OPEN LETTER

Thank you for your efforts

Thank you for your efforts.

I for one appreciate the work you are putting in to help Iranians.
As the saying goes "Rome was not built in a day" nor will the changes required to bring about democracy happen in a flash.
Nothing can be shoved down peoples throats and thereafter expect a brilliant result...Nothing ... not even democracy!
It takes time and must be done from within.

Dear BK,

What you are missing is that your questions about "why haven't you done X or Y" is not relevant to what IS being done right now. They seem like excuses rather than addressing the topic. I can always find something someone hasn't done and say "what about that?" But what does this have to do with this letter to President Obama?

I said witch hunt because your primary concern seems to be about these good Iranians, rather than the work they are writing about.

I heard your explanations, but you are still off topic. I'm sorry you don't see it.

Dear Mahin

Fair enough, even though (as you stated yourself) I went to great lengths to explain why I felt my points were relevant to this subject, you still disagree, though you did not explain why. Still, you are fully entitled to your opinion and let’s agree to disagree on this point.

However, no offence intended, but the rest of your comment a number of bizarre and incomprehensible charges towards what I said.

You seem to be inferring that my comments were not honest or respectful! I’m at a loss as to why you think this. I’m pretty sure that If you would kindly re-read my comments you’d find nothing disrespectful towards anyone. On the contrary, I not only praised Mr. Fakharzadeh and Dr. Ala for the good work they have done, but also for taking time to respond to people’s comments here. So, in case I’m missing something, maybe you’ll point out where I was not being honest or respectful.

You go on to say that I’m conducting a “witch hunt”? This charge I find truly bizarre. All I have been doing as simply an individual Iranian is to express my views and just ask some questions on a discussion forum. How on earth does this amount to a “witch hunt” for crying out loud?? Please do explain.

Lastly you complain that and I quote: “..I wish you could make your points in a different article and leave this one for the actual topic that it was designed for…”,, which essentially implies that only people who agree and fully support this open letter should comment on this topic and others who don’t should just go away. May I remind you that this is supposed to be an open and free discussion website and everyone has the right to express their opinion on the issue?

People who post articles here should expect to receive comments from not only those who agree with them, but also those who choose not to take a uncritical and unquestioning stance without good reason. This is what stimulates useful and beneficial understanding of the issues at hand, rather than only allowing a bunch of “yes men/women” to pat each other on the back and telling others to stay away from expressing their views.

You also say: ”….I don't think many readers are apreciating this organized deviation of the topic and will recognize who is doing it…..”. First may ask I how and when you became the spokesperson for “other readers”? Regardless, I’m not part of any “organized deviation of the topic”, nor am I a member of any group or political organisation with any kind of agenda. As I said before, I’m simply an individual expressing my views. Whether you choose to believe this or not, it's up to you. Frankly, to me, it's neither here or there.

To finish, I noticed you didn’t answer a question that I’ve repeatedly asked and also put to you:

when was the last time you saw an open letter to President Ahmadinejad, similar to the one address to President Obama, written by any of these organizations and posted here; or anywhere else for that matter?

Good day to you too.

Good

You don't have to reveal your identity, and for the record, I did not ask you to. I just asked if you would make the same accusations using your real identity. I received my answer.

I don't have a problem with aliases, but I do have a problem with abusing that status, making false and irresponsible statements especially at the expense of people whose real names and identities are at stake.

Interesting connection to fellini. I would not have guessed that.

Thanks

Well I appreciate the apology Q. I can tell you are a passionate person. And these are the sorts of issues that inspires strong passions on all sides.

But again -- I will not reveal my identity, no sirree! Not here. If it's any consolation, my username comes from Federico Fellini's 8 1/2, whose protagonist is called Guido Anselmi. Hence "ganselmi."

Ganselmi, Thanks, don't mention it

I suspected it would end with something like this.

Isn't it funny, how people who are so sure (that bold font in your memory) of how someone else is a "IRI agent", all of a sudden have nothing to say when asked to back up their accusations openly and honestly?

Anyway, I'm sorry to put you personally on the spot. Perhaps that was unfair. I can tell you are a thoughtful and educated person, but the basic point needs to be made once in a while.

Q,

My inclination is obviously to disagree, but your mastery of the use of bold text is so convincing!

Ganselmi, are YOU serious?

an opinion article in the rabid right wing newsmax by known pro-war neoconservative Ken Timmerman is supposed to be proof? What's next? "Proof" by Richard Perle that Iraq had WMD? Or "proof" by Leo Strauss that might makes right? Don't make me laugh.

