One thing that we can say about Bahrain today with total certainty is that the country has wasted all the money that has been invested in recent years in promoting itself as a tourist destination and as a “Business Friendly” kind of place. One might also wonder whether the investment made in the Bahrain International Circuit has really been worth it.
The reputation that has been carefully built up in recent years has evaporated in 36 hours of seriously flawed thinking.
Perhaps the majority of the population will be too afraid to do anything from now on, but that is not a good thing. What will happen next? Rather than marching with placards, the more extreme elements in Bahrain’s underclasses will do what generations everywhere have done before them: they will turn to the gun, rather than the ballot box. If one cannot complain publicly, they will argue, the only way to get the attention of the fat cats is to blow them up.
When one sees imagery of the government’s behaviour in Bahrain in recent days, it is hard to feel sorry for them, as much as I have always found them to be very charming, intelligent people. Clearly not all of them are. Anyone capable of sending in armoured vehicles, spraying peaceful crowds with tear gas and bird shot and beating up anyone who gets in the way is someone who needs to have a think about his future.
It is particularly galling to hear the government trying to justify its behaviour, saying it was “regrettable” and blaming the demonstrators for fomenting sectarian division.
One might say that it is regrettable that 70 percent of the population feels that it is being treated badly and not given a proper political voice and that the regime’s recent actions have upset them so much that they have taken to the streets to ask for democracy. When you kick people like this in the teeth – it does not matter what religion they have – it is really not surprising that rather than asking for reform they will start asking for your head on a plate.
Will repression be more successful a tool than conciliation? Obviously the Bahrain ruling classes are frightened that allowing too much democracy will threaten their position. Perhaps it will, but then perhaps they need to consider whether it is morally defensible to live as they do, when they are surrounded by people who are far less fortunate. In my experience the biggest problems come when there is a great disparity between the rich and the poor. If everyone is middle class and rich enough they will all gripe about life, but they will not murder their neighbours in their beds.
Give them hope and a better life and they will be happy to be settled. They will not want to overthrow anyone.
Beat them up and make them feel inferior and they will rise up – and when there are 70 percent of them, that is two against one if it comes down to the really nasty stuff.
The world’s politicians will all express deep concern and say what they feel needs to be said at a certain moment, but do they really feel this way? Or do they see Bahrain as a strategically important outpost that needs to be saved from the influence of extreme Muslim forces in Iran, the pariah state that has been designated a state sponsor of terrorism for its activities in Lebanon and elsewhere in the world and remains subject to US, UN, and EU economic sanctions and export controls.
Will the western states look the other way and go “La-la-la-la” loudly when anyone mentions that it is not nice what is happening in Bahrain? It is already a place that Amnesty International has taken a disliking to, with pages and pages of reports about alleged misdoings by the regime over the years.
In any case, Formula 1 must now decide whether if things quieten down (and there are no guarantees that they will) whether it wishes to continue to associate itself with such a place…
joeblogsf1 
Joe,
At what point do the TV companies take a stand and refuse to send their own crews to the event? If FOM has the GP go forward, surely they could be caught by no coverage from the various providers.
…. and is it just me that thinks that all that Bernie Ecclestone is interested in is who signs the cheques at the end of the day?
What a sad day indeed. I think the race should be cancelled.
Good on the Bahraini people for standing up and good riddens to a useless GP – a true Tilke monument to mediocrity if there ever was one.
Only wish Shanghai would have as much chance of being dropped also, but they’ve just signed a new deal to 2017.
And, BTW, what’s the difference between holding a GP in a Middle Eastern dictatorship and one in apartheid South Africa? The latter was obviously beyond the pale back in the day, but Bernie and everyone else in F1 don’t seem to mind being hosted by modern-day authoritarian states one bit.
SA in the 70s discriminated against blacks and Bahrain 2011 discriminates against a religious majority. It’s all the same thing.
Where next for F1, Bernie? Pyongyang? Wouldn’t be surprised.
It doesn’t help that our (American) navy has a bunch of ships parked in Bahrain. Sigh.
I find that anyone who has thought that the middle east is a pleasant place hasn’t really been there. The westernised luxury of certain places has given a false veneer of respectability. The power of money talks and those that have it also have or crave power. In Bahrain it was as likely as as an HRT winning a race that the government would capitulate and consequently discuss changes. One cannot now complain of the actions of the ruling elite in Bahrain as their underlying ruthlessness has always been there. The business and F1 community have made money and struck deals with these very people so it would be extreme hypocrisy to suggest the recent actions are a suprise and that they should give ground to the force of opposition.
