If you don't study history, you will be manipulated.

That's what Malcolm X said long ago. That's why we need to open our history textbooks. Ask why. And put action behind our optimism for change.

It's overwhelming to think about how similar the current war in Iraq is reflective of what happened in the Vietnam war; many innocent lives were being for simply no REAL reason at all. Many argue that Americans are fighting for democracy. But what does democracy mean, actually? In the Declaration of Independence, democracy is translated as being "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Is democracy what we're really fighting for in Iraq? If anything, the invasion and occupation of American troops is disturbing the lives of the Iraqi citizens. In reality, we're doing the opposite of what democracy stands for.

"While the Iraqis die, Americans concern themselves with more pressing matters: should we keep the phrase "under God" in the pledge of alleigiance, is it OK to try ecstasy at the rave, will the Lakers repeat as world champions, and, will we find the courage to call Jenny Craig today?" "(O'Connell)

This passage hit me so hard, I could barely continue reading. It was so relevant and so true because to me. One of the millions of Americans living in willful ignorance, concerning myself with my own problems and oblivious to real world issues. Malcolm X had it right. I refuse to be manipulated.