What sparked Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution is uniquely present in Philadelphia.
—
Philadelphians know what its like to be promised a democracy, yet be presented with a political machine that manufactures and markets candidates whose loyalty lies not with the people who vote, but the political bosses who position them.
And given the fact – or at least the broad perception – that the 2016 PHL Mayoral race is already decided – big money is on City Council President Darrell Clarke who’s expected to announce his candidacy at the very last minute, as not to jeopardize his current check – Philadelphians face the same opposition to democracy as the 80,000 protesters gathered around Hong Kong’s business center, who very publicly are expressing their displeasure over China’s handling of Hong Kong’s 2017 election.
The Chinese Government last month announced that candidates for the 2017 Hong Kong election will have to be vetted by the Communist Party in Beijing — which isn’t the democracy promised to the people, but in contrast to Philly, at least its honest and transparent corruption, whereas Philly’s political machine and its true intentions aren’t made public – but even if it were, not enough people in Philly vote to make it a big deal.
It should be noted for context that the 80,000 protesters are up in arms because 2017 would mark the first time Hong Kong residents can vote for their own leader.
Talk about a tale of two cities: 80,000 people in Hong Kong protesting their right to vote; more than 800,000 people in Philadelphia who are not voting consistently – nothing wrong with that, right?
Those 800,000 Philadelphians that avoided the polls are more than likely the type of individuals who feel their vote doesn’t matter because the election is rigged – well they’re right, kinda, which is exactly why everyone should vote, engage, protest and repeat.
Politics is not a spectator sport, it’s a hands-on activity. The problem is most communities choose to be hands-off because modern-day politics is perceived to be bullsh*t – and they’re right, kinda.
Serving the public should be about pure intention and near-flawless execution, not about money and power – that’s the bullsh*t people don’t want to deal with – and can you blame them? No, you can’t… or at least you shouldn’t.
You can, however, blame them for allowing this political puppet pimping parade to continue. Philadelphians, and Americans for that matter, when will enough be enough? When will you exercise people power like our brothers and sisters in Hong Kong who have taken to the streets and are using umbrellas as a shield from police officer’s pepper spray? For crying out loud, these people are risking blindness for their rights… I know people who won’t risk missing an episode of Love and Hip Hop to protest an injustice.
Until the day when ordinary citizens with extraordinary visions can take office and serve the people with rigor, joy and gladness without having to engage in strenuous, unnecessary fundraising, politics and back room bargaining, then democracy is not a reality, its just a promise.
To the Hong Kong protesters, I, a Philadelphian and a global citizen, stand in solidarity with you. For we who believe in freedom can not rest until comes.
Thanks for reading. Until next time, I’m Flood the Drummer® & I’m Drumming for JUSTICE!™
