Freedom to Uprise

Freedom to Uprise
As anyone who has any semblance of social and global awareness knows, the main topic in the news has been the backlash over the Iranian election results. The facts are that this election was invariably stolen from the people, no matter what a self-righteous demagogue or self-appointed religious despot may claim in Tehran. Where the real story lies is with the people who have not taken this corruption lying down and have risked their own safety and well-being to make it known that they're not gong to be passive against the so-called "Islamic Republic." In a capital where the average age is 27 years old, kids are marching in the streets, constantly in danger of being beaten or called by Basiji militants, the government-appointed Gestapo militia thugs, who have no shame in firing upon innocent civilians, women and children.

And of course, politicians around the world spin this turn of events in whatever which way they please, without any regard for the reality in which the Iranian people live in. John McCain, who just a couple of months ago was chanting "Bomb bomb bomb Iran," now says the Iranian people are brave.

A right-wing neocon columnist wrote an article for the NY Times almost blatantly devoid of any basis in facts, citing "The uprising is little more than a symbolic protest, crushed by the elite Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps." Symbolic? Groups of people gathered outside of the White House and the Federal Building are symbolic, that is they are protesting on behalf of those suffering abroad. But those who are putting themselves in danger, being tear-gassed, beaten and shot, are participants in a real uprising. The real frightening truth is such people who make these statements really do want the opposition to fail, because that means a bombing raid against nuclear facilities would still be an option under the tyrannical regime. But if a reformist deposes the regime, the world at large wouldn't look too kindly on a bombing campaign.

And this candidate that everyone is rallying behind, Moussavi. Is he really the savior that Iran needs? No. But is he the starting point to end the downward spiral? Yes. He comes from within the so-called "system" and therefore has the potential to begin a change within the government. If a candidate came from outside the system, he would have no chance to be elected. Think about Obama. He came from within the political system to bring change to the government. Sure he's still as susceptible to political games from both parties, but that's how the system works. You want a true reformist from outside the political system? Good luck with Ralph Nader and Ron Paul.

Outside of the political banter, which I can barely understand as it is, the most salient aspect of this entire ordeal is the fact that young men and women are putting themselves out there for a cause. They have the motivation and bravery to leave their houses every single day, in the face of batons, water cannons, tear gas, acid from helicopters and bullets.

Our relatives in Tehran, who we seldom get to speak to due to the communication blackout, march during the day, go home to sleep for 3 or 4 hours, then go back out. The youth of this country, for example, would never, for lack of better word, have the balls to ever put themselves in danger for such a cause, and I absolutely include myself under that description. I get maced at one football game and I run home to momma. What would have happened if in 2000, if people left their jobs and marched down their streets chanting, in the face of the National Guard?



One of the only positive things to come out of this mayhem is that people can now be cogniscent of the spirit of the Iranian people and their utter detachment from the regime. Without camera crews and field reporters, we rely on those very children who are already at risk, to put themselves further in danger by "Twittering" and uploading videos to YouTube. As it stands now, it doesn't appear as if justice, in the most romantic sense of the word, will prevail, as the religious zealots will probably get their way, corruption and all. Therefore, the only thing one can hope for is for the the safety of the kids in the street, while the world watches.