Whatup, from Sydney.
Last night I went to a rally to condemn the disgusting raid on the Freedom Flotilla that killed 12 and injured many more. On such short notice, it was an impressive turnout, at over 4000. Especially since most of those people lived in the city's outer suburbs, without much by way of convenient transport. At the rally, I saw an outpouring of such fierce emotion, I could smell how explosive the crowd was. To their credit, the crowd kept their anger in check, expressing it mostly through slogans. Yet there was one thing that I found worrying. The Flags
There were so many: Lebanese, Palestinian, Australian, Turkish, even the flag of Hezbollah. All very pretty. Each community had its representative stand at the podium and say a few words. There was sadness and grief, followed by a familiar outrage. The flags started waving, and some from the crowd started muttering, "this means war," "now they've got it coming," "let this be their Vietnam." There were many young angry men.
I don't know what the situation is like in other countries but, from what I've gathered on the internet and other media, it is similar. We all share a justified outrage, which only grows at the sickening official Israeli line, which is essentially those peace activists had it coming. Yet I'm hesitant to join in the mutterings.
Let me be blunt. I hate countries. Flat out. They're the man, trying to stop me from rocking out. So I get very wary of any nationalist anger, even justified. This is a humanitarian crisis getting twisted into the political. With the news of Turkey's statement that it will escort the next flotilla, and Israel's increased security rhetoric, I fear that the flag will come to dominate once again as people huddle behind their rulers' armies.
I know it's tempting. My friend who accompanied me, told me, "this is the first time anything like this has happened, and I've never felt so angry before. I didn't know my country meant so much to me!". I share her feelings, the indignation over similar actions to the country of my heritage still simmers in me. Yet as much as the anger calls to me, I know that path is a bitter one. As tempting as it is, the flag is not my solution.
My fear is that others will not make such a choice. The rally last night only fuelled that fear, and it is not hard for me to imagine Turkish boys and girls take up arms against their Israeli brothers and sisters. It is crucial in this time of grief to stay our anger. We must remember the cause for which these people gave their lives, and honour that cause in our actions. Work for peace, spread the word.
And finally, two questions. Do you think that the situation will disintegrate? And do you think that the flotilla had the right idea, or does the result of their mission bode poorly for nonviolent activism?