It may be time to retreat | 11 comments (11 topical, 0 hidden)
The biggest damage from boycotts (none / 0)

could actually be the lack of free information flow and human interaction with the outside world. It's the free flow of ideas that help people fight againt oppression, not money (it helps, but not absolutely needed). Maybe it's  kind of a corrolary to the "sunshine is the best disinfectant" saying about politics.

If you have followed Jason Jones reports from Iran for the Daily show, he sort of highlights how plugged in to the west they are. That is why I am pretty encouraged about Iran, they are still informed and connected. The last thing we want is for them to get cut off like North Korea is. I don't think those poor NK folks have any idea how screwed they are.

by rolodex on 06/25/2009 11:27:15 PM EST

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In touch (none / 0)
Yeah, you're totally right about the need to keep oppressed people somehow connected with the rest of the world. I watched some of the segments on the Daily show, they were truly amazing, they interviewed the right guys (well, real reformers, who are now in prison -as opposed to e.g. Mussawi...), got into private homes and talked to the people in the street. You would have never imagined that in this country would be such an obvious election fraud and violent street bashings by the police etc. That coverage (and the fact that they stayed in touch with the rest of the world via youtube and twitter) also gave me hope that the Iranians will be willing to get rid of that ugly system.

by eborujion on 06/25/2009 11:53:58 PM EST

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It may be time to retreat | 11 comments (11 topical, 0 hidden)