Monday
June 12, 2000
Meritorious cause? YES
Whereas, having carefully and repeatedly read Poopak's Taati's piece
with enthusiasm ["Long
way to go"], I do find several points as presented therein that
reflect the truth; nonetheless, I must disagree with her tone of despair
and absence of specific recommendation for improvement with respect to
those activities that pertain to the promotion of Iranian Americans in
the US.
Yes, she is correct in characterizing Iranian American associations
as young. Such associations, are, however, quite numerous and dynamic,
and each with a sustained level of momentum, supported by hundreds of compatriots
who provide their expertise, experiences, funds, etc. on a pro bono, in
cognito basis to benefit the rather young Iranian American community, a
community that has just begun to feel the taste of diaspora.
Are they each perfect? Absolutely NOT. Are they striving to follow a
meritorious realistic cause? YES, absolutely.
This country is run by lobbyists to promote certain agenda based on
a group's national origins, ethnicity, cultural heritage, race and color,
specific professions and trades, etc. So, the notion of promoting Iranian
American community's aspirations should not by any means be misconstrued
as a "minority" agenda, since every other immigrant group (Greeks,
Jews, Armenians, Irish, and so on) in the US has indeed followed the same
path to promote itself.
One should also acknowledge that this vision will not be realized, unless
socialist visionaries like Poopak Taati guide the community with specific
plan of action, and appropriate process and means to bring about fruits
to our community, as we Iranians are great in seeing the problem and criticism,
but lack in providing a tangible solution and means to achieve it, aren't
we?!
D. N. Rahndi, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Pace University
New York
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