Fouad Farhan: Why We Blog

Posted on January 6, 2008
Filed Under Activism, Democracy, Mideast, Blogging and New Media |

Whops, I just realized I’m supposed to be silent today in order to express solidarity for Fouad Farhan, a fellow blogger who got jailed by the Saudi authorities.

Better late than never.

I never knew Fouad before the news of his arrest made it all over the media. Today for the first time I checked out some of his old blog posts. I’m already liking him. Here’s one translated by Saudi Jeans into English.

Why Do We Blog?

1. Because we believe we have opinions that deserve to be heard, and minds that should be respected.
2. Because societies do not progress until they learn to respect opinions of their members. And we would like to see our society progressing.
3. Because blogging is our only option. We do not have a free media, and freedom to assemble is not allowed.
4. Because we want to discuss our opinions.
5. Because we think.
6. Because we care.
7. Because blogging has had a positive effect on other societies and we want to see the same result in our society.
8. Because blogging is a reflection of the life of society members. And we are alive.
9. Because blogging is gaining increasing attention from media and governments. We want them to listen to us.
10. Because we are not scared.
11. Because we reject the cattle mentality.
12. Because we welcome diversity of opinions.
13. Because the country is for all, and we are part of it.
14. Because we want to reach out to everyone.
15. Because we refuse to be an “echo”.
16. Because we are not any less than bloggers in other societies.
17. Because we seek the truth.
18. Because our religion encourages us to speak out.
19. Because we are sick and tired of the Saudi media hypocrisy.
20. Because we are positive.
21. Because blogging is a powerful tool that can benefit society.
22. Because we are affected and we can affect.
23. Because we love our country.
24. Because we enjoy dialogue and don’t run away from it.
25. Because we are sincere.

Stay safe Fouad. We stand with you and await your release as we await that of other jailed bloggers.

Comments

6 Responses to “Fouad Farhan: Why We Blog”

  1. Howie on January 7th, 2008 4:21 am

    Well…I never met this guy of course (do you think he could get a Jew a free pass to Saudia?)but I sure like what he has to say.

    I have signed and passed it along to many folk.

  2. Drima on January 7th, 2008 6:23 am

    Great! :)

  3. kinzi on January 7th, 2008 7:32 am

    Drima, I’m going to paste this into a post if you don’t mind. I’ll give ya credit, tho’. Thanks!

  4. From Fouad - Why Do We Blog? « my treasure on January 7th, 2008 7:59 am

    […] know much about Fouad, so in order to post something a little different, I found something on Drima’s blog that was translated from Fouad’s blog by Saudi Jeans. Check that: […]

  5. Roman Kalik on January 7th, 2008 3:43 pm

    I like his list. Saudi Arabia certainly isn’t moving forward by locking up guys like him.

  6. Dave on January 7th, 2008 9:30 pm

    I hope Fouad is freed soon. I love Saudis as people (well, usually) but man, I hate the Saudi government. I can’t wait until the land of the prophet and the two shrines are free of their corruption again.

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