2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsProtest organizer stands to change politics, gov't
Ryan Culbertson-Faegre
Issue date: 1/15/08 Section: Opinion
Hello. My name is Ryan Culbertson-Faegre. I'm going to attempt to make substantial changes to our government via any means necessary. If this alarms you, then I ask you to consider and try to answer the following questions before you condemn my intentions:
Do you mind if political campaigns accept campaign contributions from lobbyists who support large business conglomerates? Does this create a certain amount of bias? For example, could this be the reason why our government confines our citizens to prison for the possession of marijuana (the use of which I do not partake in), while tobacco and alcohol are readily sold and advertised? I would argue that these are much more destructive drugs by all accounts. If the alcohol and tobacco industries do not affect the decisions of politicians, then why do they contribute to their campaigns? Could it be because they are headed by genuinely nice people who want nothing more than for America's democracy to flourish by supporting both sides of political contests? If this is not the case, then could we say that this could potentially create a conflict of interest? I'm not sure I'm comfortable following laws that are influenced by biased industries whose products kill millions. Are you?
What is an American supposed to do if his Commander in Chief disregards public and scholarly opinion in his decision making when those decisions directly determine the fate of hundreds of thousands of lives? How is an American supposed to respond to such a leader, and maintain his moral integrity? What if peaceful protest fails? Should that American allow the death of innocent civilians to continue indefinitely or take immediate action?
The civilian casualties of the Iraq War so far are estimated at 50,000 to 100,000 innocent lives. Some think that this number may be much, much higher. Consider this: at only 50,000 civilian deaths, the most conservative figure, the current regime has killed more than 16 times the number of innocent people who died due to the Sept. 11 tragedies. Did you know this? Do you feel that this much violence being perpetuated at the hands of our elected officials is considerable cause for action or concern?
Finally, what methods did America's founding fathers use to modify their government? Do you think that their methods would have worked had they been solely peaceful? Why or why not?
I'm organizing a protest on Feb. 5 that seeks to pursue alternative methods of modifying the government. I will be asking these and other pertinent questions, and actively seeking answers. I'm calling this protest Vote with Violence, not because I currently condone violence towards any individuals, but because I feel that we must leave all options on the table when dealing with an uncooperative and possibly corrupt government.
If you'd like to converse with me about these or other topics or join my protest, please feel free to contact me via Facebook. I'm currently posting articles about these topics, along with sources, and I've scheduled an event.
Do you mind if political campaigns accept campaign contributions from lobbyists who support large business conglomerates? Does this create a certain amount of bias? For example, could this be the reason why our government confines our citizens to prison for the possession of marijuana (the use of which I do not partake in), while tobacco and alcohol are readily sold and advertised? I would argue that these are much more destructive drugs by all accounts. If the alcohol and tobacco industries do not affect the decisions of politicians, then why do they contribute to their campaigns? Could it be because they are headed by genuinely nice people who want nothing more than for America's democracy to flourish by supporting both sides of political contests? If this is not the case, then could we say that this could potentially create a conflict of interest? I'm not sure I'm comfortable following laws that are influenced by biased industries whose products kill millions. Are you?
What is an American supposed to do if his Commander in Chief disregards public and scholarly opinion in his decision making when those decisions directly determine the fate of hundreds of thousands of lives? How is an American supposed to respond to such a leader, and maintain his moral integrity? What if peaceful protest fails? Should that American allow the death of innocent civilians to continue indefinitely or take immediate action?
The civilian casualties of the Iraq War so far are estimated at 50,000 to 100,000 innocent lives. Some think that this number may be much, much higher. Consider this: at only 50,000 civilian deaths, the most conservative figure, the current regime has killed more than 16 times the number of innocent people who died due to the Sept. 11 tragedies. Did you know this? Do you feel that this much violence being perpetuated at the hands of our elected officials is considerable cause for action or concern?
Finally, what methods did America's founding fathers use to modify their government? Do you think that their methods would have worked had they been solely peaceful? Why or why not?
I'm organizing a protest on Feb. 5 that seeks to pursue alternative methods of modifying the government. I will be asking these and other pertinent questions, and actively seeking answers. I'm calling this protest Vote with Violence, not because I currently condone violence towards any individuals, but because I feel that we must leave all options on the table when dealing with an uncooperative and possibly corrupt government.
If you'd like to converse with me about these or other topics or join my protest, please feel free to contact me via Facebook. I'm currently posting articles about these topics, along with sources, and I've scheduled an event.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Brandon Davis
posted 1/15/08 @ 9:54 AM CST
Wow... that's a thought. Vote with Violence. I like the sound of it, however the ramifications for your movement of change are going to be negative just because of the title. (Continued…)
Ryan Culbertson-Faegre
posted 1/15/08 @ 2:12 PM CST
Brandon,
Thank you for your interest. I tend to agree with you. I don't think that corporations should be able to directly effect elections. It creates a conflict of interest that should not exist, and it promotes unjust laws and regulations that impact the lives of innocent citizens. (Continued…)
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