Off-Topic: Iran and Freedom
June 15, 2009
Sorry for the off-topic post, but I have had little else on my mind these past few days. When I was a senior in High School I watched with millions of other Americans as Chinese students stood up for freedom in June 1989. Their revolution was short lived, but it made quite an impact on my life. I will never forget the image of the sole man standing against the line of takes in Tienanmen Square:
The same sort of revolution is going on in Iran today. Millions of Iranian’s are asking, “Where is my vote?” The fact that Iranians are on the streets demanding their freedom is heart warming. I am frustrated that our leaders have decided to stay silent - to avoid upsetting the defacto regime. While this may be the ’smartest’ thing to do, it certainly isn’t the American thing to do. At the very least we should be voicing our support for the Iranian people and their struggle against oppression. I don’t believe the notion that some people (Muslims) just can’t be free. It is perhaps the most offensive and frustrating argument I have heard.
While tens of thousands of Iranian’s took to the streets, at great danger to their lives, our own citizens took to our streets to ‘celebrate’ their team’s victory at the Staples Center. I couldn’t help but compare the two events. On the left, Iranians fighting for their freedom, on the right idiots rioting for fun:
How can we (and our elected leaders) simply remain silent as millions of people fight for their freedom? How come our citizens have the time, energy, desire and freedom to riot because their team won? I makes me sick. I want leaders who stand up for freedom. The French people risked their lives and their treasure to help our forefathers gain their freedom - too bad we are no longer willing to do the same for our fellow man in Iran. I don’t know what the right answer is - but at least we should voice our support. I guess that is why I am writing this post, to voice my support for the Iranian people - you are not forgotten - we hear you and we pray for your safety and your ultimate victory over oppression.
The best photos are from the Boston Herald.
