It is hard to take most of the N. American Muslim discourse about resisting oppression, justice in the Muslim world, etc. very seriously because these idealistic discussions often proceed from people who live quite comfortably while oppressed, natural allies right beneath their noses are overlooked. If we hate oppression, tyranny and inequity in Ghazza, Egypt and Syira on moral grounds, we should truly hate the oppression, tyranny and inequity of US prisons, ghettos and police brutality. Were this really the case, it would be demonstrated by the way time, resources and attention are distributed. If we are honest with ourselves, how many of us really stand with the oppressed. Growing up in Northern California, I was privileged to be raised around some pretty revolutionary folks. Some of whom were tax resisters. People who really lived and sacrificed for the values they expounded. Its disheartening to look around and so often find myself among people who seem so much less committed and so very comfortable and invested in a system that I find extremely oppressive. I am not going to tell anyone to be a tax resistor. I am not that dumb, they would arrest me. But I will tell you that if you are dumb enough to cut a check in the USA and pay taxes that you know are funding (or funded) drone strikes, extraordinary rendition, torture, etc., etc. in your homelands, then you go right ahead. But at least be a little consistent and have some shame when you point your finger at folks for not standing against oppression. [latenight reflections (and hopefully not rants) after recent criticisms on some of Sh Hamza Yusufs Malaysia speeches.]
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 04:32:14 +0000
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