In today’s world, history is a discarded key. This planet’s present day dwellers seem to have attention spans measured in nanoseconds. That’s if something newsworthy is even noticed and half way absorbed in the first place. People today, especially in the United States and even more so in the South Bay area of Los Angeles where I work, don’t seem to notice much of what is happening in other parts of the world and definitely don’t care much. I don’t think saying that is much of a stretch. I base my claim on numerous daily interpersonal encounters and in monitoring the subject matter being discussed in my general area. You know, just listening in on the buzz. International events are waaaay down the list.
More importantly, the impact of those missed stories on our world and on each of us are completely ignored. These largely affluent Americans only absorb what the tabloid media (I’m being very kind here) spoon feeds them minute after minute, hour after hour and day after day, often without a break. Case in point is the recent non-stop baby pablum-type reporting surrounding the sudden death of a pop singer – child molestor. This is the best recent example of what a joke the “press” (as they used to be called) or media has become. You can expect this story to be perpetuated in the coming weeks and months, virtually non-stop. You will see round the clock coverage of the death of someone who lived a life of off the charts excess, childish indulgence and sexual perversion. Like so many in the “entertainment” industry, he was propped up by drugs, both prescription and illicit. He hardly represented someone who should have been held up as any sort of icon and yet the populace is in full-fawning mode. It is the best example yet that American society is fast becoming a joke.
While this non-stop fawn fest has been in full swing, the bigger world has not stopped. Elsewhere, this singer’s passing is hardly noticed. There are events of much bigger import unfolding every minute.
Dear reader, please indulge me for a moment here. What follows are three short words. Please try to pronounce them and think about them. Neda Agha Soltan. Strange sounding aren’t they? And much more importantly, what do they mean? What language is that? How did you do on my little test? Can you say them? Try repeating them, many times if you will. Try memorizing them. When I reveal their meaning, they could very well become words of awakening in your life and in many others’ as well.
If you have been paying attention to the world stage at all over the past few weeks, you should know that presidential elections were held in Iran, a key society in the present ages old crisis in the Middle East. (Ok, elections. In a middle eastern country. So? Where’s he going with this?)
In the complicated context of the Middle East crisis, the country of Iran represents two divergent conditions, which are almost impossible to reconcile. First, the country is ruled by an extremely repressive religious oligarchy (rule by a few), fanatical in nature and ideologically unyeilding. These hand picked brain washed men are appointed, nobody elects them (but you just said there was an election?). They are religious clerics or often called mullahs. Their iron fisted rule is by decree only, with death awaiting those who do not get with the program. Hand in hand with this elite religious governing body is a civilian or secular government, sometimes elected but not always. The recent election was for the office of this secular presidency. This is the only facet of public life in which the Iranian people can have a voice. On June 12, 2009, millions of everyday Iranians did just that, voted for their choice to head up the secular government. This simple act of voting is a moment of truth and magic for those who live day to day beneath the boot of repression. Standing in long lines to vote and then doing so often inspires deep celebration by the powerless Iranian people.
Iranian society is generally well-educated, hard working and middle class. The standard of living is well above average for the region. Many Iranians travel and have attended university outside of Iran. In many ways, it is a modern society ruled by a vestige of the past. Iranians are vibrant, open people who generally look favorably on western society. This is reflected in their manner of dress, their entertainment choices (that may not be a good thing) and in their willingness to participate in peaceful international life. However, the actions of their government are another story.
In recent years, Iran has proactively sought to exert it’s influence throughout the region and the world. However, it has suffered from the words and actions of it’s current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. His behavior has been the basis for sanctions imposed by a weak United Nations and has pushed Iran into international isolation. The Iranian economy is in shambles. Shortages are common despite billions in oil and natural gas revenues. This opposing direction has caused deep disaffection among the Iranian populace for many years.
Prior to the election, there was much celebration and hope that the results would reflect the general wishes of the everyday Iranian. Huge numbers of people voted, both in cities and in the countryside. The election was rightly viewed as a moment of opportunity, a chance to elect someone else to the office of president who would move Iran in a different, more productive direction and reintegrate the country into the international community. When the results were announced, that hope and optimism were crushed by the announcement that Ahmadinejad had been re-elected. The widespread shock became disbelief and quickly resentment and anger. The voting tallys announced by the authorities were clearly fraudulent. It quickly became obvious that something large and important had been stolen from the Iranian people. How could this have happened?
Initally, crowds poured into Tehran’s streets, chocking traffic and effectively halting commerce. Emotions were sky high and the populace wasted no time in voicing their protests, which were generally described as peaceful in both the domestic and international media. By many counts, upwards of one million people were present, vocal and wearing something green, the color of the government opposition party. Many carried signs, often in perfect english stating “where is my vote?” and “our legal president is M.H. Mousavi” among others. Looking closely at the people holding the signs reveals that these are everyday people, many women included. They are predominantly youthful but there is plenty of visible gray hair. These are not the black clad anarchists who commonly provoke violence at the yearly WBO or IMF meetings. They are everyday Iranians, looking very much like you and me.
Then, suddenly, something changes. Shots are fired from the direction of the police into the crowd.
Remember the three simple words that you learned earlier? Yes, Neda Agha Soltan. They are a name. The name of a beautiful young Iranian woman shot in the upper chest area who graphically bleeds out on a Tehran street while efforts to stem the bleeding fail.
After you read my article, please go to YouTube and punch in her name. But be forewarned. It will not be pleasant at all. You will see her lying on the pavement in a large pool of blood. Her eyes will appear to look directly at the camera before thick blood emerges from her nose and mouth and pools in her left eye. Even with the blood on her face, one can tell that she was beautiful. Very moving, very haunting.
Neda is but one of at least several dozen protestors killed during almost two weeks of protests. Protests for what? The Iranian people simply want what we have, and so take for granted almost every day. They want to vote in free elections, assemble in peace, speak their minds, raise their children and conduct commerce, peacefully. Their government will not allow any of this and will kill them if necessary to control daily life. This will not end here, fortunately. Freedom is by far the strongest collective human emotion found anywhere. The days of the current Iranian government are probably numbered. The desire to live free cannot be crushed forever. Though many more just like Neda will probably die, eventually an illigetiment government will fall.
Neda Agha Soltan will become a symbol for that coming time. Her haunting image will live on in the hearts and minds of all decent peace loving Iranians. She has been dubbed the Angel of Freedom. How appropriate. I would ask each of you readers to look further into her death, understand why it is of incredible significance in our world today and remember her and her family in your prayers.
One last thing. Never, ever take for granted our own freedoms in this country and never miss an opportunity to stand with others in this troubled world who seek what we have. Neda was truly one of us, and it is the same with millions of others. Understand what has happened on that street in Tehran and never, ever forget it.
On a very somber note, all the best. Until next time,
Tim
5 Responses to “The Courageous Message From Tehran”
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Rather interesting. Has few times re-read for this purpose to remember. Thanks for interesting article. Waiting for trackback
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In today’s world, history is a discarded key. This planet’s present day dwellers seem to have attention spans measured in nanoseconds…..
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