...a first impresion of an infant revolution..... an open letter...

To my brother and sister Libyans, 

                I speak to you not as a brother in the literal sense, nor as in the 'countryman'  sense.... more as a brother who, in a historical sense, understands the sacrifice and courage it takes to throw the yoke of oppression off of yourselves and fling yourselves into the void of the unknown... as my country did two-hundred and thirty-five years ago...

                Shit.. we didn't know what we were doing.... it took us 12 years to really get the words right, and it has taken us the rest of that time up to now  to tweak, modify, and ratify even a semblance of what we call a just society... fraught with arguments, assassinations, turmoil, bigotry, hatred, ... even a civil war... the fight's not done, and it will never end.... revolution is a constant in a free society, and it may be rough for y'all, especially in the next few years... 

                But somehow.... some-way... my country has come back together... and has preserved a union that can listen to its citizens and not ended shooting each other in the streets... revolution after revolution... Though our's was much less bloodier than many others in the modern era, it doesn't mean that it has any less cost...

but god help us.... my belief in my neighbor, and a belief that a government that represents ME... and looks out for me... shit.. is made UP OF ME (i.e. of the people, by the people and FOR the people) compels me to keep believing in it... even if the Idea is that is all that's left....

      Just keep striving for it.... That's really the only chance ANY of us have got... remember; we're all in this together.... and if we loose that idea (i.e. develop an "us vs. government" mentality),  then we are done.. and are thus subject to the powers that you have just freed yourself from... 

LORD knows, we still have a long way to go.....as do you.... My heart is truly with you all, and I wish you the best.... Your blood was not spilled in vain; it flows in the hearts of all free men/women, and always will...

Sincerely,

Sydmatt....