June 15, 2005

via Tim Bray | To make things simpler for those of us in the US, here is the contact info for each of the US Congressman, searchable by state and zip code. If each of us only accomplish one thing today let a phone call demanding action be it.

ongoing ? Mukhtaran Mai

Contact your US Representative.

In Pakistan, allegedly an ally of the West, Ms Mai was sentenced to gang rape to punish her brother. She survived, fought back, won in court, raised money, started schools. If the word “hero” has any meaning, she is one. The Asian-American Network Against Abuse of Women invited her to lecture in the U.S.A. So the Pakistani government revoked her right to leave the country, put her under house arrest, and cut off her phone; meanwhile, its courts are letting the rapists out of jail. The New York Times reported on the weekend that she was under arrest, but the BBC now says she’s free. This would be a good time to drop a line to your Congressperson or Member of Parliament or local Embassy of Pakistan. Whatever you think of Gen. Musharraf, he really can’t do without Western support. So we may not be able to save the world, but maybe we can save one brave woman.

There are many people in and out of the US who criticise the US Government for sticking there nose in the business of other countries. While I recognize its an imperfect system and can easily be abused I thank God everyday that I have the ability to pick up the phone and call my congressperson, or send her or him an email, or do what Tim did and use your position as someone people respect, listen too, and read on a daily basis to get other to take action, or all of the above, or fill_in_the_blank. To me the alternative of sitting idoly and letting other governments do whatever the fuck they want while we pretend not to notice for one reason or another is the absolutely worst atrocity a nation such as ours could be accused of.

Fuck the naysayers.

Make the phone call. Make the blog post. Stand up on your roof and scream it to the people passing by. Do whatever you can and whatever that is please do.

Whatever it takes.

Isn't that the attitude that built this Nation into what it is? Whether you feel that what this nation is a good thing or a bad thing its who we are and it requires that we take action and do what it takes to free Yet Another Victim in a country that just doesn't give a fuck.

They will. Let's make the call.

If you are outside the US (just like Tim as a matter of fact) and you and/or your country has a system in place to allow you the freedom to do something about this, please do. This isnt about spreading Capitalism, or Socialism, or other ism's of modern day governments. Its about freedom. That's what matters. That's what's important. The ability to choose ones life for ones self is what defines everything the human soul has ever longed for but not always had. Is it wrong for us to wish that others that don't have the freedom we have will someday have the ability to obtain it?

No. In fact thats what makes this country and others so great. Freedom is a virus that EVERYBODY wants.

Does this mean we are sticking our nose in other peoples business?

Yes.

These people are wrong. Crimes against humanity is absolutely wrong. Our nose belongs in that sort of business. In fact its where our nose should always be. And I believe for the most part it is. Not always. But again, the alternative is worse. MUCH WORSE!