The Case for Political Action

It is true, unfortunately, that our leadership has betrayed
us and that the opposition has been a big disappointment as
well. It is true that there are many in the political arena
who prefer talk to action, and who really do not care that
our people have been left to the wolves. It is true that we
are in a state of disorientation, disorganization, and
disunity.

It is true as well that many of our Arab intellectuals are
selling out or selling fairy tales about co-existence and
'peace'. Yes, all that is true, and no rational person would
dare call anyone who speaks the truth a "defeatist".

But, what do we do with this bitter  knowledge of the truth?
Do we succumb to despair or do we try to change it? And how?
We must ask these questions because the truth can turn one
either into an opportunist or into a revolutionary. If you
believe that you are one INDIVIDUAL standing alone, it might
appear rational then to try to get the best that you can out
of the status quo, i.e., to become a profit-maximizer in
negative circumstances.

In fact, following this line of individualistic thinking to
the extreme can make indifference or even collaboratation
with the enemy for the right amount of $$$$$$$$ or privileges
appear reasonable.

If you consider yourself part of a people or a nation, on the
other hand, you are NOT alone, and it is rational to believe
that, with a little hard work and time, perhaps you/we can
change the odds. This is why the enemy targets our collective
identity. It is only when you/we think you are alone, and act
accordingly, that we are doomed to defeat.

It is one's reaction to the truth, rather than the indispensable
knowledge of the truth that makes one a defeatist.

One might then think: I am but a layman, and can not perform
miracles. Quite. But though I may be able to do little things
only, I claim that little things can make a BIG difference and
that the power of little people is great.

Based on the distinction above between individualistic and
group thinking, it becomes vital to TAKE PUBLIC CAUSES PERSONALLY.
We need more people who are willing to take Palestine, Iraq, Arab
unity, and the struggle against oppression and exploitation everywhere
to bed with them. And people like that DO exist, even if they might
disagree with each other's views.

Unfortunately, we do not have enough people like that yet.
We need many more people like that, because there can be no
movement for change without a hard core of commitment.

It is here that the question of ‘how’, i.e. the question of
plotting strategy and building an organization automatically
arises. In my humble opinion, we all must renounce the defeatist
notion that a strategy or a solution will one day descend upon
us from above on a silver platter of magical leadership.

The next strategy to succeed must emerge from the interaction
of many views and many groups in dialogue and political action.
It will not spring forth from the forehead of one individual no
matter how great.

What is required now is a willingness to interact and cooperate
provided that certain red lines are observed, to draw a clear
distinction between oneself and the injustice s/he is trying
to oppose.

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