These a-holes ruled the US for 7 years when innocent people were being tortured in Guntanimo Bay and Abu Ghraib, you think they couldn't put away NIAC if there was the slightest evidence that they worked for the Mullah's?

have no proof. What you (and Kenneth Timmerman) have is unproven slander. Just like I said. And it needs to be removed from any respectable website.

B2B is right. You are a coward. He's not the one slandering other people, you are. And you are doing it form the comfort of a fake name.

One question to prove it:

Will you be making these accusations under your real identity? If you are so sure they are true, and if you really care about this issue what should be the problem with that? In fact, why haven't you just reported them to the authorities?

Is is that you have and they laughed in your face? Seriously what is stopping you? Are you SERIOUS or not?

You don't need to make up excuses, we all know how this works by now. You and many other Zionists on this site constantly abuse the good intentions of JJ by slandering others, assassinating true characters of honorable Iranians who (unlike you) are trying to accomplish something, while you yourselves remain behind fake names.

If that's not cowardice, I don't know what is.

anonymous fish:
your point about Irandokht is confusing and irrelevant. There are hundreds of American organizations that try to affect foreign policy: Arab-Americans, Irish-Americans, Catholics, tax groups, trade policy, Africa policy, humanitarian groups, peace groups... All of these have a legitimate stake in foreign policy issues, and so does NIAC. It doesn't mean anything. There is nothing unusual or wrong about NIAC caring about Iranians in Iran because that's what their membership cares about.

The only difference is that none of these organizations claim they are supporting a foreign government, while AIPAC explicitly does so. There has not been any major issue that AIPAC has not supported the government of Israel. AIPAC is often called the most powreful lobby in Congress, while NIAC with not even an ounce of power or resources is not even a lobby. No comparison.

Respectable scholars of all backgrounds have called AIPAC's activities into question and demanded that it register as a foreign lobby. Unlike NIAC there is ample evidence that it collaborates openly and coordinates with a foreign government.

AIPAC officials are facing jailtime as we speak for ESPIONAGE

Mehraban

I apologize.

Arya Manesh

Please do not put words in my mouth.  I am deeply saddened whenever I am reminded of the plight of the Jews in the hands of Nazis.  

Anonymous8

By saying:

"after 30 years of monarchist lunacy, we finally have leaders who care about iranians and not just themselves", are you talking about the Shah...or the IRI? That statement could equally apply to both, you know (less to the poor Shah, who has been dead and irrelevant for the past 30 years-notwithstanding the fact that people like you still beat that dead horse)!!!!

Also, who are the "leaders who care about iranians and not just themselves"? Rafsanjani?!!! Khamenei?!!!

Give us a break!!!!!!

Ostaad/Mehraban

You said "The world is correcting itself and the Zionist extremists are going to get the same treatment the Nazis got."

Tell a lie enough times and it becomes the truth. Fabrication instantly becomes fact and the more far-fetched, the better! That was the strategy Joseph Goebbels, Hitler's propaganda director, used in his war against the Jews of Europe and it worked. The Arabs may not be very original but they certainly have figured out how to seize upon a good idea and run with it! Comparing the plight of the Jews of Germany to that of the Arab-"Palestinians" was a stroke of genius. A very BIG Lie... but brilliant nevertheless!

Israel has been accused of "mass extermination" upon the "Palestinian" Arabs... a virtual "Holocaust. Let's see.
Total "Palestinian" Arabs in both Judea-Samaria ("West Bank") and Gaza:
1967 ... 1.1 million
2002 ... 3.5 million!
In 35 years the number of "Palestinian" Arabs has tripled.
Some "Mass extermination!" Some "Holocaust!"

What is the Arab fascination with Hitler and Nazism? Maybe it's more deeply rooted that we had realized. On November 25, 1941 the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, went to visit Hitler in Germany. This in and of itself was not so unusual for, during much of World War II, leading Muslims including Haji Amin al-Husseini (Arafat's uncle!) collaborated with the Nazis. The Arab leader was assured by Hitler that once he [Hitler] ridded Europe of its Jews, he would do the same throughout Palestine. Although Heir Hitler is no longer with us, the Arab world is still bent on finishing his work! The Mufti commented, ""Our fundamental condition for cooperating with Germany was a free hand to eradicate every last Jew from Palestine and the Arab world."
Further, today's Arab propagandist uses a technique called "Turnspeak," whereby the aggressor becomes the "victim" and the true victim becomes the "aggressor!" The term was first used by journalists to describe German Nazi propaganda after it invaded Czechoslovakia in March of 1939. Because the truth is the exact opposite of the information being disseminated, it is psychologically difficult to counter and leads to confusion. And THIS is their ultimate goal! A classic example of "Turnspeak" is the Arab claim that Jews are like the Nazis and they (the poor, poor Arabs) are the victims of a "Holocaust!" By doing so, the Arabs try covering up THEIR OWN close connection with the Nazis while turning the Truth on its head!

