KELLY DAVIES
Staff Writer
Afghanistan made history Sunday with its first parliamentary and local elections in more than 30 years. You might have glanced at the headlines or heard it on the radio, maybe read a word or two about it and moved on.
But beyond the headline, I see a story about the young heroes who risked their lives for freedom and progress.
Twelve million people registered to vote for some 5,800 candidates — including 582 women — all vying for a seat on either the 249-seat People’s Council (called the Wolesi Jirga) or one of the 34 provincial councils.
Many young people went to the polls, even with the very real threat of death,but they still went to raise their voices for their beliefs.
The people of Afghanistan braved Taliban militants threatening surveillance, roadside bombs and gunshots. The lines were hours-long. Each minute was filled with uncertainty, thinking about what they really believe in and if those beliefs are worth the cost. For many Afghans, at least one of the things they believe in is democracy.
Those 12 million are voting for a change from intimidation and fear toward hope and progress. They are risking their lives by coming out in numbers to cast votes. They stood in lines for that coveted purple stain on their fingertips. They did it for the chance to see their country outlast more than 30 years of turmoil.
In August, while most of us were moving back to school, 13 American soldiers were killed. Fifteen civilians have been killed in the past few days. In the past six months, seven candidates and four election workers have been killed.
Recently in California, there have been fine selections for leaders, such as child actors, porn stars and muscle men. We are lucky to be able to take these things that lightly.
Thomas Paine said, “What we esteem too cheaply, we obtain too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.”
We cannot read about these elections and not think about our own history and what we as young people will do with our futures. The people of Afghanistan have had to fight for the chance to vote. And our men and women have had to fight and die to give them that chance.
Many Afghans are eager to see democracy thrive. They have lived under the persecution of the Taliban for too long. They are desperate for the chance to be heard. When one mocks America’s elections and moans at the lengthy registration forms, let no one forget soldiers have died for the cause.
It’s been said, “Each minute spent in anger is 60 seconds of happiness lost.” I’d like to rephrase that to, “Each minute spent in ingratitude is 60 seconds of history lost.” It would be a great disservice to our fallen heroes and the brave people of Afghanistan to take this milestone lightly.
As young adults at Pepperdine, we are often thinking about what we can do with our lives to give us purpose and value. Pat Tillman was an ex-NFL football star who gave up a scholarship to join the Army and fight in Afghanistan. He died over there.
I’m not saying to do what Pat did. But maybe it’s the small actions that lend purpose to the grander scheme, such as remembering people like him and what the new generation of young heroes in Afghanistan is doing to make a difference.
The youth of Afghanistan are now faced with an uncertain future, but it is filled with opportunity. When our next elections roll around, beyond the drudgery of paperwork, I’ll remember the heroes of both our country and theirs and the conviction behind them.
09-22-2005