Independence Day 2010, a Wake Up Call perhaps?

“True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what's right.” Brigham Young

The 14^th of August each year is celebrated with great fervor and gusto in our part of the world.  And why shouldn’t it be, it marks one more year of independence for the people of Pakistan. This year however it was decided that the day would not be celebrated as a show of moral support to those who have been affected by the devastating floods that hit Pakistan mid July this year.

And yet we heard guns go off, celebrating wildly what sadly few of us seem to really value. In times like these we should look to remember those who have left us and to come together and help those whose homes have been destroyed. Why do we time and again fail to act rationally? Why do we continue being insensitive? Why blame corrupt and incompetent leaders then, are they all that different from me and you? 

You and I should be looking to look to help the affected in every way possible. These are Pakistanis, who need our help, are they not? As it becomes more and more apparent that each new disaster will catch us off guard and unprepared we should be more proactive in our approach, knowing full well that the response of the government machinery at times is sluggish and disorganized.

Let this day be a day where we make a promise to ourselves to bridge distances and to reach out to help the people who need our help the most. Then and only then can we truly be ‘Independent’