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Tuesday * My brain, not Koran Regarding this letter, "Neither inhumane nor unjust", as a human being I do not care one ounce what the Koran says for I have a brain and can think for myself. My brain and my heart both tell me that sticking someone neck deep in earth and throwing stones at them until their skull is smashed is wrong wrong wrong, no matter what their so-called crime. ["The first stone"] * Nothing but barbaric Thank you Mr or Miss CC for your helpful insight into the mind of a devoted Muslim ["Neither inhumane nor unjust"]. However, you are sadly mistaken if you think that by quoting the Koran or the Bible, you are ever going to convince the majority of decent Iranians that these acts are anything but barbaric. There are many things stated in the Bible or the Koran but which are not practiced in this day and age because whilst they may have been right for their time, they have no place in the year 2001. Stoning is one of them. Kourosh * If we rely only on religious texts I suppose the great response to Ms. Sabety's article ["The first stone"], is indicative as to why the punishment of stoning still exists and seems to be growing in many areas of the world. I did not realize the "official" governments of some Islamic countries view it is an acceptable punishment that is endorsed/sanctioned by the Koran. I assumed previously that it was only a group of religious zealots or renegade government 'un-officials' who were promoting stoning as an appropriate punishment for adultery. I did not realize that as pointed out by Farzad's letter, ["People voted for Islam"] that they were actually voting to endorse such practices. I received a lot of email feedback regarding my previous letter about stoning. While many people may differ from my viewpoint, all of the feedback I received is helpful toward me learning about Iran, or Islamic issues, or my fascination with Persian/Iranian culture/heritage. None of my comments were intended to be offensive or insulting and I offer my apologies if indeed I offended any readers with my ignorance about the practice of stoning in the Islamic Republic of Iran. I am not Muslim and therefore do not in any way pretend to have expert knowledge of the matter. I am Christian and can respond to some questions regarding Christianity. To my limited understanding, stoning is mainly an "Islamic" issue as I am uninformed of any Christian or Jewish governments that endorse the act. Perhaps it is also practiced in countries where they have a predominate religion other than the ones mentioned here. I do not know if stoning is actually endorsed by the teachings of the Islamic holy book(s) I do not mean to imply that only Islamic countries have controversial "punishment" laws or controversial "religious" interpretations. America definitely has its share of vigilantes, and hate-groups that take justice into their own hands. Sometimes these individuals even find their way into "authority" positions very scaryor worse yet, you'll find them in Church! America also has its share of individuals who would discredit the "religious codes/doctrines/basis" the country was founded upon. America is predominately a Christian nation and therefore was founded upon Biblical doctrines >>> FULL TEXT * Let go of the 1970s I am not what you might call the Pahlavis' number one fan. So I don't get all worked up when people express a lack of enthusiasm for the institution of monarchy in Iran, or the Pahlavi dynasty. What annoys me is (and this goes for both these gentlemen) people who use stilted, cliche-ridden prose to fight a battle that was misguided and naive even at its height of 1970s Third-Worldism. ["Firmly planted"] Let's cut the platitudes (Does Mr. Dehghani ["Seems like yesterday"] actually remember "Reza Khan's torture chambers"?). No one disputes your right to say that the Pahlavis' interior decorating doesn't live up to your own refined aesthetic sensibilities. Nor would any reasonable person dispute your right to criticize what was a repressive regime. But this pathetic inability to let go of the 1970s, combined with the intellectual hubris of less than stellar intellects, offers us nothing except one banality after another. * Show me another country Dear Nila, ["Is it just me?"] The best country to live in is your own country. But what is the basis of all living? Why are we in this world? I believe I'm here to enjoy life, explore the universe, gain knowledge, teach others, be happy and free. Is this possible in Iran at this moment? You see, the U.S. is not heaven. But a Mexican, African, Indian, Iranian or... without any education or knowing the language can come to the U.S. and work to have a nice little home, an okay car, and time to enjoy weekends with his/her family. He/She can hope of having a future for his/her kids. Send them to college. Is this possible in Iran, Pakistan, India, Africa or even Europe? I lived in Germany for ten years and traveled all over Europe. If you don't have a degree there it is very hard for you to build a nice life. If you don't know the language you won't find work. But in the U.S. you can. America is not the greatest but show me another country that you can turn sand to grass. We all say Americans do not have culture. Culture is like a root; a plant without roots won't grow. But the U.S. at the moment is the number one