Most of the participants and the ones who signed aren’t “young.” Does that make them “wrong?”

How aren’t we taking it seriously if we’re taking direct action against a fellow blogger who has been silenced for no apparent reason?! This is hardly our way of being “young” and amusing or fun. This is taking action, and it has nothing to do with age.

if I signed I would be saying I stand with him on everything

No. Many people who aren’t exactly Mahmood’s fans have signed in the name of free speech. You don’t have to agree with him on everything, but you should at least accept the fact that he has every right to say it. Refusing to sign it because you disagree with what he says is pretty … silly. It would make more sense if you didn’t sign it because you couldn’t care less and it doesn’t really concern you, but if you’re aware of the situation, express interest in it, but yet refuse to sign it, I’d be worried.

But reality is that Bahrain is not France or even the Usa

And you expect us to sit aside and accept this? Why, when we can work towards a better, safer, and more outspoken Bahrain?

Not signing is accepting the fact that “censorship” is needed. You’re accepting the fact that Bahrainis should be kept away from important information and sources that report human rights abuses. Is that really the kind of Bahrain you expect us citizens to live with? A kind of Bahrain where you walk with your head to the ground, censoring yourself because you might be detained, taken to court, harassed and repeatedly threatened with violence?

Time to wake up and see Bahrain for what it really is, and then think about what Bahrain CAN become through our efforts and (quite reasonable) demands.

And of course Mahmood would be frustrated. We all are, hence the angry responses to this case. We have the right to be angered. Mahmood isn’t resorting to violence, however. He is still practicing his right of freedom of speech, and we should all encourage him to keep doing it.

Be careful. I hope they don’t also start getting temptations to shut down our beloved Mideast Youth.

At this time, we must show those in authority that their draconian laws and acts of active repression cannot succeed, and efforts like yours are very germane to the argument.

Thank you ever so much for your support again.

I am truly humbled.