i NEVER SAY ANYTHING WITHOUT LOGIC AND REASON.HERE IS THE PROOF. PLEASE SEE THE VIDEO:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbP2EyF8d34

Thank You javad for your wonderful letter

it represents me and everyone i know as an Iranian. i hope you are successful. you should ignore the noisy insects that can't stand your successes. after 30 years of monarchist lunacy, we finally have leaders who care about iranians and not just themselves.

to peace and dialog!

This is getting too chaotic, nobody WANTS to stay on topic

Everybody as an ax to grind. Everybody wants to play international conspiracy. It is getting too tiring!

BK, Thanks for at least admitting that you are not staying on topic for some reasons that I'm sure you find important. But nevertheless, you want to make this a witch hunt about some people whose politics is suspect to you.

I wish you could make your points in a different article and leave this one for the actual topic that it was designed for.

You get upset at other people for talking about Israel, but here you are going to great length to justify NOT talking about the topic at hand!

I don't think many readers are apreciating this organized deviation of the topic and will recognize who is doing it.

The net result is that these types of discussions will no longer be relevant. An important medium for HONEST and RESPECTFUL disagreements are being lost.

Good day to all.

Dear Mahin

I understand the point you are making, but with respect, I have to disagree with your comment that my point is irrelevant. Let me explain why.

The main thrust of this open letter is for Mr. Obama to take heed of the history of USA’s attitude and actions towards Iran and change US policy to improve matters between the two countries. I trust that we all agree on this (i.e. that this is the main purpose of this open letter), right?

The point that I’ve been trying to make is this, the problems that exist between the US and Iran, especially those arising within the past 30 years, are not and cannot be blamed all on the US, as this open letter is inferring. It takes two sides to make a conflict. In fact, as I have stated in my earlier comments, most of the current enmity that exits between the two countries has actually resulted directly from the hostile and deliberately intransigent policies and actions of the Islamic Republic.

An yet, all we seem to get these days, from many Iranian organisations, on iranian.com and elsewhere is “USA this and USA” that and how it is all their fault. My stand point is (and please keep in mind that in no way am I trying to defend the US – in fact I’m critical of much of their foreign
policy in many areas) continually moaning only at the US is pointless because the main source of the problems actually rests with the regime in Tehran.

I’m not suggesting that people should not write open letters or use other means to get their points across to Obama etc, but why only address one side of the problem and not the other? Consequently, I’m baffled as to why, organisations like “Iran Heritage Organization”, “Alliance Organization”, and “Persian Gulf Organization “ whose stated goal is to work in Iran’s best interests and help to make life better for the Iranian people, never seem to (at least publicly) take issue with the Islamic Republic to change its policies and do its part to improve the relations between Iran and the West! For example when was the last time you saw an open letter to President Ahmadinejad, similar to the one address to President Obama, written by any of these organizations and posted here; or anywhere else for that matter?

So, I firmly believe my points here are actually very relevant and go to the very heart of the issue of this open letter. If you still disagree, then all I can say is fair enough and I respect your right to do so.

Best regards.

Are you serious?

What kind of a real Persian name is 'B2B'?!

2B2

is... like, YOUR real name?  what a joke.  that's why no one pays you any attention.  you make such absurb comments.   you're not even registered!  what on heart gives you the right to criticize anyone else, especially a registered user?  delusional...lol.

i AM confused. that's why i've asked questions... questions that are not answered fully.  questions that are given vague and misleading answers.  i'm not comparing the two.  i never have.  so get YOUR facts straight... ok?  how old is AIPAC?  how old is NIAC?  what i am comparing, if you want to call it that... is the intention of either, or both of them.  you think because NIAC is in it's infancy that it doesn't have the same potential as AIPAC?  give me a break.

YOUR ignorance is further displayed by confusing rednecks and white trash.  don't speak of something you know nothing about...:-)

2B2---What a Shameless Hypocrite!!!!

2B2 Says:

"Many gutless souls are hiding behind anonymous names (including coward ganselmi) and expecting others to put their necks on the line. Nice, real nice.
I join others to thank honest people who are using their names. I vote banning ganselmi coward.'

