Extended Emergencies and Patriotism

This is a continuation of this post, based on the responses given by Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Secretary, during an interview with Bechmark TV.

The second question for which I was awaiting to see Kohona’s answer, was as to when the Emergency Regulations would be taken off, and the arbitrary searching, the warrent-less arrests would stop. Three times, Kohona evaded a direct answer, and three times, Savithri Rodrigo tried to get him back, albeit unsuccessfully.

The fact of the matter is, that the Emergency Regulations have given the state an open trump card to use whenever needed, to supress those who oppose. White van abductions which a few hours later turn out to be arrests, can be covered in the sweet tasting syrup of National Security, using the ERs as a sheild.

The bigger question however, is when the demilitarization of Sri Lanka will start, and when will people go back to a state of life where uniforms, check points, arrests are not abundant. A state of life where the war is a thing of the past, and dark relics and reminders of the grim days past are scarce.

In my post following the address to the nation by President Rakapaksa, I said

Rajapaksa who has so far proved himself as a ruthless, swift and effective commander-in-chief, has to now prove himself as a worthy administrator. One who is strong enough to withstand fire from vocal critics, not douse it out. One who is able to rebuild and revitalize economy that was shattered by three decades of an expensive, yet lucrative for some, war. One who is able to heal the scars of a bitter and dark time that this island nation went through.

And the challenge in front of him, is to prove himself that administrator. The worrying thing that came out of the address to the nation, is the “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters” remark. The same George Bush made during the war on terror. The same Rajapaksa even more ruthless brother, and Secretary of Defence of Sri Lanka Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has made several times. Rajapaksa divided the population into two groups, the patriots, and the rest. Defintion of the word patriot, will rest in his, and his brother’s hand.

A close friend tweeted a quote from Ron Paul from his address before the U.S. House of Representatives, May 22, 2007. Which seems very appropriate as the closing remark.

Throughout history, patriotism is more closely linked to dissent than it is to conformity and a blind desire for security.

Amen.