We have double standard on protests

As Americans, we reveled in the downfall of oppression in two nations of the Middle East. We supported the Egyptian people as they defied the dictator, and through determination and sheer courage, brought down Mubarak and then brought down military rule — and we cheered.

To the people of Libya: We aided you with military might and diplomatic pressure in order to bring down the tyrant Kaddafi — and we cheered.

We continue to pray that the “Arab Spring” grows and shouts to the world that democracy prevails when people of reason can reason their differences without despotism and suppression.

And we cheer that Tunisia, Syria and other oppressed nations may find their voice and celebrate their democratic moment.

I wonder why, then, that we as Americans seem so unwilling to offer the same support and the same excitement for our fellow Americans who protest their own government for economic equality. One does not need to agree with every piece of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement to appreciate and sustain the fundamental motivation that to redress our government for economic justice is deeply American. Why is it cause for celebration when another country’s people demonstrate in the streets and demand that their government be honest and fair, while in this country, “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” we send riot police to violently throw our people out of public parks or to pepper spray college students who were quietly protesting on their own campus?

Frankly, I don’t understand.

Jane Siegal

Mundelein