Sometimes I have the feeling I want to say something, but I don't exactly know what it is I want to say. It is something in my head that is working in the back of my mind. Maybe my subconscience is working something out, or maybe there just really isn't anything. It usually starts when I read something in the news, or see something on the streets, that I just can't figure out. Things like terrorism, racism, rape, child pornography, etc. Sometimes I see children of perhaps 11/12 years old walking through the city at midnight. Things like these make me wonder what has become of the world, and are just in complete defiance with the values how I was raised.
Today it was set off by how our government is currently handling the Geert Wilders anti-koran movie thing. I am raised with the idea/knowledge that we live in a free country, that we can say whatever we want. And that, whatever we say or do, violence is never an option. It is this that is basically the foundation of how we live today, and how we are different from (historical) totallitarian regimes. I personally think this is one of the most important things in my life, and something that should absolutely not be taken for granted. It is something that all Dutch citizens, and for that matter, all citizens of free countries, should cherish. But today, our own goverment is warning about speaking one's mind. Unbelievable. When I think about it I am really stunned, shocked even. While there are, of course, considerations to be made about not hurting anyone's feelings, this is one's personal responsibility. And our government, which itself is a product of freedom of speech and democracy, should absolutely never ever tell anyone what to say and what not to say. Isn't that going back to the times of power of the church or Hitler? Aren't we glad we don't live in North-Korea? People died to secure our freedom; our freedom of speech and democracy. How can someone forget about that? Isn't this the whole meaning of remembrance day?
It are these and other things that are happening now that completely defy everything I was ever raised to believe in, everything I thought had a solid position in my life, and our society. Somehow this frustrates me. I don't know why. What can I do about it? It feels like I'm looking for an answer to a question that may not be answerable. But still, my mind tries, because that's all I ever do, looking for answers and trying to solve problems. Sometimes I long for the days when life was simple, when all I did was play with my friends on the street. Not knowing what happened in the world, and therefore not worrying about it. Then again, do I have to worry about it now? I do not really want to, but maybe I should. Because if no one does, a large part of the foundation and values of this country might become forgotten.
Who is playing now?
Stuur door
Dit is niet OK