently since your election you have talked about Change, but the only Change Americans have seen is less jobs and growing poverty. Mr. President, I urge you to truly listen to the people who are currently rebelling. They are tired of a lack of jobs and unrealistic wages. They, like Americans, can see the growing disparity between rich and poor, between Wall Street and Main Street. The protests you see in the Middle East are bound to spread and may even flare up in America. Your decisions and actions in the coming weeks can change history for the good or the bad. Which will you choose?
Thomas Daly
Retired California Newspaper Publisher