The middle east is tribal and power is all – the west have been supportive of the ruling power in Bahrain and have for many years turned a blind eye, so strategic importance to Bahrain for both US and British interests is more important than the notion of democracy and therefore only lip service will be paid to the heavy handed restoration of control.
Looking the other way and going “La-la-la-la” pretty much sums Formula 1 (Ltd) as it stuffs its pockets with cash from these people. Hopefully those in charge will stop selling the sport to whoever is willing to pay the most to get a shiny veneer for their turd.
Mr. E. – a burger-and-frites race at Spa is better than no race in Bahrain, gold toilets and 7 star hotels be damned.
Thank you for writing this. I’m glad that there are people who can see beyond the sport and look at the bigger picture.
I’ve been deeply shocked by what I’ve heard from Bahrain, and I’ll be very disappointed if the testing or the GP goes ahead.
It is sad to see all that goodwill over the years wasted. I wonder why the reigning family did not contiunue the policy of reform. Too much fear of a domino effect perhaps.
Sport should be international but Formula One shouldn’t be glory trophies for rich repressive regimes. Sport in an ideal situation breaks down barriers and brings countries together. In the worst circumstances it’s just another form of apartheid.
Bahrain should not be associated with. It doesn’t attract local fans or reach out to new crowds other than a few rich exclusive individuals who want some western clients to drop by.
I’d love F1 to succeed in the middle-east, but at the moment, look at Silverstone, we came close to losing a race that brings in hundreds of thousands of genuine fans. Admittedly Monaco etc might just be rich playgrounds, but when the average citizen there is brutally repressed and denied a democratic voice, we can boycott that as well.
thank you thank you thank you! you took a stand for the people, not the rulers. now, lets hope you do the same when USA erupts in similar protest to permanent war footing, military industrial complex running every politician with lobbyists providing the booty, and a nation that only builds weapons of mass destruction. our unsusatainable empire (yes, I now that is redundant), must stop – we cant afford empire (never mind we never voted for it to begin with). but I digress …
f1 knew going in that this area was a bubble ready to burst. palm tree islands or no, this area is simply a playboy joke.
Hi Joe
While I am concerned at what is happening in Bahrain I am also aware that everything is not always what it appears.
There is appears to be a sizeable number of local people arguing that Bahraini’s have nothing to complain about, that they have a free economy and relative peace and freedom compared with most of the middle east.
The prospect of the Islamic brotherhood encouraging protest and unrest in what is a bastion of western support in a troubled area, a minority of mild Sunni’s against a majority of angry and irritated Shiites makes trying to work out just who is manipulating and oppressing who a far more difficult task.
The motor racing concerns pale into insignificance beside the human concerns but just who is manipulating who is something I will reserve judgement on for while yet.
I won’t be travelling any time soon to a country which shoots peaceful demonstrators, and I imagine many people in the F1 world, maybe many drivers, will feel the same.
The goverment needs to state that this was a huge mistake and put things right otherwise it has destroyed it’s brand. Business people will still go, but sport and pleasure trips will be a problem.
It may be that more people have been killed or tortured behind closed doors. But now it is in the open and that’s much harder to ignore.
BE should cancel the race NOW regardless of who might sue who. Also how are we to look on McLaren now which I read is 42% owned by the regime.
Look at NickKristof on twitter
Brilliant article Joe. I’ve never felt 100% easy about a few of the countries hosting F1 in that region where their often Oxford educated ruling class impose their love of western pursuits on a population, who I imagine maybe have much more down to earth things on their minds! Fingers crossed the people of Bahrain and the whole of the region get their way! Let’s face it, there will never be any peace there with the UK and US proping up Royal families and dictators who completely oppose the opinions of the people.
F1 will not happen in Bahrain this year, even if nothing happens from today on, the sponsors will not go near the place.
Great post.
F1 can claim no moral high ground in any sense whatsoever, its been associating with manipulators and camera friendly criminals for years. I would like to add that if FOM makes a stand and does not hold the race despite an apparent return to normality post crack-down at least we wont have to watch that bloody boring race track again. Australia is 5 times more interesting a place to hold the first race. It could only be good for formula 1.
“If everyone is middle class and rich enough they will all gripe about life, but they will not murder their neighbours in their beds.”
Brilliant, Mr. Saward. Excellent essay.
