WE ARE THE STRUGGLE – OPINION
BY Abdul Savage
I am the “struggle”. You are the “struggle”. We are the “struggle”.
If I or you give any reason why you or I are in the “”struggle”, we create two units, that is, “you” over there and the “struggle” over there.
When you are in a “fight” or “struggle” you become one with that “fight” or “struggle”.
We must not misplace our priorities. This recent online media craze challenge phenomenon is noble, but no matter how small the funds raised, or large, transparency and accountability will be elusive, especially when, according to statements, the funds will be used to support diasporan entities or activities of diasporan entities. In prioritizing these diasporan entities or activities of these diasporan entities, which ones will be at the top, middle or bottom of this priority list?
Rather, we should be making challenges to these diasporand entities to come together in Unity to fight a shared and common predicament in any and every way possible.
A United Front would raise more funds than these individualistic challenges, and the funds raised by a United Front will be used for a goal we all have a common and shared stake in.
I submit that as much as this new trend is noble, it is been hijacked by some quarters, and sooner than later, it will die a slow death, without ever coming close to realizing its objective.
Yes, true, the intent of this current phenomenon is noble, and geared towards a tactical gain. But review many of the so-called reasons or tapes and you will be amazed at the sneaking, low-down self-promulgating interests disguised in the name of “why I join the struggle”.
It is a matter of few more weeks, or even days for this phenomenon to subside, or flat out die a slow death. How many phenomena have we been through over the last few months alone, not to mention years? Sporadic and infrequent efforts here and there, now and then, are not going to do the trick. We need a prolong, concerted, united effort to deal with the predicament we face back home.
The above is just my infamous two-cent.
By
Abdul Savage
Retired, US Army
Member, Military Order of the Purple Heart
Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars.