Yup, I'll admit it -- I'm a newbie. Still, I've already been sucked into the debates of the Times. Before I get to the actual article, I have to say, I am amazed by how mature you guys and girls are when debating such touchy topics as terrorism and animal rights. As a 15-year-old, I have to say that most of you make more polite, better arguments than some of my peers!
Basically, I'm a very opinionated person. I've noticed that one of the best ways to learn about the world is to hear out all the sides to an argument, so I'm hoping to provide you with one of those sides on the debates over the "war on terrorism". Worst case scenario, I'll at least amuse you!
I'm an anarchist. An anarchist, as I define it, is someone who does not agree with or support the current government of a country. Anarchists are usually peaceful people -- that's why we tend to show up in times of war, supporting peace! Everyone from America's founding fathers to the protestors of the sixties could be considered an anarchist. Heck, Mahatma Gandhi could be called one! Editor's Note: Technically, an anarchist does not agree with any government; thus, most of the revolutionaries you've mentioned would not be anarchists. That said, I'll let you get on with your article, accepting your unique perspective on "anarchy"....
Maybe after September 11th, you became more proud to be an American. Or proud to be from whatever country you are from. Maybe you became closer to your family, or realized you can't sweat the small stuff when there are bigger problems.
Me? I got angry. At America, my own country.
I've studied wars through history, from the War of 1812, to my personal favorite war to study, Vietnam. I've seen how self-righteous people can become, and learned about how much damage we can do without knowing it. I knew the government was not going to let the attacks slide -- and that worried me.
Suddenly, I saw people who disliked Muslims and anyone who looked Middle Eastern. Suddenly, people talked happily of "blowing them up". I passed out black ribbons -- mourning for the people of Afghanistan.
I feel justified in opposing these attacks on Afghanistan. On December 20th, 2001, U.S. planes fired at a group of tribal elders heading to the president of Afghanistan's inauguration. The Pentagon, however, still insists these men were al-Qaeda members. On December 29, 2001, a six-hour bombing raid killed 110 innocent villagers, probably because the U.S. accepted information from an untrustworthy warlord.
Most recently, on July 1st of this year, an American gunship fired on a wedding party, killing 48 people, including the parents of the groom.
Is this my country?
-Fenrisdcy
