I know, I keep droning on and on about these serious subjects, with these cryptic and somber titles. But I can’t help it. Such is the state of the world, and this is how I’m wired up. Plus, it is my blog, so what the hell? I’ll weigh in on all those more pressing matters another day.
March 19th marked the third anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, and consequently there were numerous demonstrations around the world. There was one here in Portland, which I attended, well, just cuz. The cops later said there were five to ten thousand people marching, but I’d put it at more like twenty at least, maybe more. I say this because the powers that be always underestimate these things. Plus, I just don’t really like cops.
The police were out in force however, earning time and a half (or is it double time?) to protect and serve the people of Portland through a show of authority and force. Who knows what might have happened otherwise with this crowd of unruly hippies and peaceniks. Personally, I was struck by the number of coppers dressed up like members of Delta Force, with the low-slung holsters, extra magazines, mace canisters, beat down sticks, etc. Seemed like overkill to me, but like I said, I don’t really like cops so I tend to be suspicious and overly biased. But, so far as I can tell, the only thing Portland cops have going for them are the mounted patrol units, with their beautiful, giant horses.
But, I digress, as usual. I have photos and some video of all this, but alas, I have no data cable to transfer them from camera to computer. I must have left that back on the boat. Suffice to say, like the last time, it was an assembly of like minded folks getting together to walk in the street and feel some sense of unity, and that they weren’t alone in thinking this war is just one big crock of shit. And, also like last time, the marching band rocked, Portland style, meaning lots of piercings, whack clothing, and tattoos.
Other than that, there were the usual onlookers, both silent and encouraging. There were no counter protesters, but there was one middle eastern looking guy with a sign that said something like “according to Sharia, if you’re not fundamentalist, you’re infidel”. I guess it’s obvious where he’s coming from, although I’m not sure the irony wasn’t lost on him.
In Washington, the collective yawn was heard for miles. Let’s face it, nobody in power gives a shit about these people demonstrating and marching in the street. More’s the pity, but that’s how it is. They’d probably care if there were millions marching in the street, or boycotting General Electric, or burning their mansions to the ground. But one day of protest doesn’t even raise an eyebrow.
And really, why should it. We’re now gradually seeing a shift in popular perception of the war. According to most polls, a majority of Americans now think the war was a mistake. It was a mistake because we’re losing, not because it was fundamentally wrong or immoral. It was a mistake because it can’t be wrapped up in a nice little bow and delivered with trumpets and fanfare, not because it was predicated on lies and distortions. It’s inconvenient now because of its obvious status as a money pit and quagmire, not necessarily because of the one or two hundred thousand dead Iraqi civilians, bombed and shot and melted by phosphorous for an egregious lie.
Where am I going with all this? That’s a good question, and one I guess I’m trying to answer as I write this. It’s a question of finding a way to deal with the anger I feel over this gross injustice, not just at the Bush administration and other obvious criminals, but the blind, ignorant, and apathetic Americans who allow it to take place and who finance it with their tax dollars.
I’d be the first to admit that I’m complicit as well, and taking a day out of my life to walk in the street doesn’t excuse me from blame. But it’s hard not to feel righteous to some degree, and I think there are many others who feel the same way. Hence, the tendency is to react to the “others” in our society who haven’t seen the light, and who let their fear blind them to the blatant manipulation that led to this war.
But the fact is, that’s just a continuation of the same dehumanization that’s been alienating us, that allows many of us to see the innocent Iraqis as lesser beings. Dismissing the ignorant redneck crackers who continue to support Bush, or the codependent enabler upper-middle class Repulicans, or the fundamentalist Christians waiting for the end of days, doesn’t address the problems at the root of our militarist society, it reinforces them.
This isn’t an original thought on my part obviously, but it’s such a conundrum that it’s hard to face. However, it’s also just a fundamental truth that it will only be through love and acceptance that we’re ever going to overcome the fear, intolerance, and violence that rules us. Because, as I’ve started to make a habit of telling people, almost all Americans have much more in common with each other, and by extension, Andean peasants and taxi drivers in Bangkok, than we do with the corporate elite that’s calling the shots in this world.
I had to rehash all these feelings when I went to see V for Vendetta the other night. I case you haven’t heard, it’s about a dystopian future United Kingdom ruled by a fascist big brother type who manipulates the populace through fear and propaganda. I don’t want to give too much away, but suffice to say it was a chilling parallel to our own country. Enough of a parallel to make me angry, and almost wish for the righteous retribution delivered by the anti-hero protagonist.
But alas, in the end, it’s the people uniting that effects change. They’re just encouraged by some well placed explosives, and only the bad guys get killed, Wachowski style. I like to think that’s a metaphor, and the true message of the film is embodied in the one line – “people should not fear their governments, governments should fear their people.”
It’s true, you know?