Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Middle East Fight for Change
As we have watched the Middle East up risings the last few weeks, I have been struck by a few things. First that this all started in Tunisia two months ago when a fruit vendors cart was confiscated by police. Distraught about losing his only income he set himself on fire. This fire has been blazing ever since. Tunisia is a small slice in between Libya and Algeria but the breeze of reform and unrest has been blowing the flame in every direction.
From Tunisia the flame jumped to Egypt and from there it jumped again and again essentially making its way across the Middle East. As an American I watch in amazement as these people take their destiny into their own hands. In countries where military rule is common people are speaking out, no longer allowing their fear to rule their lives. In other countries where there have been long standing rulers there are uprisings demanding change. What is most amazing to me is how technology has played such an amazing part in keeping us aware of what is happening.
Media and social networking are keeping us alert to the blaze that was started in Tunisia. In Egypt, the protests were talked about and encouraged through Facebook and in Libya people are Tweeting about the military attacks on protestors. I find this quite amazing. The world is a new place. What worked 20 or 30 years ago is not working anymore because people all over the world have access to how everyone lives now.
Normally I avoid the news and do not stay that aware of the world around me, but at the first of the year I vowed to myself to change that. Now, I am more aware of what is happening in the world then I ever have been and this comes at an important time in the Worlds history. This sweeping blaze of reform is frightening and inspiring to watch. While we have no idea where all of this will lead it is interesting to see how technology and good old fashioned determination have whisked change and reform into areas that have not seen change in as much as 40 years.
In the next few weeks we will watch as the Middle East changes, at the same time there is a sense that change is happening here in America as well as we watch the Wisconsin Governor take on the state budget and upset the states workers. Prepare to see big changes in our world n the days and weeks to come as we watch the flames of change take place.
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