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VIEWPOINT -
JAMAL LAOUDI
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Then you have the average citizen on the receiving end who is directly affected by the consequences of most decisions. His/Her take is of invaluable importance. It serves as a vital feedback and as a reliable metric to evaluate a nation’s progress and health.
To acquire the right feedback and evaluation results, it is imperative that citizens be encouraged to get involved, and to express their opinions and thoughts freely and honestly without fear of repercussions or consequences. Inevitably, opinions will clash. This opens doors for dialogues at new fronts. This approach will guarantee healthy debates and maximum participation.
To blackball opposing or conflicting viewpoints can prove as an impediment to intellectual growth to say the least. It is essential that dissent be welcomed and encouraged. That is the essence of an informed and an educated citizen and thereby a nation. Dr. Mark Cooray, a writer and former law professor at Macquarie University in Australia, stated that “Freedom of speech involves toleration of a great deal of nonsense, and even of matters which are in bad taste”
It is any nation’s right to dream of leading the world or to be part of the leading pack, but it must pay its dues. If I want to play like a pro, it is not sufficient that I buy and wear the same uniform as one, but I must also imitate the hard work, the dedication, and the sacrifice. Only then would I stand a chance to belong in the same league. No pain, no gain.
The path to democracy can be long and hard partly because prosperity is one of its fruits. That is why minds fight viciously to preserve it where it exists.
If the train of democracy is to arrive at our station, we must make our tracks out of freedom of speech.
Jamal Laoudi
© 08-10-08
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'Let Gaza Live' Jan. 10 National March on Washington
