The ego prize
On Anousheh Ansari's $10 million throwaway to
promote space travel October 14, 2004
iranian.com
As an Iranian I have always felt a sense of pride in
the achievements of my fellow Iranians and have always
made sure to inform others. Before the invention of internet I always
made copies about the positive things we have done and distributed
them. These days I e-mail the information and the title always
reads 'to
be proud of'.
However, when I sent the e-mail about Mrs. Ansari's donation
[see "Up,
up, and away!"], I did not make any comments
and a few "got the message" and
replied that they shared my feelings.
Although I am happy and proud of Mrs. Ansari for her accomplishments
as a woman, I am very disappointed in her approach to placing her
name in the pages of history (as the writer put it ) by giving
money for a project which simply shows it was an ego booster for
Mr.
And Mrs. Ansari.
Now, before all those heartless, materialistic Iranians who are
devoid of real human compassion and think technology is the answer
to everything, let me warn you that I will not even read your nasty
e-mails because you are not worth it.
I am all for scientific research which helps humanity and that
includes stem cell research, cloning and similar experiments.
However, space travel is not on my list of things that can truly
eliminate human sufferings.
The writer claims Mrs. Ansari is a good role model. My God,
I sure hope those who give away their hard earned money for an
ego-boosting cause are not considered role models.(Of
course being able to deduct it as a charitable donation does not
hurt either).
Does Mrs. Ansari know how divided the Iranian population living
in the motherland has become? Does she know that we have two classes?
One rich and one extremely poor? Does she know how
many students are selling their kidneys to pay for their education
in Iran (this information was given by
someone who went to school with us and is an economic advisor
in Iran's current regime).
How could anyone with an ounce of compassion sleep comfortably
at night knowing that those millions of dollars could have eliminated
so much suffering in Iran or anywhere else in the world? I know
that may have not gotten as much media attention but what about
the true joy of compassion?
Were you not told as a child that a lantern needed to light
a home is forbidden the mosque?
 Does Mrs. Ansari know how many
hard working and honest Iranians in this land of opportunity for
some unforeseen misfortunes are
struggling? A bit of financial help could greatly change their
situation.
I am sorry but she is not my role model. And to all those young
women and men whom I mentor I also would say that Mrs. Ansari could
be your role model in terms of her professional achievements and
hard work. But as far as giving a large
sum of money to get name recognition, she's nobody's role model.
I am scheduled to give a lecture for a student organization
in a university which has 400 kids of Iranian parentage but many
of
them do not know each other.
This organization is struggling hard to raise money to get this
entity recognized (I will do everything in my power to do so) and
be useful for future generations of Iranian heritage.
If Mrs. Ansari gives this organization a few thousand
dollars, in my humble opinion that would be a better cause to be
remembered for. Instead she looks like some lazy ass, bored, rich
person who has seen all there is to see on Eareth and
now
wants to travel to space and explore the unknown. How exciting!
Okay, you are not crazy about helping any Iranian causes. I understand
because I deal with people like you all the time (and try to change
their minds). But how about helping poor kids right here? How about
paying for someone's life saving operation?
 There are endless ways to spend that kind of money.
I know some of the heartless Iranians with souls that are devoid
of emotion
would think that I am jealous. It would burst their empty bubble
to know that even though I am an average person, I give to all
causes, even if it is just a few dollars I saved through
the
years.
However, the joy that fills my heart for "giving" to
the right cause is ten times more meaningful than
the joy you feel by looking at your bank statement or seeing your
name idolized in an unworthy cause.
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