2B2: I will vote with you on the condition that you end your hypocrisy and reveal your real name!!!!!!

khejalat ham khoob cheeziyeh!!!!!

What a bunch of confused people!!

What a bunch of confused people!!
Ganselmi provides a link to Kenneth R. Timmerman’s nonsense. I do not need to read or follow any thing to know that he is a White trash (hint: a redneck) who supports Israel blindly.

Annonmous Fish, with your latest write up you proved to be a confused lady. For comparison of NIAC with AIPAC try NIAC of one full-time and two part time employees with a budget of less than 100K) to AIPAC of over 140 full-time employees and over 1,000 part-time employees and budget of over $200,000,000).

Many gutless souls are hiding behind anonymous names (including coward ganselmi) and expecting others to put their necks on the line. Nice, real nice.
I join others to thank honest people who are using their names. I vote banning ganselmi coward.

Ganselmi

I just hope that the daily Zionist conference call is not too early in the morning. I'm just not a "morning person". :-)

Appreciate It!

Well I appreciate Anonymous Fish. Standing up to these cyber basijis is often a thankless job.

And anonymous111, since 'Zionist' is what they call anyone who diverges from the IRI party line, then I relish the compliment. What's more: I take back what I said earlier. I will definitely be seeking to secure a place for you on the Zionist conference call list. Boy is it fun -- on our next call we will be discussing just how to use the next Harry Potter flick as a vehicle for delivering subliminal pro-Judaic messages to young children around the world! ;)

ganselmi

well said. 

there is MUCH confusion about the difference between NIAC and AIPAC.  it was stated on another blog that NIAC was NOT associated with anything other than iranian-americans living in the US and not a lobbyist for a foreign power.  however it appears that it is at least to the extent of influencing action against iran.  whether this is considered lobbying for POLICIES in iran is a matter of opinion. 

for all of mammadds comparisons between AIPAC and NIAC, it's pointless and ridiculous.  bias against AIPAC in obvious in every comment.  one has to wonder how powerful NIAC can and will be given increased support from iranian-americans.  who's going to hold the reins on NIAC if and when they get the powerful backing of monied and influential iranians living in the US?   you think it can't or won't happen?  don't fool yourself. 

I am not sure where you come up with claptrap such as "NIAC purports to represent Iranian Americans"! NIAC has made no such claims although it certainly represents its members and those who do support its goals.

this was stated by the esteemed irandokht to be virtually the ONLY purpose of NIAC!!!!

what's up with that?

Ganselmi - On the Zionsit Labeling Issue

One thing that you have to realize when you deal with the Islamist status quo noise machine is that “Zionist” is a term that applies to anyone and anything that contradicts the official IRI policy. They do it in Iran as well, and use the term to attack and discredit opponents. I have talked about this before. Here’s a link:

//iranian.com/main/blog/faramarz-fateh/ba...

Read my comment on that thread about this subject. As you can see, there’s a link in that comment to Mohsen Sazegara’s article that talks about the same thing. So, don’t be perturbed. This is just their MO.

Staying on the Subject, here are answers to your questions!

Some body says,"As I said before, this is commendable work. But, can I ask why the three organizations under discussion, do not take the Islamic Republic leaders to task on their policies/actions openly, as they done with this open letter here to President Obama?

Also can Mr. Fakharzadeh or whoever else from these organizations kindly post one of their written communications to the Islamic Republic’s leaders asking them to change course, for our benefit here?"

Answer to question one:

The three organizations are from the same lobbying apparatchick of the Islamic Republic and their instruction is not to take the IRI leaders to task, but creat breathing space for this decompsing corps, the rgiem in Iran.

Answer to question two:

No, Mr. Fakhrzad and his colleagues in these pro-IRI lobbying groups have not criticized the IRI's inhumane and crime-ridden history against our people in Iran. Thus, they can't produce such serious anti-regime documents.

As a deference to

As a deference to the people who have politely and correctly protested the deterioration of this thread to an Israeli Palestinian debate,  I refrain from addressing this topic again on this thread.  Even a rudimentary knowledge of history refutes all disingenuous claims.

Hello Again!

Mehrban,

Are you dense? Arya manesh was describing the process by which the modern Palestinian identity was invented in the 20th century: as Arya manesh correctly writes, the Arabs who resided in historical Palestine only identified themselves as "Palestinians" in the aftermath of '48. Ethnically and linguistincally however, the so-called Palestinians are indistinguishable from Jordanian Arabs and always have been. Your citations only point to the existence of a place called historical Palestine -- no one disputes this!

