Activism from the Turntable
November 21, 2008
With Madra at Açik
Turkey has sometimes proven to be a tremendously difficult place to get an opinion out. Article “301″ of the constitution makes “Insulting Turkishness” a crime and many have faced (and served) prison time for expressing their views on how to improve the state. It is important to realize just how important a free forum for these ideas actually is as freedom of dissent is a main driver of democratic government.
When people are not allowed to air dissenting thought in a society, well, there is no way for it to progress. Turkey is so close to reaching a point in its development where it can finally become a strong, proud, open democracy, it is difficult to see it stuck where it is.
I know I am an outsider and have little legitimacy when expressing views on the Turkish political landscape- but what a great benefit it would be to the global community to see Turkey move past these obstacles and fully join the international community as a member of the EU and regional powerhouse.
Omer Madra and Açik Radyo are propelling Turkey in that direction. Despite all the challenges they face, they bring hope to the country. I write about this dynamic today in my Cornell Sun COLUMN “Turntable Activism,” your thoughts, as usual, are welcome below…
