"Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth"

laughter as medicine

imams and shahs are two sides of the same coin. hero worship is our failing, our mental illness, our self-imposed slavery, one that encourages despotism, and humour is a great remedy.

peace to all

chekidehAie maghzie yek monarchist (Fateh)

Fateh, the videos were not nearly as funny as your chikdeh maghzi!

BTW, my laughing at your comments has nothing to do with my view on Shah. As I have said it before, I believe Shah was trying to make Iran independent and prosperous towards the end of his life.

childhood complexes==>hatred of Pahlavis

Typically, those with baaad childhoods hate the Shah and Pahlavis; in the way HollyUSA and Q and others do.

Dar zemn, I am with you Ms. Rusta; if the poster HollyUSA has been in the U.S. and writes the way s/he does, s/he must not be  a) real educated  b) not very smart. 

Safa Ali

"I know my Persian history well and I know that Persian Kings did kill."

Are you sure you believe that? Because your initial comment didn't come across that way.

"The tone of this cartoon is what SHOULD be bothering you just as much as it does me."
What is the tone you are referring to? It is making light of what the ugly reality was under Mohamad Reza's absolute power, his egoistic, self / public deceiving leadership style and his tyranical Savak. In what tone would you rather refer to those realities? That of the IRI's? Or should we take on another opposition clan's approach of taking the foolishly dramatic stance and shrieking our guts out? Whatever tone you pick, the reality of it will remain the same.

"All leaders from all countries kill, whether they are Kings, Queens, Prime ministers, Presidents, etc...."
Are you serious?? That's a gross misrepresentation if I ever saw one. Let's start with Western European countries. How many can you name where their leaders take out their opposition?

"This cartoon is implying as if Persian Kings (or leaders) did this, as if no other country's rulers have ever done such things."
Please point out where it was said that no other country did this or that it was done only in Iran?

"...and because of that hatred, he is attacking 2500 years of Iranian Monarchy and history."
I assume by 'history' you mean cultural heritage (achievements in the arts, sciences etc) Please point out where it 'attacked' Iranian history.

"And that is why our country is a craphole, it's the mentality of these types of people that drag us down."
I wouldn't call Iran a craphole. I would call its leadership crap, both past and present. And the reason we are here , 2500 years later, is because in our culture we bend over backwards to hide the ugly truths about ourselves and that includes our history. If we lie to ourselves well enough and long enough, we are bound to forget the truth and repeat the same mistakes. Unless we face, accept and learn from these ugly truths, we will never move forward.

DK

I am truly glad to see you actually comment for once rather than spam! As much as I may disagree with your point of view, I can respect your right to it when you put it forth in a civil manner my friend. Please try to do more of this and less (or better , none) of what you usually engage in. I am truly being sincere so do NOT read in a sarcastic manner and take offense.

With regard to as 'what would you have done differently', that is an irrelevant question. The bulk of a nation, any nation, is unqualified to lead the country. As citizens we have the right to expect more, A LOT MORE, than we got from our Pahlavi leaders and as leaders of a country they have a lot more responsibility to make sure they act in the best interest on their people my friend. You just can not compare the two. If one is not cut out for the job, then one shouldn't take it.And the little I, or my family or anyone else got from life pre 1979 was THE LEAST of our natural right as citizens, no brownie points are due in my view.

I'm sorry I'd love to stay and exchange more with you but I have to run for the rest of the day. Have a good one.

History is Written by the Victors ...

And Truth is Relative to each person's individual experience ...

You are FREE to think Otherwise ...

Mine was not a negative experience in Pahlavi Iran and as Such don't expect me to spit on them or on what they tried to accomplish for Iran and their compatriots despite their shortcomings. Many of us including our parents benefitedfrom the opportunities that the regime offered us in terms of education, job opportunities and a pleasant life to say the least compared to many neighbouring countries. The Iranian Diaspora in the United States should Not forget who put them in contact with the US and Western education and Standards. Claiming some Moral Intellectual Superiority from Their High Horse and trying to give a lesson as to what should have been done or what wasn't done is truly arrogant and namak nashnas given the fact that were it not for the Pahlavis many of your folks and your parents would probably be no less fortunate than the poor and more deserving Afghans today ...