No comments?!!! Wow, it’s interesting how this type of things is not important if we are not in the middle of the problem.
It’s my natural reaction to selfishly think of my own desire for the F1 season to start. But maybe I can wait for two more weeks. Last years race was terrible, and I like the idea of Australia opening the Championship again. It takes a lot for a race not to proceed, I think the closest we’ve come lately was the US GP when only the 6 Bridgestone shod took part. That was a worse that no race by far.
Joe, try visiting Zimbabwe during election time…
Now THAT’S an eye opener!
As we live and enjoy the fruits of democracy, as a form that is perhaps as pure as one can see from the institutions of USA and India, we always marvel at what we have and what the others lack. However, it will be unfortunate to look at West Asia (Middle East is a minsnomer, as technically that would mean India) is a different ground where trbalism and kingship were and are the dominant institutions. A charge that sticks more easily is perhaps that the petro dollars have not seen an accelerated trickle down effect. While the Egyption virus threatens each and every adminstration, the situation in Bahrain will be contained fairly quickly. But what will imperil the region and dramatically raise the stakes will be when the virus hits Saudi Arabia.
Good write up Joe, thanks.
As for what Greg Neaves writes. Just remember that these people went to the streets peacefully and demanding nothing more than relatively mild reforms.
Only the violence of tear gas, shooting and tanks made them demand the kings head (figuratively).
The Sunni and Shia differences are probably pushed by Iran. But the regime in Bahrain imported a lot of people from sunni countries to overturn the balance. And protestors getting beaten up by a philipines or pakistani police officer not even speaking arab probably did nothing to improve the .
Exactly the same situation looks like happening in Jordan, where the regime is also close to panicking instead of talking. Let’s hope they have more sense than that.
I don’t like to mix politics with sporting venues, but hosting a global event (Olympics/WC/F1) is a mark of honor for a country for achieving a certain type of status. Beating civilian protesters with children and women around when they are asleep is not anywhere near as close to a profile a country should have in order to host an F1 GP….i think the rights for Bahrain to host a GP should be suspended until it proves it has purged the stigma of the oppressive act state entities have recently displayed.
Why not use exuberant sporting venues as a bribe for a better country?
@Greg Neaves
I agree that every coins has 2 sides, but that’s when things are split 50-50 at best.
you say, (a minority of mild Sunni’s against a majority of angry and irritated Shiites), that is the saddest most obtuse and dimwitted statement i have ever heard made… clearly you are not very well informed of what happens on the ground, i don’t blame you, i blame the news channels as they have spent quite some time portraying Shiites as the Evil of all Evil and Sunnis are the angels…
in Bahrain’s case; even if it was Catholics against orthodox, or black on white, or Hindus and Buddhists, if one, the minority is treating the majority like second class citizens and disregarding even their most basic rights and making gazillions on their back, and to top it all off rolling in with tanks to cull peaceful protesters in the SLEEP, i think the proverbial Shit would hit the fan equally…
it’s not about religion or sect, it’s about humanity Greg.
I’m a Lebanese citizen that has lived his life in one of the smallest countries with the most diversified religious profile in the world, we know a thing or two about religious problems, hell we’re in an ongoing cold-religiously fueled war right now just because some element do not see the others as humans, but as members of an opposing religion, once you look beyond that (and race, creed, and color), all humans are equal.
I think Bahrain’s F1 rights should be reviewed, so do the rights of other countries who’s ruling parties do not pass muster with their populations, after F1 is a sport, for the people, the business is just tagging along.
I’ve had a miserable time of it despairing at the Bahraini people getting their heads caved in on the tv then watching the reactions of many people on Twitter who’s level of desperation only appears to extend to their own viewing pleasure being compromised if the country’s race is canceled. Thanks for redressing the balance a little bit, Joe.
F1 will continue to go to Bahrain in the years to come as they are writing cheques for FOM/CVC and that is all that matters.
Bernie seems more interested in big paydays from repressive regimes like China and Bahrain than holding well attended races in countries with a rich motorsport heritage like France. I doubt that will change…
This is a good read…
Bernie has cancelled races traditional races in Europe for Grands Prix in countries like this. They may have cash, but they would rather kill their own people and then say “It’s nothing to do with us.”
Thanks Bernie…idiot…
There is an interesting article in the FT explaining the situation using a ‘J-curve’. Essentially, there is a link between a country’s stability and political openness. It can be said that, without intervention, the situation in Bahrain is heading for the trough. Time to get those ‘la la la las’ practicing. I have been a fan of motor sport since a very early age and I feel rather sad knowing that the only type of curve F1 is interested in is the $-curve.
