Tuesday, February 5, 2008

My Darling Government

Ok. I am pissed!! No actually I’m seething! I’m seeing red. There’s smoke coming out of my ears and nose. I feel like crying. Our darling and very clever government announced today that it is initiating a program to monitor Kuwaiti political websites and blogs.

Al Watan Newspaper reported today that Minister Abdullah Al-Muhailbi said that the government will propose a law to the Parliament that will enable them to monitor all Kuwaiti political websites and blogs. This is to promote and ensure the well being of the Kuwaiti society by preventing the establishment of rumors, political and otherwise, and decreasing the exchange of misleading information as well as minimizing public indecency.

You can read the whole article here (in Arabic – sorry)

The Minister goes on to say that this proposition will not affect the law of freedom of speech; instead, the law only aims to protect the society and its values. Those who will not abide by the ‘law’ will be punished (of course).

What a load of crap! By monitoring our writing, you’re trying to limit us from saying what we feel like saying! What? We shouldn’t speak our mind?? We shouldn’t criticize? Stop sticking your heads in the sand and face up to the fact that no society is without its fair share of sins and corruption. Don’t lie to the world and act as if we’re perfect.

The internet is free grounds. We should be able to say what we like without anyone interfering. If I like something, I’m going to say it, whether it’s considered ‘immoral’ or against my culture’s values. And if I don’t like something I’m going to say it too!

And frankly, dear government, I do not like you right now.

Oh, I forgot to add that by ‘monitoring’ there will be restrictions for the writers because the Minister said that those who will not abide by the ‘law’ will be punished. Of course! How could we think otherwise?

I’m so sad. That’s our government for you. One step forward, 10 steps back.

16 comments:

Grey said...

Thats sad ! really sad.

Hasan.B said...

We never had a government that we could be proud of, Its always a bunch of corrupted people deciding what to do with the country!

This Lady said...

We used to have a government we were proud of. Back in the 70's and 80's.

Hasan.B said...

Are you serious? The 80's were the worse! We didnt have a parlement! The government banded people's gatherings! A parlement member can not advertise in a newspaper, not even to invite people for his sons, daughters wedding! Read on "dewawen al-athnain"

Marzouq said...

They can't even monitor VOIP let alone monitor blogs! I want to see them take a look, they are idiots and really stupid for thinking they can control this! Internet is not considered a legal medium by Kuwaiti law so they may not prosecute or punish anybody.

I will propose to beat him(the Minister) senseless, that would be a better proposal.

This Lady said...

Hasan: we did have a parliament! The parliament has been around since I-dont-know-when. Granted, it may not have been the best political situation, but the whole political atmosphere was much more relaxed!

Marzouq, I agree.. Good proposal. Inqadma 3ala na'eb man6aqatna :p

Hasan.B said...

With all do respect, bes Please read the history first;s, "The Emir of Kuwait in such cases ruled by decree. The first case was in 1976 and lasted until 1981. The other case lasted from 1986 until 1992" reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Assembly_of_Kuwait

y3ni eb these dates we did not have a parlement, Al-ameer 7ala "7al ghair destori"!
How was it relaxed? Kan fe Electoral fraud! How is that a relaxed time?

reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Assembly_of_Kuwait

Ms. D said...

i wonder what would they say about my blog ;)

This Lady said...

i know hasan ur absolutely right. But i mean society was more relaxed, the ppl were not too stressed out like today.

We have to worry about a million things at such a young age, whereas when our parents were our age, they werent exposed to stress levels like these.. life was so much simpler and easier despite the political events u referred to..

ms.d: la ashwa intay ur blog safe! haha kila 3an diets wa ma shabahom min suwalif :p

Zed said...

i will not be a part of this, i dont want to go to prison lol

go government, i support you all the way

NOOOTTT

Unknown said...

el7emdellah 3ala kel 7al.

Either way, we know there is good and bad to what they do, it is when this type of power is abused that it becomes something that we would rather not have...

Shayouma said...

So they are reading our blogs??? LoL

WendyB said...

That's terrible! :-((

This Lady said...

shosho: you betcha! hahaha

wendyb: i know.. i hope it never happens.

do0da said...

i love how they say we will respect ur freedom of speech but if u say something we dont like we'll punish you :p ga3d ikalmon yahal wi7na manadri

Oranjina fadidra said...

ya salaaaaaaaaaaaam!!
I wonder why?