I had the opportunity to speak on freedom and democracy at the International Sit-in events on July 3, 2014 in Istanbul, Turkey…

Good evening my brothers and sisters here in Istanbul and around the world. I am Missy Crutchfield.

I come to you today bringing warm greetings from Gandhi’s Be Magazine.

We work with the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and serve to tell the stories of brave people and organizations who fight for social justice around the world.

As we all know Mahatma Gandhi is the father of the modern Indian independence movement.

And he used nonviolent means to accomplish that end.

Gandhi said, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”

Violence is not the answer.

Gandhi said, “My life is my message.”

And, violence is not the answer.

Today’s gathering is about freedom and democracy in Egypt and around the world.

Our message is also about the tools we are using to tell the world our stories…

Through the April 6 youth movement, we learned that the power of the Internet, social media, and mobile technology is the new frontline of democracy and activism.

Please know that your struggles have not gone unnoticed around the world.

Some countries have remained silent, when they should perhaps be doing more to help.

Please know there are many, many people around the world who support you, who are praying for you, and who are working with you.

There is a movement of “the people” in the world today that is taking off in a very big way.

My country, the U.S., was founded on the principle of “We the People.”

Sometimes that gets lost. But it is the most important part of our government.

On April 6th we watched as a powerful movement began in Egypt and it was about “the people.”

It was led by amazing youth there, armed with computers, cell phones, and other technology to fight for freedom.

Technology is and will continue to be the most powerful tool we can use to send a global message about the “power of the people”—and tell what is happening in our countries, cities, and villages.

It is our way to SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER in a nonviolent way in Egypt and around the world.

And as we work together for peace, democracy and freedom, I pledge to share your stories on Gandhi’s Be Magazine, and to help keep this movement for peace going any way I can.

Let us use our technology and our writing, let us work with our friends in the media and tell our very powerful stories.

We have a saying in the U.S. that “Freedom isn’t Free.”

We will remember our friends and loved ones who have risked their lives, many have lost their lives, and many are not free now and are jailed or have been tortured for speaking out…

Remember them and remember you are not alone.

Let us work together to bring back the historical moment that happened in Egypt. Where freedom and democracy did happen, and then it was taken away.

Let us remind our brothers and sisters who fight against us that we only want to have that process of democracy back.

Let us remind the world that this is about a process that was put in place and then taken away, and a Coup is not that process.

America? Where are you? If we don’t stand up for democracy in the world, what will happen to democracy?

To our young people: You are the new Freedom Fighters of the world!!

Use these tools of the Internet, social media, and mobile technology that I have mentioned as your new swords.

Teach others how to use the new media. Increase your numbers and pledge to support this every day until the world listens to your message.

Your life is your message and your message should be clear. We want freedom and democracy now!

We want freedom and democracy in Egypt and around the world now!

Now, pay attention: The media will follow your messages.

As with the recent “Free AJ Staff” campaign, the world is once again watching.

And I want to thank Al Jazeera for the coverage they have given. When other media had chosen not to get involved. Al Jazeera told the story. And, now others are covering more of what’s happening. Thank you, Al Jazeera.

So, again I say, “The world is watching us!! What will we show them?”

Let our message be a united voice for peace and nonviolence, freedom and democracy around the world.

I will close with words from Mahatma Gandhi that we should never, never forget:

“First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

God bless you all.

Peace + Love

-MC

editors@bemagazine.org