@Kevin Hawkins;
Yes, I saw that too. Nice to know Lewis and Jenson’s paychecks are part funded by these people…
Meanwhile Iran is fuelling the fire by sending ships towards Suez, which is likely to be a spur to all those who feel marginalised in the region (who are in the overwhelming majority aligned with Tehran).
I’m dismayed at what is happening to Bahrain, all the more so because it was avoidable right up until Monday. Doubtless there are mob elements provoking the situation among the protesters – that’s a univeral truth, one that can be contained in countries where there is experience of these things but not somewhere like Bahrain.
Doubtless, too, that the under-paid, under-educated police force should take a considerable share of the blame. Then again when you actually look at how many of them are killed and injured each year by people who are quite probably out among the peaceful protestors, their response can be understood without being condoned.
In less than a week it’s hard to see a way out of this for the people concerned. Today’s funerals will be vital.
To then come here in search of Joe’s perspective on what it all means for the sport we love and find endless babble along the lines of ‘Bahrain isn’t Spa so who cares’ is beyond the pale.
By that measure presumably we should all sit on the sidelines making tart comments should Spain suddenly descend into chaos because both Barcelona and Valencia are hopeless. After all, the Spanish pay Bernie a fee so they too would deserve our contempt, it would seem.
Christina,
I second your remarks. There are higher principles involved here…
I guess another question to ask is, should the Grand Prix not go ahead, will the season be any the poorer? One less race yes but, it’s not generally a thrilling one is it?
They could replace the race with an extra test session in Europe then all convene in Australia to start the season as we used to for so many years.
G.
If the race goes ahead, I will not be watching.
Hi Joe, my first post here.
Thanks for an excellent post. Am I right in saying that the CEO of the Bahrain GP is also a member of the ruling family? If thats the case then isn’t any team or company that turns up to race essentially endorsing the royal family’s actions?
Dylan T,
There are complex links between the Bahrainis royals and various parties in F1…
Joe, I know it’s your job and you need to put food on the table, but if the race isn’t cancelled, and if significant reforms are not made, you could send out a strong statement against brutality by boycotting the race yourself.
Is that something you would consider?
Brian,
I wish that I could live up to your high expectations, but I am not rich enough to have such high principles… Hell, I drive a free Prius, for God’s sake. It is hard enough to earn a living as a Formula 1 freelance without giving up income voluntarily… Now, if more of you would sign up for GP+ then I might be able to do something about that…
🙂
Well,
westerners routinely believe protesters in Egypt or Bahrain (or Tajikistan, etc.) are trying to establish democracy at home. Perhaps even most of the protesting mob believes it.
However, it’s just an outward appearance to gain sympathies from unsophisticated West.
In the end it has always turned out to be a power struggle between one regime and another (next) one. When a country is not ready for democracy, it cannot be imposed on it neither by a bunch of revolutionaries, nor any outside agency.
Emir can be removed to make room for some general, general removed to make place for ayatollah, etc. The overall feudal system remains in place.
This has been proved time and again. US should remember Vietnam, others “color” revolutions in the former Soviet Union, etc. It takes decades to outgrow feudalism and really start moving toward democracy.
As for F1 in Bahrain: it is sad protesters have chosen it to advertise their struggle. Sport should be kept away from political struggles.
The regime in Bahrain’s sickening reaction to the protest just shows how the past moves towards reform were no more than window dressing. They are clearly no better than the more infamous authoritarian rulers in the world.
If the Bahrain race isn’t cancelled, I won’t be watching it.
Joe, much as I enjoy following your blog, I’m getting fed up with political commentary. Stick to F1 – its what you’re good at and that’s why we’re here… Not interested in your views about politics (either Italy or Bahrain)…
sns,
These things impact on the sport and I feel that it is totally justifiable to report on them. And asking some rhetorical questions about what is good for F1 is not such a bad idea. If you were paying me money I might be inclined to listen, but I do this for free… and no-one forces you to read the stuff you do not want to read, so give me a break and accept the handouts with a little grace, rather than complaining about them.
I would have thought the insurance companies will cause the race to be cancelled by refusing to cover the freight and personnel, rather than any concern on Bernie’s part.
As a general rule of thumb, people only turn to the bullet when the ballot box is not available – with the caveat that the count is seen to be fair.