HollyUSA has lived abroad and witnessed the events of the Revolution in particular from a Long Distance both in Time and Geographically since apparently to her own admission neither she nor  her parents were in Iran during or after the Revolution and had left much earlier prior to the Revolution to Live happily in the country that was to begin with an Ally of the Shah's Regime But came to be dubbed "The Great Satan" by the Revolution She Seems to find so Just and Noble Patriots ... 

So before Becoming Judgmental however natural if one is curious about one's country's history and politics, Do ask Yourself HONESTLY WHAT Would You have Done at the Time to make a Difference ? ...

History is Not Filled with Definitive Answers for it is not an Exact Science. Most of the Time it only triggers legitimate Questions.

I Don't Support the concept of an Absolute Monarchy but I do Support the Concept and Institution of a Constitutional Monarchy. But the Monarchy as a system of government is and has always been closely associated to the notion of Statesmanship but also nation building. This was true until new concepts were born with the French Revolution. But Democracy was never established in France overnight after the Revolution. Many Injustices and a Reign of Terror suppressed the most basic Freedoms already guaranteed under the French Monarchy. The French despite ups and downs and even a Royal Restoration and an Empire under Napoleon were to ultimately choose the Republican Form of Government. The British went through the same revolutionary process under Cromwell established a Religious Theorcacy like Iran but ultimately Restored the Monarchy but this time by learning from the lessons of the past by Making sure that Parliament was more powerful than the King. The Monarchy Thus Became For the Very First Time a Constitutional Monarchy and gave birth to one of the Oldest Democracies in Europe prior to the French Revolution. 

The Pahlavis Were Not Perfect BUT WHO IS ? Certainly NOT the Mullahs who have been ruining our country AND Distorting OUR History with aims other than an honest Search of HISTORICAL TRUTH ...

ROYALTY AND THE PEOPLE: Farah Comforts Tabas Earthquake Victimes (1978)

ROYALTY AND THE PEOPLE: Farah visits compatriots inflicted with leprosy (1970's)

ROYALTY AND THE PEOPLE: Farah Helps Clean Village Sewage System (1970's)

ROYALTY AND THE PEOPLE: Farah visits village wives and children (1970's) 

ROYALTY AND THE PEOPLE: Farah Greeted affectionately by girls in Luristan Province (1975)

ROYALTY AND THE PEOPLE: Farah and Quashgai Kids (1976)

ROYALTY AND THE PEOPLE: Shah and Soraya Share meal with worksman's family (1956)

Best,

DK

Holly USA

It's not the fact that this is true or not.  I know my Persian history well and I know that Persian Kings did kill.  The tone of this cartoon is what SHOULD be bothering you just as much as it does me. 

All Kings from all countries killed and they still do.  Let me rephrase that:  All leaders from all countries kill, whether they are Kings, Queens, Prime ministers, Presidents, etc....  This cartoon is implying as if Persian Kings (or leaders) did this, as if no other country's rulers have ever done such things.  

And it is clear that who ever created this cartoon has a deep seeded hatred for the Shah and because of that hatred, he is attacking 2500 years of Iranian Monarchy and history.  

And that is why our country is a craphole, it's the mentality of these types of people that drag us down.

Safa

Nationalist or shahi?

 I don't think this is about supporting a king just because he's a king, but it's because this guy held benefiting Iran and it's people above anything else. And it doesn't matter, as long as someones a nationalist, whether they're a king or a new independant group who have nothing to do with a king or monarchy, the Iranian people will support them because they know that these people want the best for their people.

Holly, Samsam & Others

FYI- the character that you're having exchanges with under the username Farah Rusta is no other than our good friend Jaleho.  She was earlier on my blog engaging in her usual insults and making condescending remarks...which is how I figured out who she was...plus, the bold is another give away!!

