In support of Iranian protesters
I started a different post about everything happening in Iran right now. It’s hard to write after being transfixed by the video streaming out of that country.
The other post ended up being more like a manifesto than a blog post, so I’ll save that for another time. I just wanted to show my support for the Iranian people. They deserve free and fair elections, something they didn’t get this time.
The Iranian theocracy should see the writing on the wall. Their days are numbered. The protesters might not succeed this time, but demographics are working in their favour. They can see the freedoms and openness in other societies around the world. They want it. They deserve it.
WARNING – THE VIDEO IS VERY GRAPHIC.
After the death of Neda Soltani, a beautiful young Iranian woman captured so vividly on video, you’d think the Iranian government would realize they’re losing the PR battle around the world (and more importantly, at home), and it’s only going to get tougher. Unfortunately these types of corrupt dictatorships tend to hang on to the bitter end. Let’s hope it’s a very bitter one for them.
One of the more interesting aspects of all of this is how social media like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are being used to get video, audio, pictures and text out of Iran to let the world know what is happening. Despite the worst efforts of the Iranian government to stop the information flow by arresting and ejecting foreign media, the information is still flowing out. The government there hasn’t been able to stop the information flow, and let’s hope they don’t.
I am sure it’s been difficult for world leaders to talk publicly about this issue, but they need to condemn the actions of the Iranian government and take actions to support that condemnation. I understand they want to work with the Iranian government but how can you work with a corrupt, violent government like this?
The Iranian protesters are sacrificing a lot to change their society and I support them. The question I have is: would you be willing to do the same to support democracy in your country?
