Awash in green
Photo essay: Protest demonstration in Irvine, California
by TS
19-Jun-2009
I had the great pleasure and the extreme honor to join several thousand demonstrators in Irvine, California, Wednesday night. These proud Iranians, and many Americans, joined hands, arms and hearts to lend support to their hamvatans. We passed cars and could identify their destination by the arm hanging out the window with its green wrist band. We knew who that car was with the green, white and red flag painted in the rear windows! We would wave and smile and instantly I could feel the brotherhood. We arrived just after 6:00 pm to a large gathering at the corner of Barranca and Jamboree. All 4 corners were awash in green… from headbands to armbands… from socks to scarves. Many carried plaques obviously furnished by professionals. Others carried home-made signs. But all… and I mean ALL… came with a fire in their eyes and a proud step in their walk. Walking from corner to corner, embracing each other… greeting old friends and meeting new ones. It was one of the proudest moments of my life. I feel privileged to be a part, albeit a small one, of this incredible effort. Not one single moment of confrontation. Not one gesture affronting an opposing view. It was not a large demonstration by most accounts. There were no speeches… no organizers handing out instructions. Simply a gathering of people, young and old, wanting their voices to be heard. “WHERE IS MY VOTE”. Horns were blasting in support… people hanging out of their cars and trucks and waving “the green”. I was laughing and crying at the same time.
Whatever the outcome, whoever the President, one thing is clear. Iran will never be the same nor will the lives of the many proud Iranians living abroad.
I wanted to submit this myself instead of my husband because I wanted to be able to express my own words and my own feelings. I have never had anything but respect for the Iranian people… respect and a proud feeling of affiliation. This is not to say that I respect every Iranian I have had connection with. Like every nationality and/or religion, there are good people and bad people. But I was glad to be part of the huge family that gathered together last night and my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with those incredible men and women “fighting the good fight” in Iran.
God Bless them… and you.
Peace out.
This guy.......Cezare
by mash mandali on Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:08 PM PDTI'm glad he posted his picture here as an avatar for everyone to see.
He's the kind of person who either ends up in Waco,Texas or is in the verge of going postal.
Mark my words.
Anonymous fish. You are an
by cezare on Wed Jun 24, 2009 06:42 PM PDTAnonymous fish. You are an accuser and a slanderer. I never insulted you and what you have done to me shows that you are an opiniated loud mouth. It is allright with me like I said, the only difference between me and you is that you are a ZOORGOO. I just tell the truth and those who want it will receive it those who don't go on their way. But you have been unable to do that and you have declared yourself as the opinion of the Iranian people, WHICH YOU ARE NOT. You are just a human being with a grave waiting for you just like the rest of us. I am not brandishing the Jihad sword down peoples throat. Thers is a big difference. I am through with you!
well then honey,
by anonymous fish on Tue Jun 23, 2009 01:34 PM PDTYou just keep on keepin' on then! You seem to be mighty defensive for someone who wants to rage on about amendment rights. I have those exact same rights too and I am just as loudly proclaiming you a false follower of Christ as you want to denounce Iranians for NOT following Christ. Believe me... Christ doesn't need your psycho, bible thumping, righteous attitude to get his message across to people. But go on... whatever floats your boat. Thank God that Iranians are wise enough to just ignore you!
Oh, and little man, don't ever "warn" me of anything again.
And to Hamsade, Nazy and Azarin... thank you for understanding my true concern, support and committment to the Iranian people. I say it again, it was an honor to be part of this incredible revolution and my respect is boundless for your hamvatans.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE. POWER TO THE PEOPLE, RIGHT ON.
To anonumous fish
by cezare on Tue Jun 23, 2009 01:14 PM PDTFoul mouth is interpretive? let's all remember your comment and start swearing our way to each other through this blog eh? Is that what you want? And you say you want to reveal me to the unfortunate people who have to listen to me? reveal what that I talk truth? if you want to engage in an intelligent conversation (which obviously you are incapable of) then bring it on otherwise keep your accusations to your self. Oh and by the way. If you don't need a Savior then step aside and let others be aquainted with him. Your little voice is not loud enough to muffle the Voice of the Spirit who is calling His people to Him. And I warn you, do not accuse people unless you have some proof. I don't know where you live but in the states every one is entiltled to their first amendment right.