Here she is on my blog:

//iranian.com/main/blog/onlyiran/obamas-1953-moment

هالی خانم

ميون خودم و خودت ..جونه امام بگو اون ای دی ديگه چيه ..هيچم نترس هواتو دارم..

ای هالی ای هالی
برو بشين رو قالی
با اون جفنگياتت
سام سام شد هالی والی
بجايه بلاگ نوشتن
برو تو بزن  بقالی
بفروش ويديو تاريخی پنجزاريت
به اخوند حولی حولی

Thaaaat's right Ms Rusta

I'm fresh off the boat and know next to nothing of the English language. If that makes a fellow Iranian feel better about themselves, I am happy to oblige by allowing them their colorful fantasies.

Now if you will excuse me I have to leave and make better use of my time than I have for the combined instances I have spent today engaging with you.

Have a wonderful weekend Madam.

Holly USA

I never call myself Holly "Se". Show us one video you have posted about "your holly land" .Didn't they have wampires (how about they did to Indians and african-americans). You call this holly land and spit on your own land. I never expect anything else from people like you

re;Midwesty

Don't be so naive. IRI is banking on Iranian nationality with regard to their nuclear stance 

True to a point on the surface but keep in mind that their sanctioned version of "nationalism" by no means preach the same traditional inclusive version of lets say Pahlavi,s or even Ghajaar. IRI's version of so called "nationalism" is nothing but a Glorified Ommatie concept in which "selected" portions of post-Sassanid Iran history is surgicaly removed to be celebrated as icons & points of "national pride" all in relation to the extent of their service for the cause of Ommah ,mind you with ridiculous outcomes at times due to their cultural handicaps & ideological red lines.

Yes at odd times they rant at UN or mass media about Iran,s 4000 yr old heritage for foreign consumption or to rile up some undecided Iranian nationals to their cause but in practice they do delete,distort & ban most of it before Safavids era. & Make no mistake about it that their "shotor khar palang" heritage & so called nationalism seeks it,s lineage to icons of Ommah & Qadesiyeh. & unfortunatly 2 generations post-79 a chunky portion of Iranians bred & raised under IRI propaganda share their version of nationalist sentiments since they dont have access to the full menu. So yes in this context I agree with you that they do promote their brand of nationalism & at the same time finance the likes of alaki professor Pour Piraa to distort & degrade Iran,s Kiaani heritage prior to 641AD and erase most mentions of it in school texts.

Cheers!!!

Path of Kiaan Resurrection of True Iran Hoisting Drafshe Kaviaan //iranianidentity.blogspot.com //www.youtube.com/user/samsamsia

Can't you write proper English?

Or perhaps you don't know what Fahaashi means? Where is Fahaashi in my comment? Or you have no sense of humor or all three!

FR

Khanome Rusta

Like I said before in the comment that got deleted for purely technical reasons I suspect, because it was posted as a 'reply' to your usual fahasshi....
Thank you for bringing to public light the common weapon of choice by many Monarchists: Fahaashi.

Miswesty

'..based on the responses you are getting this is not just a satire.'

That may or may not be the case (with regard to the 'based on responses' part). However, in my opinion ( as well as by most definitions easily accessible to all ) it is. Regardless, I respect everyone's right to their individual interpretations of the definitions and their right to personal opinion.

Go back to plight of women

You may find for credibility there - by the way if you came to the USA pre 1979, then my name is Jeanette Rankin!! (Holly rushes to look it up on the Wiki - lol)

FR

That takes us back to

the point I made earlier the difference between humor and black comdey. My point is that based on the responses you are getting this is not just a satire.

Kambiz_Se

[I can't beleive I actually have to type this out but....] The 'USA' reference in my name is to indicate present geographical location for blogging purposes (on a more general scale it is reference to what happens to now be my adopted home which I also care very much about). I suspect the same is true of the 'Se' reference in yours!

It would be a little superficial if not indicative of being at a loss for a more reasonable argument,  if I were to offer your 'Se' reference as proof that you don't care about Iran, wouldn't it?

And where exactly did I say that Iran's rulers were of questionable character ONLY until Islam?