Anonym7,

Don't be coy -- I'm not going to reveal my alma mater on a site crawling with Mullah supporters. Ma ham az poshte-kuh nayumadim baba!

Q,

Don't try to censor me -- this is not your beloved IRI. But don't worry, I have an embarrasment of riches by way of citations about the Iranian lobby groups' links to the regime. Here's just one for your benefit:

//www.newsmax.com/insidecover/Obama_Iran_pressure/2008/11/17/152197.html

And finally Anonymous111,

The whole point of the Zionist conspiracy is that it's secret. I can't bring you in on it! Bwahahahahaha!

BK and MahinK

I was going to start my last post by aknowledging that the subject had diverted from the original letter.  Reading your posts, I wish I had.   

Dear Mahin

I understand the point you are making, but with respect, I have to disagree with your comment that my point is irrelevant. Let me explain why.

The main thrust of this open letter is for Mr. Obama to take heed of the history of USA’s attitude and actions towards Iran and change US policy to improve matters between the two countries. I trust that we all agree on this (i.e. that this is the main purpose of this open letter), right?

The point that I’ve been trying to make is this, the problems that exist between the US and Iran, especially those arising within the past 30 years, are not and cannot be blamed all on the US, as this open letter is inferring. It takes two sides to make a conflict. In fact, as I have stated in earlier comments, most of the current enmity that exits between the two countries has actually resulted directly from the hostile and deliberately intransigent policies and actions of the Islamic Republic.

An yet, all we seem to get these days, from many Iranian organisations, on iranain.com and elsewhere is “USA this and USA” that and how it is all their fault. My stand point is (and please keep in mind that in no way am I trying to defend the US – in fact I’m critical of much of their foreign in many areas) continually moaning only at the US is pointless because the main source of the problems actually resides with the regime in Tehran.

I’m not suggesting that people should not write open letters or use other means to get their points across to Obama etc, but why only address one side of the problem and not the other? Consequently, I’m baffled as to why, organisations like “Iran Heritage Organization”, “Alliance Organization”, and “Persian Gulf Organization “ whose stated goal is to work in Iran’s best interests and help to make life better for the Iranian people, never seem to (at least publicly) take issue with the Islamic Republic to change its policies and do its part to improve the relations between Iran and the West! For example when was the last time you saw an open letter to President Ahmadinejad, similar to the one address to President Obama, written by any of these organizations and posted here; or anywhere else for that matter?

So, I firmly believe my points here are actually very relevant and go the very heart of the issue at the root of this open letter. If you still disagree, then all I can say is fair enough and I respect your right to do so.

Best regards.

BK, but that is not the subject at hand!

I agree. I am sick of the Israel issue, but in fairness your concern is also a diversion and completely beside the point.

The subject at hand is stated in the article. It's about an open letter to Obama by US-based Iranian American organizations. For Iranian Americans, Obama is our President and many of us helped elect him. So open letters on a important foreign policy issue from knowledgable organizations is very appropriate.

I don't know the answer to your question. I think it is a matter what is more effective. I trust these groups -- I have worked with one of them before. I trust them to decide how to best proceed. They have a good track record of advocacy. If you would like to be part of that decision making process, I encourage you to join the groups. Or else perhaps start your own group.

But this is completely irrelevant to this article and it's content which I fully support.

I hope we can now return to the real subject at hand!

Can we keep to the subject at hand please?

Unfortunately the original subject of this discussion has been diverted to, yet again, the Israeli/Palestnian issue (why some of us are so obssesed with Israel I'm at a loss to explain!), especially as the discussion was becoming fruitful.

So, just to return to the original disucssion, can I repeat a couple of questions I put to Mr. Fakharzadeh?

In his last response, Mr. Fakharzadeh stated the following:

"....we have written to President Khatami, Ahmadinejad, and other Iranian officials. In fact, I met Dr. Kharazi at Harvard amongst 20 other Iranian Americans listening to his speech. At the Q&A session, the audeince started questioning the government policies ranging from Iran-US relations to jailing dissidents, lack of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the removal of Velayateh Faghih from the constitution...."

As I said before, this is commendable work. But, can I ask why the three organizations under discussion, do not take the Islamic Republic leaders to task on their policies/actions openly, as they done with this open letter here to President Obama?

Also can Mr. Fakharzadeh or whoever else from these organizations kindly post one of their written communications to the Islamic Republic’s leaders asking them to change course, for our benefit here?

Thank you in advance.