OK... now I see
by anonymous fish on Tue Jun 23, 2009 09:54 AM PDTI was making every effort to discuss this with you like a rational human being. No worries! I "see the light" now. I will have absolutely NO hesitation in revealing who you are to the unfortunate people who have to listen to your ranting. I will be more than happy, AS A CHRISTIAN, to explain to the Iranian people that someone like you does not speak for Christianity. I think, no, I'm quite certain, that I know far more about the true intentions of Christ than you do. You "born again Christians" are nothing more than the "flavor of the month". But go ahead if it makes you feel better. We're all pulling for you. :-0
Foul mouth is interpretive my friend. One doesn't need foul language to be foul mouthed. Your arrogance is worse than any foul language. Why don't you ask your God about that?
Oh, and by the way... Iranians do NOT NEED Christ. What a ridiculous comment!
"Learn to defend your convictions without hating your adversaries and love those who think differently from yourselves. "
Get this straight TS. Don't
by cezare on Mon Jun 22, 2009 05:44 PM PDTGet this straight TS. Don't throw around bible verses you know nothing about. The gospel runaway train is pssing through and there is nothing you can do to stop it. If you don't care for His Salvation there are others who are waiting. I suggest you get in or step aside for people to get in. Why don't you tell those foul mouth sensationalist commentators on your blog that continuously are accusing and condeming me you hypocrite. I just preach life. I don't accuse nor do I throw around foul words. Iranians need jesus Christ and they need it now. Get used to it!
You've missed the whole concept of Christianity
by TS (not verified) on Mon Jun 22, 2009 09:14 AM PDTwith your attitude. I never asked to violate your amendment right. I asked you to respect this site and the people who are suffering. MY tone was absolutely respectful and concilatory. Yours is rude and totally UN-Christian like. MY creator understands that there are many forms of religion in the world and HE respects them. You are not preaching the gospel my friend, you are using this cause as a platform to spread what YOU believe to be the truth. When, in reality, you have no idea what the truth is.
Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye. (NRSV, Matthew 7:1-5)
Thanks but no thanks. You
by cezare on Sun Jun 21, 2009 07:43 PM PDTThanks but no thanks. You can either flag me or let me speak my first amendment rights which is not limited to ANY RELIGION. Your comment only brings you to the level of those who are terrified of this blood ridden scroll of our rights. And I don't believe you are a Christian by your tone to try to muffle the voice of your own creator whom you are accountable to. I am going to preach the gospel wether you like it or not. It seems that you don't but other people are hungry for it. Think of them for a change. Oh by the way. Hope you slept well after that video. I think it is time to stop using that image for your worthless cause that smells of the grave. At least let the girl rest in peace.
Cezare
by TS (not verified) on Sun Jun 21, 2009 01:25 PM PDTAs the author of this blog and the taker of these pictures AND a Christian, let me address your comments.
First, I appreciate that you feel strongly enough about this issue to make a comment. I too feel strongly about my religion. BUT, this blog is NOT about religion. It is about my personal admiration and support for the Iranian people in Iran and those living abroad. I would greatly appreciate your comments being directed only to that effort. The situation in Iran is intolerable and feelings are running high. To make this about Christianity is simply not acceptable.
Please, I respectfully ask you... either lend your support or stay silent. The Iranian people do not need a lesson in morality and certainly do not need a lesson in Christianity.
Join me and millions of others lending their voice of support and love.
Peace out!
Majid Who are you? Are you
by cezare on Sun Jun 21, 2009 10:15 AM PDTMajid Who are you? Are you trying to engage in an intelligent conversation? if you are then speak it. I am an advocate for Christ. Don't like it? Too bad! There are others who need to hear of His salvation.
