Bahrain National Day

Congratulations Bahrain. Today is your 32nd anniversary of independence. Today you mark the first anniversary of your new Parliament. Today you expect joy… and trouble.

Your King reiterated his commitment to sweeping reforms. Guaranteed freedoms of expression within your constitution. Pledged dignified living for all your citizens, pledged better solutions in housing, education, employment and social welfare. Pledged to promote and guard transparency and democracy. He showed his empathy with every man, woman and child on your islands.

Through the infant parliament you were admitted to the International Parliamentary Union. Your acceptance in the world stage soared and your people started to say what they think without fear of persecution.

Yet, you forgot to start a real reconciliation with your people.

A majority of your citizens still feel disenfranchised, subjugated, watched, and unemployed or unemployable.

You still are being run by the very same people who directed you for over 30 years, and used you as their private piggy bank. Used your people as slaves to further their own selfish aims. And you seem not to have the power nor will to shake them off.

Your people feel that you want to throw the shackles of the past and go unhindered into the future.

They have a lot of love and affection for you and your young sons and daughters who do want to genuinely make a difference and to help you rise from the ashes. Yet they feel that they do not belong on this land. They feel they continue to be raped. Used. Abused. Ignored. Segregated. Oppressed. Persecuted. Humiliated. Prejudiced. And side-lined.

Do you blame them for not lifting your flag in their demonstrations and functions?

Do you blame them for purposely celebrating their fallen comrades and martyrs rather than your National Day?

Do you blame them for continuing to demand the change of the old guard?

Is it too much to start the healing?

Happy National Day Bahrain. May you live for ever!