This weekend the violence has increased against protesters in Middle Eastern countries. On the internet we can watch American "allies" murder their own people. Is it starting to sink in, with Americans in particular, what a sham these Arab protesters are making of our own self-flattering mythology?
The Arab protesters have no weapons. They are just waving flags or sometimes throwing rocks. Throwing rocks. The goons and mercenaries firing back at them have all the high-tech gadgets, shields, helmets, and organization. The Arab protesters might have a metal bucket on their head, if they are lucky.
When the Americans had their own successful war of secession from the United Kingdom, most Americans had muskets that were basically the same as what King George's troops had. We lacked the pretty red coats. But the technological mismatch wasn't that great.
The French no doubt look back at their Revolution as full of heroes, at least initially. What did it take to start a revolution back then: barricade the streets by turning over some carts, and then grabbing a few brickbats and clubs?
The French no doubt look back at their Revolution as full of heroes, at least initially. What did it take to start a revolution back then: barricade the streets by turning over some carts, and then grabbing a few brickbats and clubs?
These Arabs are vastly braver than the mythologized heroes of Western countries ever were. But comfortable, spoiled, middle-class, college-educated pundits in the West think they have a right to pass judgment on Arab protests.
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