Marg Bar Kha-enaan e Hezb e Toodeh
by Areyo Barzan (not verified) on Sun Jun 21, 2009 05:37 AM PDTThis is far left fascist party which is directly being supported by Russia and former KGB agents.
They are attempting to stage a coup d'état outside Iran and cracking down on opposition by creating division and questioning our national flag. These traitors want to strip Iran and Iranians from its identity and nationality. Their trade mark is fighting Shiro Khorshid Flag of Iran.
Please note that we the people inside Iran have only one flag and that is the national Shiro Khorshid Flag of Iran.
Hezb-e Toodeh is anti-national and anti-Iranian traitor party that was funded by Soviets 50 years ago and is still in the service of Kremlin.
Please note that who ever opposes the Shiro Khorshid Flag of Iran or Iranian nationalism is either knowingly or unknowingly following Hezb-e Toodeh.
Beware of these traitors and do not let them to fool you in variety of excuses
.
Marg bar nokaraan e Roos
Cezare..... put it's door
by Majid on Sat Jun 20, 2009 08:34 PM PDTIn other words...................
Cezar...... d**sho bezar
Iranians. Come to your
by cezare on Sat Jun 20, 2009 07:45 PM PDTIranians. Come to your senses. get off the streets and tend to your lives and thank the almighty for what you got. Only God has the power to remove this fascist regime. Stop breaking your parents hearts. Mosavi does not represent you. He has a grave waiting for him just like all man. he just called for his own martyrdom which brings him to the level of the mullas. This is not your revolution. make a revolution in your heart. Trust your Savior Jesus and he'll take care of you.
TOGETHER WE MUST STAND !
by Darius Kadivar on Sat Jun 20, 2009 03:47 PM PDTSomeday:
The sunshine here.
by Francesco Sinibaldi (not verified) on Sat Jun 20, 2009 11:45 AM PDTHere is
the sunshine,
with delicate
rays and the
sound of a
light breeze:
and this is
my care, when
everything
shines and the
night fades
away.
Francesco Sinibaldi
Here is a clip
by secular on Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:09 PM PDTfrom that day:
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSpx04EMJbU
Pope dear,
by caramel on Fri Jun 19, 2009 05:58 PM PDTyou are so right. The shir o khorshid flag does not stand for monarchy, mojahedin or any other oganisation. It's the true flag of Iran, and it's much more significant and attractive than the IRI's arabic flag.
Even in Iran
by SamSamIIII on Fri Jun 19, 2009 05:33 PM PDTvery very few demonstrators carry this Arabo Ommatie flag . One can understand if folks inside use this Qadesiyeh flag since there is no other option but a member of diaspora who freely choose to wave this piece of $h*t is absolutly & positively an Ommatie foot soldier . I believe in the only true flag of Iran , Drafsh Kaviani but for now will go with anything other than that Ommatie toilette cloth .
Papa's argument is right & clear to the point .
//www.iranianidentity.blogspot.com/
//www.youtube.com/user/samsamsia
ThePope
by secular on Fri Jun 19, 2009 05:11 PM PDTAs I said earlier I understand the "sensitivity" of the flag topic..believe me, I GET IT!!! My objection is the way in which we address these "priority" issues - are we going to rant and rave, act like crazy lunies and alienate other Iranians thereby creating more divisions or are we going to engage one another?
IF "flag" as you say is at the top of the list, then we need to find other ways to address it constructively rather than destructively, its been 30 years - we've been having the same fights for 30 years, don't you think if it hasn't worked for 30 years, its time to change our ways???? At least in O.C. we managed to keep the police out, but the educated, democratic LA residents couldn't even get that far!
yup, anyways.........
PLEASE you have to watch
by DelTang (not verified) on Fri Jun 19, 2009 04:52 PM PDTPLEASE you have to watch this....so haunting.....
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oM6l9PO6Yo
Thank you
by Majid on Fri Jun 19, 2009 02:45 PM PDTAnd I humbly appreciate your intentions.
