Cho Seung-Hui, the Virginia Tech killer.

Whose side are you on?

It's not often that I begin postings of the Blue Donkey Lounge with such a confrontational question. But in the wake of the massacre at Virginia Tech University, it seems not only rational and relevant but essential to ask it. I want those who read this blog, even if they are only my college professors, friends, and family members to ask themselves what and who they stand for in this dark chapter of American history. Make no mistake about it, this is a time of ugliness, fear and decline, in which the have-nots resent the haves, the rich fear the poor, and the gap between grows bigger every day. America is awash in guns and the people who should never be allowed to own them can get them as easily as ordering from McDonald's. We were lied to by our president and his cronies in the most cynical fashion in order to take us to war, and a fearful America was ready and willing to let them do it. Time is running out for us Americans to put our house in order and usher in a new era. Democratic politics alone won't do it - to rely solely on government to resolve social issues is a fool's game, and I refuse to play it. It starts with us. We must all look to ourselves and ask, "What do I believe? Is it right or is it wrong? Do I back it up through action and in the way I treat my fellow man?" There is no room for hypocrisy and cynicism in today's world. If that's what you stand for - the cynical manipulation of facts and figures in order to twist people's minds and opinions - then quit reading this blog and go watch Fox News. That network will never cease defending the President and his failed ideas. If you stand for bigotry, homophobia, racism, class warfare, or any other form of discrimination, then this is not a blog for you. If you use your religion as an excuse to justify your hate and fear of your fellow man, then go vote for the party that caters to you - the one that forces a hero like John McCain to kiss up to Jerry Falwell for primary votes. I apologize for the somewhat angry tone of this article, but massacres only happen in countries where people find it easy to lose hope, where weapons are easy to find, and where anger and fear are inflamed by the national news media. This is also a country where our justice system has failed us, and people who are dangers to themselves and others are allowed to walk the streets with impunity. This is not the America of my parents and grandparents, and it is time we started holding ourselves to the same standards that they held themselves to. Before long, it may be too late. Ask yourself, before you go to bed tonight, "Whose side am I on - wrong or right? Black or white?" Sometimes, it really is that simple.