country in terms of economy, education, and technology. So how is that possible? Few days ago the U.S. celebrates it's 225 years of independent -- 225 years of ups and down. Is that not enough time to build culture. Or are you talking about Iran's 2000-year-old culture. Where is Iranian culture? Are you talking about poetry, art, handicrafts, and music?And what about the Internet, computers, landing on the moon, new technologies in the medical field, etc. Is that not part of American culture? Young men/women want to come to the U.S. because they don't see any future in Iran. They don't even have minimal chance. There is no work, no freedom, no help from the government, nothing. So what's wrong with young men/women who wish to have a better life in the U.S.? What is wrong to wish to be able to hug each other in public without being harassed? You would like them stay in Iran and suffer? I love Iran, but what am I going to offer my son/daughter in Iran? Ghormeh sabzi, Ebi, Sandy, chaaghaalehbaadom? Teach my daughter to where the hejab, or teach my son that women in Iran are not equal to men? I can have him live in the U.S. and still learn about Iran and its history, the language. Don't get me wrong. Iran was not always like this and will not be, but right now it is not a place to be. I'm here in the U.S. to make sure that my two-year-old son has a choice of living his life the way he wants it. To say what is on his mind. To dress they way he likes, or just enjoy to be human and be free. Sincerely, * U.S. behind Shah's fall I had a comment on what Nila has written in the writing, "Is it just me?". Nila I totally agree with you. The reason that the U.S. is such a powerful country now is because their government has destroyed all other countries. Iran long time ago before the revolution had this chance of becoming a rich and powerful country but unfortunately our uneducated and educated people wanted something more and they destroyed the Shah's government, and behind all of these were USA and Britain. Today, the people of Iran are so fascinated by what Americas do or wear and unfortunately the teenagers in Iran see Americans as their role models, but we never appreciate the true and the unique Iranian culture that we have. So Nila let me tell you that it is not just you who thinks that way, because I think exactly the same way as you do. * Exclusive franchise on "Bad Writing" In response to "It's simple" on my last comment on Nooneh's Experimentals "Throwing in the towel": It is interesting how you point out freedom of speech, which also covers writing, as something I do not value, while you so directly wish to restrict my freedom of expression. If you had bothered to read my previous comments, you would have known that I expressed my opinion of this particular series by Nooneh from a cultural and literary point of view and am probably more of a supporter of her effort overall than someone like you -- which I am certain is foreign to you -- (See? I insulted you North American style!) and this last few lines you read was more of a closing joke than a serious comment. I suspect Nooneh may be a much better writer once she gets over this little obsession, which I am also sure is foreign to you..:-) (Oops! I insulted you again!) In effect you would like to restrict my expression because it is different than yours. Have I got a deal for you? You can express yourself till you drop..:-) (double damn! Another Insult!). I did read enough of Nooneh's Experimentals to form an opinion. Living in North America, Europe or on the moon has nothing to do with it, except that what you and I write BOTH can be printed. This -- what you read as offensive and aim to restrict -- is MY freedom of speech and expression. I do not need a compass to know where I live. Last time I checked there was no exclusive franchise on "Bad Writing" in North America or anywhere else. You go so far out on a limb that you have no choice but to jump. So you like her writing, great! I am sure your North American and European twisted version of "Freedom" goes something like this: As long as your speech is protected or I write in support of what you like, it is fine. Once I write that I simply think Nooneh's particular series is second rate soft porn and of no intrinsic literary value, you accuse me of infringing on her freedom. Hey sister! Get a Life! This really IS North America and as all "Inquiring Minds" know I can insult whoever I like and so can you. Check your North American copy of the Constitution...:-) Amused and laughing in San Jose, * Acknowledgement for what? Iranian of the day?????? ["Azita Youssefi"] Like Iran doesn't have enough writers and activists and journalists in jail that are going threw hell for our progression. You could put as Iranian of the day that you have to put the picture of some anorexic looking Iranian in fake angel wings naked. Who is the singer of what the hell is the band called?? Bride of NO NO?????? behet begam manash eine ke NA NA hich vaght aroose irani nemishi ... I can see your point that Nooneh with her perverted oghdehee stories has a right to publish its open press. However, placing an individuals picture as Iranian of the day gives acknowledgement and credit for what? I don't know. Maybe you should put some pics of young students, writers, people struggling for reform.
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