Invisible Support

by Jeff Warzecha

Kony2012 is all the rage. There's no denying the copious amounts of social media attention and support that has been inundating your Facebook account, RSS feed and favorite news websites lately, but what's at the core of it is less than noble.


The Invisible Children film which came out in 2006 was a great step forward in eradicating the power and influence of Joseph Kony. However, at the time the film was made Kony was already in hiding and was already hunkering down to wait out his ultimate demise much the same way Hussein and Bin Laden did.

So why are we as a country and a social media family so concerned suddenly with Joseph Kony? Well, CNN and the NY Times have come out with some "unveiled" information regarding the United States' involvement, most of it reliant upon, what else, oil.

The region is incredibly unstable and is inundated with corruption and tyrannical rule, so it is in the best interest of top nations and OPEC to supervise the emerging oil-rich nation as it begins exporting in the coming few years. However, the presence of United States troops isn't without suspicion unless there is an alternative "reason" or necessity for their presence and involvement.

So is this something new? No, we know this occurs more often than we think and are told by our government, but this new information does beg the question: should we still support Kony 2012?

The Invisible Children fund is currently being investigated by private firms for the lack of transparency in their organization and the amounts of contributions it actually allocates to its purposes vs. other activities related to the organization.

In addition, the Kony2012 movement doesn't advocate the arrest of the current Ugandan president an other high ranking officials who not only helped to mobilize and strengthen the LRA but also armed them and shielded them from forces which sought to stop them years ago. Why are we not going after the public figures who allowed these atrocities to occur? Why are we going after a powerless man who has gone into hiding, whose influence has waned to only whispers, and whose presence is known to only those who exist in the shadows?

Furthermore, the ability to follow through with a campaign is something that the American public sorely lacks. Our enthusiasm and support for everything from political candidates to charities and even the "occupy" movement is evanescent, and the longevity of the American public's ardency is questionable beyond the April 20th date to "bring awareness."

Our question: if we're aware how long will we care? And if we truly do want to help, do we focus on the Invisible Children movement or do we seek out more legitimate organizations or alternatives to lend our support for something that has no hidden agendas?

Truth2012.