Double commenting..:-)
by Azarin Sadegh on Fri Jun 19, 2009 03:54 PM PDToops...I just noticed that I had added my previous comment twice!
So I use this opportunity to mention a little point: Last month, when I attended the meeting with Sussan Tahmasebi of Change for equality (One million signature campaign) I was sadly surprised by the low number of people showing up. Of course, I assumed that they were afraid of having their picture taken and displayed online and so they couldn't travel to Iran. (Some of these people are active online political activists.;-)
But now, when I look at all these gatherings in OC and in LA and the high number ordinary people from every background who are supporting our youth in Iran, I feel optimistic and believe me, that it needs a lot for me to feel this way!!
Thanks again! Azarin
Thank you!
by Azarin Sadegh on Fri Jun 19, 2009 02:35 PM PDTDear TS, Thank you for sharing your experience with us, and also for your heartwarming and positive note!
These lovely pictures are a good reminder for people like me who have this tendency to see only the half empty side of the glass!
Thank you! Azarin
!!!
by ThePope on Fri Jun 19, 2009 02:17 PM PDTYou find it funny(u Laugh Out Loud) just because it "only came into existance in the 19th century"!!!!!!!!!
How long other 'countries/people' pan-colors have existed?!
I wonder if arabs would find it funny if an arab country writes Persian on the Pan-arab colors just because it has been in existence for a century or so?!
And, no matter which dynasty in "the last 400 years", The Sun & Lion was
Iran's emblem 'cause it represents Iran (ex: one of Iran's National
emlem since ancient times has been the lion), and it also represents Iran's major religion:
Shi`ism.
Anyways...
Thanks TS
by Nazy Kaviani on Fri Jun 19, 2009 02:08 PM PDTThank you for going and for taking the pictures. Thank you for your sentiments, too. At a time of uncertainity and anxiety, people's good feelings and support for one another really help.
Rally at UN HQ - NYC Sat 2pm
by NYC (not verified) on Fri Jun 19, 2009 01:53 PM PDTFYI
Iran Rally at UN HQ @ NYC, Sat @ 2pm
ThePope
by secular on Fri Jun 19, 2009 01:30 PM PDTthe Pan-Iranian tricolors - seriously..LOL only came into existance in the 19th century..and, btw, in the last 400 years OUR TRUE Iranian ancestors couldn't decide which flag is the best representation of us [TRUE IRANIANS] since every dynasty also imported and inserted their own flag as a true representation of IRAN
this seems like a 500 year old ISSUE!!!
Secular
by ThePope on Fri Jun 19, 2009 01:07 PM PDTIMHO, yes it is!
The real Iranian flag is one of our priorities...
Putting arabic words on the Pan-Iranian tricolors has been a major priority for true Iranians for the past 30 years...
Also, some uneducated/brainwashed mullah regime generation think that the Sun & Lion flag represents or belong to a specific person or group!
Yup, I guess,
by secular on Fri Jun 19, 2009 01:00 PM PDTit was one of those "feel good" events with no real substance! I was there too, but it was incredibly discouraging at how carrying the right "FLAG" became a source of division among the small passionate goup of people in Irvine. When a few mature, "classy" older ladies couldn't contain their foul language by verbally attacking a bunch of young kids holding Iran's current flag, then I can't help to sit back and wonder if we have the ability to differentiate which cause supersedes the other. I can understand how flag can be a sensitive issue in the Iranian community, and I don't doubt its symbolic importance. But at this juncture, is flag our priority or creating unity amongst ourselves?
good for you
by hamsade ghadimi on Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:20 PM PDTi hope your positive attitude rubs on everyone. some say, what good comes out of these demonstrations? i tell them at least you know that we're exerting so much energy for our beloved patriots in iran. those who have stood up in the streets of iran give a good name to iran and humanity. we're trying to reflect their value to those outside of iran and gain at least their moral support. every little bit helps. thanks for the post and stay positive.