Here, we live in a Democracy we take for granted. We are free to say what we think, worship how ever and wherever we want, and, most importantly, elect leaders democratically. Others countries, like the those in North Africa, are fighting for just that. Freedom.

For the past two weeks, North Africa has seen revolutions and riots unlike any we’ve seen in some time. After being oppressed by their own government, Tunisians finally rioted in front of government buildings and succeeded in over throwing their dictator Ben Ali ( whose wife stole half a ton of gold from her own country). Their revolution brought the people’s voices and pride back. They now feel that they can be a part of their country’s politics.

Riots have spread like wildfire elsewhere in the Arab world too. Egyptians have also woken up after thirty years of oppression under Hosni Mubarak’s reign. Egypt’s citizens are now having their own demonstrations and are calling for fair elections, good public schooling, and basic human rights, things that we take for granted in America. Yemen and other Arab countries are also finally realizing their rights to their own country and are following Tunisia’s path.

These riots didn’t just happen, though. It all started with a man and his fruit cart in Tunisia. After a policewoman took his cart away from him, the man demonstrated self immolation in front of a government building. This triggered riots from citizens all over Tunisia, which then lead to a full pledged revolution and then the riots all over the Arab world.

To think that someone has to burn her or him self to get their government’s attention is something we don’t have to experience thanks to a Constitution written hundreds of years ago. Living in America for our entire lives leaves us blind to these problems because they are out of our sight, but next time you get to say an opinion of yours and don’t get shot, appreciate the freedoms you take for granted.