to do or not to do, the South African strike

if i am not interested in actively running around with a placard over my head, and don't give a toot about how high my pay demand should be, especially since the higher your pay goes, the higher your tax gets, why am i being forced to leave my work place when i don't feel like it? its weird. we all have a democratic right to do as we please as long as we don't compromise the rights of others.

the ANC movements and demonstrations are always said to be done for our benefit. but what if i'm not interested in those benefits? I mean look at the ANC Youth League's champaign against open toilets in Makhaza in Khayelitsha in June 2010.

the toilets were then sheltered using corrugated iron. but because some residents were not happy, the ANCYL takes it upon itself to not only destroy the shelters but the toilets too. Fine, you don't want your toilets, do with them whatever you like. but what surprised me is that when some residents were interviewed by the media, they said they liked their toilets just as they were and were not part of the strike. but those who were part of the strike still came to these residents' homes and destroyed their toilets too! when asked why, they said everyone was to be united and take part in the strike. even the news presenter was surprised and asked, 'but you are aware these people have a right not to take part in the strike too right?'

same thing now. i want to keep working. so do most of my colleagues. some teachers still want to teach. some doctors and nurses still feel obligated to take care of the sick. but noooo, strikers march right into our lives and threaten us to stop working and to go on strike. i don't get it at all. hopefully by tonight this whole thing will be over...