Bahrain Sunnis & Me - what we have in common

I have decided the Bahrain Sunnis are my long lost people. My grandfather was an orphan left on a doorstep - so really anything is possible. I read the NY Times each weekday hoping to gain insight into the world and be an educated voter. Stop laughing. I was brought to excited dancing glee when I began reading Michael Slackman's article for the Times on February 17, 2011. Mr. Slackman was interviewing 30 something educated Sunnis in Bahrain in regard to their opinions on the Shitte uprising.

Here is the quote that caused my instant feeling of kinship:
“Whose fault is it when you have five or six kids and you can’t afford two?” Ms. Mohammed asked. “Why is that the government’s fault?”

Everytime I read it warms the cockles of my heart. Seriously...they are warm.

I want you to stop and think for a moment about something. Bahrain is a TOTAL MONARCHY. Why is that they who live in what is supposed to be a more repressive society feel that they can openly talk about what keeps the poor well poor but here in the DEMOCRACY do not.

Oh that's right because everytime you try and get a word in edgewise that is tainted with (hold on I am going to say a bad word here) the TRUTH you are labeled insensitive or worse racist. The last one really sticks in my craw because they are calling me a racist - when really calling me that implies that think all poor people are only of a particular race or two.

Come on people! Stand up - stop apologizing for being right! Stop apologizing for stating the facts as they are plainly obvious. I am all for politeness and being congenial but that does not mean you ignore what is right in front of your face. We don't need to be rude about it or speak unkindly but dammit we need to say it.

Do not let people guilt you, or make you feel bad for stating the the TRUTH. Just because no one wants to admit it does not mean we should ignore it. If the Sunnis can stand up and talk about it with a world wide reporter why can't we talk to each other?

Let's stop smiling and pretending everything is fine when it's not! Speak up and out! And remember be polite about it :)