The West is powerless in this kind of situation. They can’t be seen to prop up the regime in case it fails, and they can’t be seen to side with the protesters in case they fail.
It’s a lose-lose situation for the West, who were happy to prop up regimes such as this for their own military/industrial reasons, but now those chickens are well and truly coming home to roost.
Overall this situation and others like it will eventually lead to a new, better, world order which will be more of a meritocracy than the current one.
That will take time to happen however, and the West is going to be facing some difficult questions about complicity from some new governments over the next decade or so.
F1 matters not a jot in all of this.
On democracy and clinging to power…..
This morning I notice that in our own fair country (GB) our two prime ministers are arguing about which method of voting we should adopt. Each of them arguing for the system that would give their party the greatest share of the vote.
I am reminded of the biblical admonition “Physician, heal thyself!”
Spot on.
Also it should be noted that the Iranian government are ‘encouraging’ the protests in the hope of regime change, and a pro-Iranian, anti-western government can then be slotted in.
Which would mean the UK and US military bases in Bahrain would have to go … Oh well.
The capable leaders can be recognized in critical situations.
You can clearly see who’s a good leader and who’s not in such situations, where you need to act.
Right now FOM must act.
When the new Bahraini govt comes in office, they’ll get rid of all the allies of the old regime. So, if Bernie is a leader, should he stay loyal to a repressive and rather undemocratic regime?
Will consumer brands approve if they’ve invested in a sport that supports such a regime?
I think every sane person knows the correct answer.
In late year these “royal” families have heavily invested in the automotive industry, there are lots of people who believe it was done so that development of alternative vehicles is slowed down and knowing the Arab ruling class, quite logical.
The problem for F1 is that after tobacco, car manufacturers, now F1 seems to be on the bridge of Arab sponsors pulling off their investments after this revolution streak ends. There’s no doubt that this will continue right through to Saudi Arabia and this region will be changed forever.
The choice F1 must make is if they want to keep short-term funding from the Arabs, lose credit in the free world and may be some potential sponsors OR to get behind democracy, establish itself as a defender of it around the world, get lots of media attention and credit for it, please consumer brands and ultimately win allies in the future governments.
It has to be said that much of the investments done by these families is completely stupid and will never ever return any profit. Just take Abu Dhabi for example, they have invested huge amounts of money into building artificial islands and then when a foreigner comes there, he can’t kiss his lovely one on public. Your daughter can be put in jail because she was caught kissing her boyfriend on a bench in the park. How do you move your live and family into such a country!?!? Only people who want to get a pie from the whole corruption revenue will go and live there.
Joe,
The blog is always a fantastic and insightful read.
And when F1 and the real world collide of course you should comment.
The very fact that the opinions expressed here are your own unfettered ones is what makes it such an excellent source for information which is as close to ‘inside’ knowledge as the man on the Clapham Omnibus can ever hope to get.
But a Prius, free or not, is simply beyond the pale.
Sofaracer,
I offer no apology. I won it in a competition and I like it very much… OK, it may not be a big boy’s muscle car, but I don’t care.
Does the world of F1 really want to associate itself with a regime that publicly kills it’s own people and lies about it? The Bahrain grand prix should be cancelled.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cancel-Bahrain-F1-Grand-Prix-2011/189871767712839
Depends if they let you in, Joe! According to Nick Kristof’s tweets the Bahraini royal family have tried to have him fired for his reports from the country, and have detained 16 journalists at the airport and stopped them coming in.
If the GP does go ahead, they might only let in those F1 journalists who haven’t written about the crisis…so more kudos to you (with your unblemished attendance record) for daring to raise these issues. Thank you again.
As a subject of another dictator, I share the trials and tribulations of the Bahraini people.
I motion we call on all sensible F1 teams and F1 fans to boycott Bahrain GP.
D Hon
Hypocritically, I’ve been happy to watch races in the past that take place in oppressive regimes (e.g. China). But I will also not watch the Bahrain race now even if it does go ahead. The Bahraini government have committed disgusting acts.
But I understand why Joe would need to go since it’s his livelihood.
Gujerati,
The question is this. If one does not go, does one report on the event? If one does then one ought to be there because it amounts to supporting the regime. If one does not go, then one will upset F1 fans who will say that this is racing and not about politics. However, sport can be used for political purposes (a Mr Hitler taught us this with the 1936 Olympic Games) and so supporting such an event is, in reality, supporting the regime.
