United For Iran, July 25th, in Seattle

If you believe in freedom and democracy let the people of Iran know they are not alone. Saturday, July 25th is United For Iran day with demonstrations being held all over the world. Like cockroaches tyranny prefers the dark. Iran has kicked legitimate journalist out of Iran, but 21st century technology continues to fan the flame of freedom.

A rally is planned in Seattle at Freeway Park, Seneca Street at 6th Avenue from 1 to 3 PM. For the sake of the Iranian people and for freedom and democracy for all people, come and raise your voice in a cry so loud that Ahmadinejad can hear it.

Keeping an Eye on Iran

To get an idea about how Iranians are using technology to spread dissent check out “Rebellion Network” on the Australian Broadcasting Company’s Mark Corcoran. Click on "Rebellion Network" to watch. It is a 25 minute video that is very worthwhile. It also gives an insight into the Basji militia which has been responsible for the violence against protestors.

It is important that the world consciously watch what is happening in Iran. If you can do nothing more, watch. Keep watching.

Showing Solidarity with Iran

July 25th Americans have the opportunity to demonstrate their solidarity with the people of Iran as they struggle for a more open and democratic society and government. On that day rallies will be held all over the world and here in the US to allow free people to stand by Iranians who are struggling and dying for freedom.

Barak Obama has been criticized for not making more forceful statements of support for the Iranian opposition. It is not his place. He has to deal with whatever government Iran has, but we, as free American citizens, can make a statement of support and thereby demonstrate what a democratic society is about.

In 1979 Jimmy Carter did not enter into dialog with the Ayatollah Khomeini because the United States was responsible for reinstalling the Shah following his ouster and the democratic election of Muhammad Mossadeq in 1953 and because there was a personal friendship between Carter and the Shah.

You can also show your solidarity by wearing a green wrist band. Freedom for Iran wristbands can be purchased either at Free Iran Bracelet or Freedom and Democracy in Iran.

I am trying to find out where there will be a rally in the Puget Sound Area on the 25th and will post details as soon as I have them.

Regime Change in Iran: blog site for viewing what is happening in Iran

Here is another blog site I found discussing what is happening in Iran. It has some interesting posts and discussion about what the United States should or should not do with regards to the protests and brutality. If you would like my thoughts, click here.

The View from the Iranina Opposition

The Iranian opposition is wondering where President Obama is and why he isn’t declaring himself to be a “Tehraner” in the vein of Kennedy in Berlin. Were it but that easy. I doubt that there’s an American with a television, radio or computer who does not support the Iranians who are fighting for a more open and democratic society, but on an official level Obama walks a tightrope between not making the mistakes of the Carter Administration which refused to read the writing on the wall and continued to support the Shah out of personal loyalty and making an open declaration of solidarity with the opposition. Already the Islamic government is accusing Britain and the US of meddling in their election and whipping up the demonstrations that have gone on for over a week.

In the past the Iranian government has accused the United States of all kinds of ridiculousness including causing an earthquake there and sending CIA trained squirrels—really—to spy on Iran. A government so paranoid justified or not, is going to latch on to anything Obama says like a FOX commentator.

If you have a minute visit one of the Iranian opposition websites like Rotten Gods and leave a message of support. While our government may not be able to make an official statement of support, we, as democratic loving individuals, can.

The Struggle for Freedom Goes on in Iran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUfxYnSFun4

We are all Iranians today

For the life of me, I cannot upload Youtube videos, but check out this one: What's going on in Iran?

The View From Iran

I was in college at Bellevue (then) Community College during the 1978-79 school year and had many Iranian classmates. It was amazing to watch the news at night and talk to them during the day as the Iranian Revolution unfolded. Technology in the form of the cassette tape fueled the Revolution as Khomeini’s sermons had been smuggled into Iran from France. Everyone had high hopes that when the Shah left Iran it was the end of an era of greed and savagery. Thirty years later we know that the story took on new characters, but largely the same story.

Iran suffered a brain drain as many “Westernized” and Western Educated Iranians fled for the United States and Europe. Many who were here stayed anyway they could. Some died in the attempt to get here. Not long after the Revolution one Iranian ex-pat went to Iran to marry his sweetheart. When they could not get a visa for her to the United States they hatched an ill-conceived plan to smuggle her into the country in a suitcase on his return flight. When he picked up the case at baggage claim he discovered that she had succumbed during the flight. Leaving the suitcase behind he drove to his university where he shot himself once in the head. People were literally dying to get out of Iran back in the 1980s.

This week it has been exciting to watch the Iranian people to once again demand a voice in their government. Once again, technology, in the form of email, blogs, and twitter, is fueling the protests. I am holding my breath because how the West reacts can influence the power of the clerics. If the opposition is seen as some sort of tool for the United States their chances of success will be materially damaged as will our chances of meaningful negotiations with the present government.

If you are interested here is a blog from Iran. You can see what is happening and leave a message of support if you want.