Your labels are weak my man. Re-apply the Sirish and try again.

Midwesty

I don't view this as an insult to our past but a satirical look at what was wrong with it. Ignoring our mistakes (or looking at them through rose colored glasses) won't make them go away nor will it help in making sure we don't repeat them.

SamSam

Don't be so naive. IRI is banking on Iranian nationality with regard to their nuclear stance. Videos such as these are targeting Iranian nationality which has worked as a glue to adhere all fragmented segments of Iranian society for thousands of years. I invite you to think a bit deeper.

HollyUSA

You said, "How exactly does that make the system viable for today, which is the question at hand".

So, how insulting our past will help to build a better future?

Holly USA

Somebody who call her/himself holly USA not holly Iran or something like that, thinks Iran's history until Islam was rule by wampires. These people have a goal and that is to destroy our history and culture samething that Islamic regime does in our country. This is mentality of these people: they wonder why 2000 years ago we didn't have goverment like Sweden has now. 

Hollyusa, There is nothing for you to be proud of. I certainly

don't think you are even if you were born there. AN was born in Iran too (at least they say so) but he is not Iranian, let alone human. And you would not know truth, if it slapped u. Samsam IIII well defined your whole phylum and what you need to do.

AO jaan, Hezbo trash & Ommatie germs

under the subtle disguise of mainstream media has been trying for yrs to propogate their tokhmeh Arabo Ommatie agenda via so called quote ;"historical analysis" which is nothing but one sided propaganda to pimp for Qadesii regime.

These 5th column conscripts for Ommatie regime come under all various disguises(even as regime critics & lately fake greenies) but their treacherous message is very easy to disect since they are after all products of Ommatie republic and share the same baffonery & camel dung principles & mentality of Qadesii masters . 

In short these are stateless mercenery zombies brainwashed to serve one legacy & that of their Qadesii forefathers and enemies of true Iran . So next time when you see some mahjabeh mokarameh fake Greenie who instead of focusing on the regime chooses to talk trash about opposition, our heritage & brings Jews & Palestinians to the table, just tell her/him , "take a number & take a hike" & dont call us, we call you when ur name is called in court pal ;). 

Cheers pilgram & best wishes !!!

Path of Kiaan Resurrection of True Iran Hoisting Drafshe Kaviaan //iranianidentity.blogspot.com //www.youtube.com/user/samsamsia

Safa Ali khan

I am Iranian and not ashamed of it as to resort to calling myself Persian.

I support anything that is TRUE regardless of whether it serves my personal interest or not.

Also FYI, my family left Iran long before 1979 much due the 'Pre-Islamic King of Iran' being evil and corrupt. As such I have had the good fortune of not having been exposed to the 'brainwashing techniques' of post 1979.

Monarchy (mularky) is Sucks to Canada! Aah! Aah! Aah! Aah! Aah!

Everything is sacred.

Holly USA, thank you!

Brilliantly said.

I like to register my protest against the ones who call Hazrate

shotor an A-rabian camel. Hazrate shotor is a full blooded Aryan shotor and was born in a progressive Iranian shotor family. His roots goes back all the way to pre Hakhamanishian Dynesty where his ancestors helped the kings to conquer more land. He was raised and has always grazed in Lorestan province.

PS: References, hoof print and copy of birth certificate is available upon request.

Statira

I'm not a religious person my friend, so unfortunately I niether know nor obviously follow the teachings of the Prophet (Mohamad or any other).

Nor do I claim 'parastesh' of my, or any land. I love my country, I don't worship it. I choose to reserve that sentiment for the truth and for justice.

And ok for the sake of argument let's say that 2500 years ago we had a better system than most. How exactly does that make the system viable for today, which is the question at hand. And why is any criticism of any shape or form frowned upon of the 2500 year old system?

And for those who relate 'pride' to nationality, no, I am not 'proud' to  be Iranian. Our nationality whatever it may be, is an accident of birth and not a source of pride. I am HAPPY to be Iranian. I reserve pride for personal accomplishments.