Our Foreign Office isn’t too sure about the current safety level in Bahrain –
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/bahrain
“Following the violence in Bahrain on the morning of Thursday 17 February, the situation now appears calmer. However, there is still a risk of further demonstrations and outbreaks of violence in the coming days. For the time being we are advising British national residents and travellers to Bahrain only to make journeys around the island if necessary; to maintain a high level of security awareness particularly in public places and on major highways; and to avoid large gatherings, crowds and demonstrations. The airport remains open. ”
They are updating the situation all the time. I’d have thought insurance would be a problem for teams etc if there isn’t a serious change within a few days.
The greedy little man doesn’t appear to be thinking further than his bank account at the moment. I hope any decision would be taken out of his hands His personal welfare isn’t going to be affected one way or the other, unlike those involved in putting on the event or spectating.
@Joe,
as a paying GP+ customer, I have no problem with you writing one issue from home! Whatever you do, stay safe.
@Christina
very well put.
I’m still not sure if letting the gp go ahead tho would actually be a good thing (see post on earlier thread https://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/02/17/gp2-race-in-bahrain-cancelled/#comments cos it’ll take to long to type again and I’m supposed to be at work!)
Joe
I’ll be interested to have your comments on the recent declaration of Bernie Eclestone on the BBC regarding Bahrein events… A lot of people have been shocked.. (me included).
Alec, Miami Florida
I am no longer shocked by much in F1.
Here’s a little illustration of the psychology of our fearless leader Mr. E:
(1) look at this: http://twitter.com/nickkristof
(2) and then consider Bernie’s statement today: “They say it’s quiet and no big problems. They’re there. … I’m more hopeful today than I was yesterday.”
That’s what it’s all about, I guess — if the men with power say that something is true, then it’s true…
The Bahrain GP should be cancelled. There’s something obscene about racing inside a stockade, ringed with tanks and machine-guns to keep the dirty people out. Cancel the Bahrain GP, let the season start in Australia, and let’s have no more of this cozying up to dictators and kleptocrats.
Joe, i totally agree with your views on this but i have to ask if you’re concerned about your treatment the next time you visit Bahrain? Great to see someone of influence having the balls to report the TRUTH on this.
TheGreatCornholio,
I am currently discussing whether I will go to Bahrain. I don’t know the answer to that because the situation is changing all the time. I hope that I am not in the position of having to decide. My feeling is that teams will call it off if they are worried as they have to worry about things such as insurance.
Joe,
The situation seems to worsen every day. Today there are reports of more shootings in Pearl Square. How can F1 race there in good conscience, when doing so requires it to embrace the monarchy so closely? Does F1 have a conscience in these matters? It’s fans do….
Just read an article from the NY Times about the mess in Bahrain and couldn’t imagine that the teams want to risk their personnel or (by proxy) support the country after these heartless murders of their own people.
I hope that something good comes of all this for the people of Bahrain as it’s a horrible situation at the moment – firing on unarmed medics!?
The Bahrain government is condoning murder of their citizens. They are killing the protesters in the streets. Even if the race is not cancelled….teams should show unity with the very people that go to these races…which is the people….not the uber-wealthy….the people…the common man, who make up 99 percent of the F1 audience, and not participate in that race.
And like others have said…I wouldn’t go back to that track. It’s a snoozefest. It ain’t called Bore-rhain for nothing.
Cancel the race. Full Stop.
Bernie sounds very tired in that BBC interview…
Joe it shows that u have a true human heart,
“Truth is on the side of the oppressed.”
“Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.”
“The only way we’ll get freedom for ourselves is to identify ourselves with every oppressed people in the world. We are blood brothers to the people of Brazil, Venezuela, Haiti… Cuba – yes Cuba too.”
“Democracy requires dissolution of private power. As long as there is private control over the economic system, talk about democracy is a joke. You can’t even talk about democracy until you have democratic control of industry, commerce, banking, everything…”
“For those who stubbornly seek freedom, there can be no more urgent task than to come to understand the mechanisms and practices of indoctrination. These are easy to perceive in the totalitarian societies, much less so in the system of ‘brainwashing under freedom’ to which we are subjected and which all too often we serve as willing or unwitting instruments.”
Joe,
Difficult. I think if one isn’t going for moral reasons and can afford to forgo the income, then one wouldn’t report on the race either, for the same reason.
For me, this is a moral issue rather than a political one. I hear that there are pro-government demonstrations but only one side is shooting people. This can’t be right, no matter what the politics are.