Politics and protest lost on modern youth By Saira Khan Senior Staff Writer
Do you ever feel that you were born too late? That perhaps you should have been born in a different era? Well, I do. I was born in a very boring era, the 1980s. I missed out on the 60s and 70s--the great music, the sexy rock stars, the fashion, the political movements, and the wonderful leaders and figures that could enchant an arena of people with their powerful words. People such as John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X were known to be great orators with very commanding presences. I envy our elders who were able to witness their charm, charisma, and presence first hand. Our generation, unfortunately, has seen no such commanding political activists.
I think it is safe to say that, had I been around for the 60s, I would have been a well-rounded woman. I would have been at Woodstock and rallying with the Students for a Democratic Society in April of 1965, the first major anti-war rally that took place in Washington. That's what I love the most about that era--the youth of America were united in their efforts against the war. Students nowadays don't have a third of the passion that our parents, aunts, uncles, and/or grandparents had.
To be fair, I have to admit I have not been very politically active either. Aside from voting against the monster known as the Bush Administration in 2004 and writing a few articles bashing it, I have not done much to voice my concerns. However, I am proud to say that that will change after this coming weekend. I will be attending my first ever war protest in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, September 29.
A few weeks ago I came across a single flier sitting in the Commons reading "STOP THE WAR NOW." The flier advertised a week-long demonstration that is taking place right now in Washington (September 22-29) and a parallel one taking place in Los Angeles. Between these dates you will be able to see and participate in music, speeches, and all sorts of creative art protesting the "War on Terror." The week will end on with a mass march. It is expected that more than 100 buses and numerous vans and cars will be arriving at the nation's capital to attend the demonstration. I definitely plan on being there. And, if you do not support the war, then so should you.
Support for the war is at an all-time low. The Washington Post reported the results of a survey they conducted: about three-quarters of Americans feel that the number of casualties in Iraq is "unacceptable," two-thirds say the U.S. military is "bogged down," roughly 6 out of 10 say the war "was not worth fighting," and about four out of ten Americans believe that the Iraq war is becoming similar to the experience in Vietnam.
We have entered a period where the American population is more united that it has is ever been in regard to this war. Therefore, it is imperative for all of you that share the same sentiments of the thousands of people who are at this very moment camping out in Washington and doing their bit to end the bloodshed, to come out and join the march and demonstrations. We need to give a face to our anger, our antiwar rage, and let that face be mine, and yours, and of the person next you, and so on. Come out on the 29th and together let's try and bring the troops home.
To get involved, contact the Baltimore All People's Congress at (410)467-6132 for information regarding transport or visit www.TroopsOutNow.org. To volunteer with the Troops Out Now Coalition call (212)633-6646). Some of the endorsers for this march include: Rep. Cynthia McKinney, Donna Smith from the movie Sicko, All Peoples Congress, Baltimore, MD, Black Radical Congress, and Code Pink.
Donate!
If you can't join us at the Encampment - you can still be a part of this mobilzation to Stop the War at Home and Abroad. Please consider making a generous donation to help cover the costs of transportation, food, tents, sound equipment, and much more. You can donate online donate online at http://troopsoutnow.org/donate.shtml.
