I had a great day today at the first day of the national Day of Hacking event and the kick off of the code for BTV brigade of Code for America…but Sometimes something comes up that must preempt my telling about my day .

Today I just want to write in support of all my friends in Turkey I’ve been shocked to read about the violence there over the last three days.. I’ve heard from several of them and from what I can understand the total story is still not getting out. The government Is saying that the riots there are being caused by activist. Some of those activists Are actually folks like my good friends there. They are peace-loving, Law abiding, highly educated, fun loving, professional people. They were peacefully protesting the bulldozing at a popular park in the Taxim square part of Istanbul. The government is removing the park because it is a popular area for bars and restaurants frequented by Young people who enjoy getting together to have a good time. When I was there last November I saw police and water cannons parked near taxim Square. Then there was No violence just lots of people hanging out with friends enjoying their evening.

I guess the government in power doesn’t want that. They are intent on imposing their social beliefs on the rest of the country.modern Turkey has a great history of religious tolerance. Ataturk made sure that turkey was a country for people of all beliefs. I hope they can find their way back there again soon.

My thoughts are with my friends in Istanbul and in the rest of Turkey I hope there’s a peaceful resolution to this current violence And all parties can begin to listen to one another again.

Night all, night Sam
– Me

ps. more about my day today, tomorrow

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