Free Thought Manifesto: Yasiin Bey (Mos Def)

"Terrorist"

"Terrorist" Just a Word... 'Terrorist' is just a word, one I wish I'd never heard... When it's used to vilify, without the need to question why... Only fools would swift condemn, that which has not befallen them... Until you know what lies behind, the actions of a tortured mind... Thank your God for sparing you, the suffering others have lived through... Where are the cries of just demand, for Arabs driven from their land?... Blame the victim, turn the cheek, praise the bully, kick the weak!... Mock the man who truth does speak... Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy, greed, corruption, torture, lies!... Blair invasion, sly persuasion, annihilation, massacred nation... Keep on running, karma's coming!... Money talks, truth walks, oil spills, greed kills... Tide is turning, London's burning!... Bombs will fall and blood will flow, as sure as my own name I know... Until corrupt dictators go, brutal, rotten, to the core... Their day has come, they rule no more... Show me the man who will not fight, to save his child, his home, his right!... You can call him what you like, you're not in his sorry plight... Cowards stay and Martyrs go, I know not where, but this I know... Speak your truth and stand your ground, fight your corner... When all around, point the finger, purse the lips, pin the label, 'Terrorist'!... Just a word, but one that sticks, even when the cap don't fit... But for the grace of God go I, remember that, before you cry... False accusation, names of shame, at those who may not be to blame,... Their crime, refused to play the game, of meek acceptance, dumbing down,... Your life, your choice; Warrior / Clown...