in-justice

Today is the birthday of this nation, the place where i was born. On days like today we celebrate the gift of equality and democracy, of a government that protects it's people and doesn't just profit from them, of a place where we can feel safe to be individuals. My friends down south will celebrate a similar event just 3 days from now. And yet is this freedom, equality, and justice that we celebrate simply an illusion?
4 days ago my brother got released from a holding cell after being in custody for 20 hours. He was arrested on Sunday for passing the peace to the police officers at a prayer vigil. Earlier that day he'd marched along with many other global citizens in protest at the G20, demanding a democratic process and a global policy that balances social and economic issues. From his account, the police were the victims and the other 700 some prisoners were, like him selves, the tragic heroes. To my ears it seems a tragedy of epic proportions, with the only character flaws of the protagonists being their desire to stand up for justice and equality in a nation that celebrates those very things as essential to its existence.
And this tragedy does nothing more to me than the many, many stories of injustice in our world. It convicts me once again that the law, that justice, and that the fight for equality, all demand of me to spend 6 more years at school. 6 more years, so that i may do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the power of a law degree behind my belt. Again and again i am told that this is where my deepest passions meet the worlds greatest needs. If only i can accomplish some level of justice with that degree, it will be worth it.
Peace and Prayers

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