СВАБОДА
СВАБОДА
And if you want to post the entry I have linked, please, feel free to use this. ♥
There may be a few of you who know what this flag means, and probably many of you who don't. In Belarus, this flag has had many meanings over the years - from a stunted revolution, to a fledgling country, to something better left forgotten. But for now, this flag stands as a protest.
Since 1994, Alexander Lukashenko has held power in Belarus, and has twisted his own power to make it so he can essentially remain in power forever. He turned what was a new start into what he wanted, and has held an iron grip over the people since he started his "term" in office. Despite a strong protest and a call for change, he has continually ignored his own people's voices, and made many of the people of Belarus live in fear. He is often ruthless and cruel, and cracks down hard on even the smallest of voices against him. While Belarus and its people may have some semblance of safety for now, it is not their nation, but his - which is why many people in Belarus (and those who have fled) protest against him.
Those who fight and protest are up against a huge wall - a power crazed government and a tight restriction against even the smallest of gatherings - but they still fight. Even though not everyone may agree, and even though their voices are not always heard, they continue to strive to bring some change to their nation and for their people. Change against the totalitarian government that they have had far too long ruling over them and their land.
March 25th is known as Freedom Day in Belarus - those who are against Lukashenko protest, and celebrate the day that the Belarusian People's Republic was created. (Thus the reason for this post.)
I know my views do not reflect everyone's, and I know that this movement is not the most popular either. (I also know I'm not exactly the most informed on the subject.) But, this is what I believe in, and what I would like to help stand for. If you agree, please post this along with the image of the flag, in whatever manner you would like. Perhaps give your own views on Belarus and its people, or what interests you about the country and the people. Maybe even just post the flag. Use it for an icon. Do something.
I believe the people of Belarus deserve their freedom - or their right to have their own voice, unhindered by governments or other people, or nations, or whatever else that just wants to be in control. They deserve the choice and the chance. They deserve their chance to fight. So, fight on Belarus, fight on.
Belarus, Freedom! Belorussia Liberta!
Links of interest:
http://www.baza-belarus.org/">Belarusian-American Association (they even have a link to donate!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Day_%28Belarus%29">Wiki page about Freedom day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarusian_People%27s_Republic">Wiki page about the Belarusian People's Republic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Lukashenka">Wiki page on Alexander Lukashenko.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belarus">Wiki page on Belarus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGnhkoVnc4U">Protest song - Belarus Freedom.
Movie doc about the protest in 2006 against Lukashenko's relection - Kalinovski Sqaure.