People have power too

Discourse is a tool that everyone uses, and it serves both positive and negative purposes as does almost everything else in the human world. Discourse can be used for both good and evil as we've been able to see in recent history. Discourse can be used as a tool of fear, and virtually force people to accept the actions concocted by those in positions of higher authority. People in the federal government come to mind immediately. The best example of this is clearly the Iraq War and the "reasons" why it started. Discourse also allows people to speak out against the war, which was very unpopular in the beginning. People who opposed the war were met by great criticism by those who believed the war was essential to America continuing its way of life. The power of discourse has slowly earned its way to being a positive force regarding the war as most people now in this country voice their displessure for the situation. I like to look at the positive here, and feel that discourse has been essential in making this country what it is. Few have spoken out against many, and have suffered hard-fought battles and wars because of it; however, in the long run I believe discourse has proven to empower all people. The government accused people who opposed the war of fear mongering and being "unpatriotic", but the voices grew, and the view that the government recently considered dangerous has become one of common sense as we see no end in sight to the war and a bill we can no longer afford to pay. Yes, authorities have abused the power of discourse, and it has been dangerous at times throughout history. Overall, I put a positive spin on the power of the individual to use discourse.