Freedom of Expression--> RECAP

After several weeks of planning and hard work, February 4th finally arrived yesterday, and it was time for our anticipated event to finally take place. Although the event was scheduled to start at 8:00 pm, it actually began at 8:45 due to numerous delays (Haygagan Jamatrootioon ishdeh...). The event began with an interesting slideshow showcasing events and aspects in history which have been a result of a lack of freedom of expression (Tiananmen Square, construction/destruction of the Berlin Wall, etc.). The MC of the evening was none other than Toronto's own member of the Young Liberals of Ontario, ARFYOC central exec. member, and past ANCA Washington summer intern, Hagop Mksyartinian. He was magnificent throughout the whole night introducing performers such as MC Shorty, (who preformed with former members of The Polar Contrast, Nerses, Ashod and Varoujan), Pyunig (who preformed 6 wonderful Armenian "azkayeen" songs) and Daniel Ohanian (who recited a poem written by one of our own members, Raffi Sarkissian). In between these performances, The ANCA "Grassroots Makes a Difference", BBC's "The Betrayed" and our very own "F.O.E 2006" documentaries were shown, leaving a huge impact on the audience. However, what proved to have an even bigger impact on those present was the "Speak on it" video-clip performed by Serj Tankian and Knowledge, and System of a down's protest in front of Dennis Hastert’s office, regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide (video clip). Goes to show, how much of an impact these guys have made in popular culture...I mean it seems to me that the more popular they get, the more people around the world (especially "odars") will listen to their message. The evening was concluded with a speech given by Natalie MacLeod, on behalf of the ARFYOC "Simon Zavarian" executive committee. However, this wasn't just any speech...She basically challenged the entire audience to act and take full advantage of the freedom of expression they possess. Her motivating speech ended like this...

"Every time we care, but we don't reach...
Every time we learn, but we don't teach...
Every time we see, but we don't speak...
We become evil, we become weak...
Justice needs a voice. Why not yours?"