Today, on The Higher Pie (www.higherpieproductions.com), there was a bit of a discussion going on regarding the recent report from the BBC showing that opium trade accounted for 60% Afghanistan's GDP ("gross domestic product"). And, to my great astonishment, there was a comment made by one gentleman who actually accused the other commentators of being cynical for only focusing on the negatives coming out of the region.
He wrote, and I quote:
"Yeah, it's a problem, but it is no excuse for your kind of cynicism: Afghanistan is much better place today than it was in 2001. Most Afghanis are pleased with their new elected government, and America is safer becuase the Taliban is no longer hosting the al Qaeda."
Oh, really?
Well, here's my thought on this. Firstly, let's just be very clear: drug trafficking should never be the foundation of any country's economy, and I feel this to be especially true for underdeveloped countries that may be more desperate for a dependable source of revenue. And, let's be honest, here, folks, the market for opiates is an established and reliable one.
Someone please explain to me how this makes Afghanistan a better place?
Secondly, the recent elections in Afghanistan are, indeed, something of which the citizens can and should feel proud. But what does that have to do with drug trafficking? It seems to me that the election of a new government only helps to underline that most Afghanis want change, and I suspect that the changes they want are far-reaching, which also leads me to believe that such changes would include finding a more positive source of revenue than opium. C'mon, now!
Thirdly, how long will the "opposition" (in this case, those who blame everything on The Left and those G.D. Liberals!) continue to use this sissy tactic of calling any sort of dissenting opinion cynical, unpatriotic, pessimistic -- pick your favorite descriptive! Isn't it funny how quickly people will line up behind someone who uses these buzz words, if for no other reason than to prove that they are not themselves these very things (i.e cynical, unpatriotic, etc.)? Have some cajones, people!
And so here's my thing: why do we (those with said dissenting opinions) always back down from a fight? Why do we hide with our tail between our legs, fearful that our words will get twisted? Why would we rather not say anything, than risk the consequences of stating what we hold to be true? Where the hell did our own righteous passion go?
Damn all directionals such as "right" and "left" and "centrist" -- take your own path, stand up, and speak up! Say your thoughts out loud! Form an opinion! Have a point of view! Allow yourself to be exposed as ignorant, because if you think you're not, and you're proven to be wrong, then it can only help you to become a better activist! For God's sake, don't believe that there is only one "right way" to think, that being shouted down makes your point of view any less valid! I am begging you, BEGGING you, to please kick yourself in the ass, and take some ownership of your world.