Arab News covers an address given by Saudi King Abdullah to the Shoura Council, sort of a ‘State of the Union’ address. The article leads with the King’s comments that no one in Saudi Arabia is above criticism, including himself. This, it seems to me, is intended as a counter to those government officials who take great umbrage—and sometimes legal and extra-legal steps—to quash criticism.
The article goes on to note other topics of the King’s remarks, including the economy, education, development, and Saudi support of the Palestinians.
Nobody Is Above Criticism: King Abdullah
Raid Qusti, Arab NewsRIYADH, 16 March 2008 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has declared that no one in the country was above criticism, including himself.
“God is my witness that I have not hesitated to criticize myself harshly because of a strong feeling of my responsibility before the Lord,†King Abdullah said in his address to the Shoura Council yesterday.
He said that he derived his power from God’s mercy which leads him to deep soul-searching. The king referred to himself as a “self-critic,†adding that he was capable, with the support of God, of promoting righteousness and preventing wickedness.
“Let us all remember that we are responsible before God and then our people and nation,†he said.
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March:16:2008 - 14:26
First let me say my life became so much better when King Abdullah became the King and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
I love you King Abdullah and I respect YOU!
March:16:2008 - 21:20
I agree with Sparky, that the king has done much to reform the country and I think his comments are well intended. However, I find them to be hollow considering that a mild critic of the system and social order has been in Jail for over 3 months with no charges being brought up against him. For King Abdullah’s statements to have more substance, the Saudi government should release Fuad Al Farhan and all other peaceful critics immediately. Otherwise it is just words that do not change much of the realities in the country.
March:17:2008 - 03:42
Hi Saudi in the US. I missed you and ma glad to see you. I think we have to find out who put Fouad behind bars and start calling them like every minute of the day. If we can find out the NAME of the ONE who put him away I will call them like evey other minute. No kidding
The King is sincere, he cannot overstep everybody else’s decisions; however, if he sees the people petitioning and kindly requesting the incarcerators then I think something can be done. I think the King’s message concerning those wrongly put behind bars is loud and clear and if people (incarerators cannot understand it then they are stupid…sorry).
Let’s do it. It is not enough knowing what to do; it is doing what need be done. Let us know A. What to do and B. Do it
“Find out just what the people will submit to and you have found out the exact amount of injustice and wrong, which will be imposed upon them; and these will continue until they are resisted with either words or blows, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.”
— Frederick Douglass, American abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman and reformer
March:17:2008 - 04:00
“Muslim citizens cannot spearhead a democratic shift unless they master the “art of presence” – the skill and spirit to assert collective will in spite of all odds by circumventing constraints, utilizing what is possible, and discovering new spaces within which to make themselves heard, seen and felt.â€
This quote is from one of the articles John posted a while back. I apologize that I cannot reference the author because I didn’t save that info.
These words touched me and affected me, so I saved them on my desktop under the word “Democracy†and periodically open it and read and reflect upon iit.
March:17:2008 - 04:16
First, just let me say…one should follow precaution and work on:
A. Not getting their a_ss kicked by the police
and
B. Not get their a_ss locked up by the police.
Kindly follow this link to see Chris Rock’s instructional video on “How NOT to get you’re a_ss kicked by the policeâ€
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj0mtxXEGE8
I believe this video applies to peoples of all colors and creeds…
March:17:2008 - 10:10
Sparky thanks for the kind words. I have missed all my friends here, but extraordinary work travel have limited my posting time.
I agree with you, King Abdullah has done more for reforming the system than any previous rulers. I also do not question his sincerity as he has a long history of being a man of his word.
The issue is we have laws on the book that allows the authorities to hold citizens in jail without formal charges for up to 6 months. I know the king cannot watch over every detail, but he has the power to change lows to match his intended reforms and justice he seeks to provide to his people. I hope these laws will be addressed as part of the judicial reforms underway.
I wish there is away to help Fuad. I did send many emails and letters to news papers, to alert the media to the situation, during the first week of his arrest. That seems to only provide some awareness, but the poor man is still in jail 3 months later with no word on his charges.
By the way I loved the Chris Rock video. You may add a few things to the list for Saudi Arabia, like:
- Do not let a strand of hair get loose from under your cover
- Do not hang at the market during prayer
- Do not write a blog with your real name
- And never ever go to Starbucks without Mahram
I am sure we can add a hundred more if we try…