I didn't know much about this protest other than it is about 3 months old and will change the face of Ukraine but this article gives a lot of background information and tells about how the protestors are using social media to help them during their fight. Read the article and think about this:
1) Why is this fight happening? What is the deeper story here?
2) Would you ever join an "occupy" movement for a cause?
3) Why would the current President sign with Russia instead of the EU?
http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/02/05/ukraines_revolutionary_movement_euromaidan_stays_organized_with_social_media.html
The protests started when the European Union offered the Ukrainian government an agreement which would offer the citizens with more opportunities for free trade, establish a less corrupt government (the government establishments can often be bribed with money) and allow the country to escape its close alignment to socialist Russia and eventually be a part of the European Union. In November, Ukrainian President, Viktor Yanukovych, refused the treaty with the EU in which his citizens truly thought and hoped would be accepted. This happened for many reasons including that Russia offered Ukraine a 15 billion dollar loan. This sudden change in decision outraged Ukrainians because they thought this decision would only benefit the richest of Ukraine and ignore the interests of the ordinary people. Ukrainians first began protesting as a pro-EU movement at independence square in Kyiv, Ukraine after this decision. The worst part about this protest was that once the protests began in November, Yanukovych started making anti-protest laws which varied from banning protests without government permission to placing large fines for wearing masks during a demonstration and driving in convoys of more than five cars. Really, the government continues to remove their rights and repress the ugly truth about what is happening, which fuels the anger of the protesters who demand that the Ukrainian Prime Minister, Interior minister and the President (Yanukovych) resign.
ReplyDeleteThere are many reasons why the president could have decided to sign with Russia instead of the EU. His main fuel for doing this is probably the money. Not only was the country offered a 15 billion dollar loan from Russia, but how the government works in Ukraine presently provides benefits to the rich (including the President) and leaves the poor to fend for themselves, which would obviously benefit the wealthy government officials. Also, I think they are resisting change because if the citizens of Ukraine get a taste of the life they could potentially have with a new type of living and government (These opportunities would probably happen if the treaty with the EU was accepted), it could lead the citizens to vote out their government officials replacing them with new ones that would continue the changes. Obviously, because of the President’s thirst for power, he would do anything he can to avoid this from happening, even if it means sacrificing his people’s chance for a better life.
Honestly, I think these protesters have an issue worth fighting for, even if it means having to live in these conditions. Personally, if I was treated the same way, I would join and “occupy” movement. I think that any issue we have, whether it be with the government or anyone else, is only important if it’s worth fighting for. Personally, I know of this from the movements in the past 100 years that fought for the rights to have French schools in Ontario. Many of my friends parents and grandparents were apart of these movements. I know that because of them, I was able to get a francophone education that can benefit me for the rest of my life. The reason I was able to have this was because of these brave men and women that stood up for what they believed in. Its for that reason that the movements are necessary in order to make a real impact. If I did have a cause that impacted me in such a manner I would definitely participate in the movement.
Here are the Articles that explain more about the movement and its causes:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/ukraine-protests-what-exactly-is-going-on-in-kiev-9083107.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2014/02/russia-presses-ukraine-debt-amid-protests-201428143340764412.html
The post above is my weekly post.
DeleteAnd the longest post award goes to? Great job; almost too good. Keep it up.
DeleteThe Ukrainian EuroMaidan protest was originally formed by those upset with the government's rejection of a trade agreement with the European Union in favour of a hefty loan from Russia. The EU had been hoping to pull Ukraine, a formerly Soviet nation, towards a more westernized standard of living. However, the financial aid from Russia apparently proved to be too tempting for Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych to turn down. EuroMaidan was a way for the public to express their outrage at this--and, after authorities used physical force to try to stop the protest, a way to express outrage at the Yanukovych government as a whole. Protesters are demanding the President's resignation, as well as reformation of the government that has abused the rights of Ukrainian citizens time and time again.
ReplyDeleteI think it's very important for the people of Kyiv to fight for what they believe in. We've witnessed the power in numbers, and these people certainly have shown themselves to be powerful. If enough passionate individuals make a stand, even just by showing up and being present for a few hours at these protests, I truly believe that they will be able to make a difference in their country's deeply corrupted political system. Good luck, Ukraine!
Some great informative articles about the nature of the EuroMaidan protests and why the West should get involved:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/damian-kolodiy/the-ukrainian-euro-maidan_b_4611556.html
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregsatell/2014/01/26/why-its-time-for-the-west-to-act-in-ukraine/
Is this your post Maggie? If so it is a good post that shows the importance of standing up to the man.
DeleteYes it is, sorry! Forgot to add that!
DeleteAs I read the original article in Mr. Lahaie's post I kept thinking that if the protesters really are just looking for some government transparency, and some say in their actions it isn't that unreasonable to ask given our Canadian democracy. Unfortunately for the protesters however, the decision has been made, the loan taken, so now they have to decide how to proceed.
ReplyDeleteMaggie I read your second article, and the amount of unnecessary violence that is taking place right now is crazy. The police with Russian accents suggest to me that Russia might have its own selfish motives in the loan as well, ones that they are willing to protect at all costs. The idea that Russia has some underlying dark motives corresponds with my post about the Olympics and how the money could very well be going into company pockets. This joined together sends red flags. But I also would like to say living in Canada where we believe in sharing our opinion, there are less "protests", even though people could go as far as to say that Toronto has a corrupt leader too, breaking the contract in term. The question is: Is this the best way for the people to respond? There must be another way, a more peaceful one!
This is my weekly post:
ReplyDeleteSocial media has allowed not only Ukraine but many countries the opportunity to organize protests. Although the Syrians were the first to use social media to aid in organizing an uprising, the Egyptian uprising relied heavily on the use of social media to organize their own community within Cairo's Tahrir Square. They were able to organize a border patrol, checkpoints, food distribution, medical centers, musical performances, and many other key contributors to the success of their uprising. I found this to be very similar to how the Ukraine is utilizing social media to help aid their efforts, in swaying their government to join the EU.
As social media has proven itself to be a key role in organizing uprisings, I am left wondering if any action will be take by governments to restrict it. I know that several countries do have limitations on what websites are accessible to their citizens, but will this be a growing trend amongst other governments. With social media sites being so essential for the spreading of ideas, I also wonder if we (as Canadians) should begin to think about outlining how much power our government should have over this limitless source of information.
http://blogs.aljazeera.com/blog/middle-east/egypts-protests-social-media
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2013/07/201372992935843820.html
Great post. Finding another blog is great too.
ReplyDelete