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Furious Turks and filthy politics

The Turkish public is furious these days, rightfully so. We are witnessing just how foolish the government thinks we are, and we are discovering it from the mouth of an exiled mobster. In the meantime, everybody expects there to be a strong challenge to the government’s indifference. The public wants someone to do something, start something, so that justice can be served.

Thursday May 27 2021 11:39 am

The Turkish public is furious these days, rightfully so. Not only have they been exploited for years, they’re now witnessing just how foolish the government thinks they are. And they are discovering it from the mouth of an exiled mobster.

Despite the chaos that has ensued, nothing is changing. The indifferent rule continues. There have yet to be any resignations from those tarnished parties.

Those who we now know have been shamelessly lying to our faces for years have either shut up or continued to parrot their lies.

In the meantime, the public is searching for any opposition. Everybody expects there to be a strong challenge to the government’s indifference.

The public wants someone to do something, start something, so that justice can be served. They get pushed to the brink by one Sedat Peker video, then they relax by his next video, only to get worked up all over again.

The main opposition leader referred to President Erdoğan’s latest “asking for the people’s blessing” plea by asking for early elections. Every time he calls for early elections, the pot begins to simmer. The opposition has said they will “hold them accountable” numerous times. Yet, it’s not action to say, “we’ll hold you accountable”, it’s action to hold those who exploit Turkey to account as soon as possible and start to govern.

A lot can be done in the meantime. It is possible for the opposition to raise a unified voice via a joint declaration. It is possible for deputies to stage demonstrations in front of government ministries. It is possible to agree on a common legal path involving the judiciary. It is also possible to voice common demands and guide the public towards exerting pressure on the government. It is possible to think of and try many response mechanisms. But these things cannot be done via the demands of a single party. We do not know who they are talking to behind closed doors. One cannot do everything openly because this is Turkish politics and the government is looking for an out like a vulture. Even a small step from the opposition could be magnified and used against them. So, one must think and act carefully.

Sedat Peker continues to spill the beans. Shifting the attention from himself to somewhere else is unfavorable. Thus, it is important to ensure that Peker continues to talk and fix the attention on his words.

Meanwhile the opposition should continue to challenge the government.

On the other hand, it is not correct to inform one’s policies solely based on Peker’s words. We know what this man has done in the past. He may be revealing all the filth today, but it is obvious that he will not spend the rest of his life lounging in a hammock reading books on psychological humanism. It’s not right to make Peker the backbone of the opposition. This doesn’t mean that we won’t pay attention to his words; we will also speak our minds and we’ll maintain our action. We must keep our cool and not lose focus. Otherwise, we’ll be dragged down by the others.

As furious folks, we have some non-constructive coping mechanisms, such as attacking each other, biting the person next to us, hitting from behind, and nudging the one in front. It can be a crime simply to say, ‘good morning’ when society is charged with so much negativity. You can get an answer like, “What do you mean good morning? Can’t you see that today is a dark day?” Then you start thinking, “How did we get here?” Our already damaged social psychology can force us towards insanity in our private lives.

These angry, non-constructive, egotistically attacks are the worst we can do. Of course, I want to say, ‘don’t do it and disregard anyone who does such things,’ but I know that will hurt feelings. It is the collective rage of a people still confined to their home. But just think, maybe the person you’re angry at is the person you’ve walked next to or lifted-up during the Gezi Park Protests.

We will, of course, continue to debate, but do not shy away from responding to those who mix debate with contempt. Solidarity has a tendency to fend off a danger in spite of differences. Let’s not forget that those who sabotage each other – masked by the ‘struggle for freedom’- are most dangerous and should be avoided. Truly courageous people speak out their mind and act accordingly.

Let this article be for those people who have experienced their share of misplaced anger. Nevertheless, despite ourselves, let us keep up the fight with the belief that we will see sunny days.