A Privilege Long Forgotten

Though voting options may be limited, there are still options

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A Privilege Long Forgotten
by MitraYazdi
20-May-2009
 

A vote; an amazing right capable of extraordinary change. Where a vote used to stand as something worth fighting for, we now see the great degree to which some people have lost sight of this fact. This power and control is a privilege taken for granted. How long ago it now seems that the forefathers of the United States waged a revolutionary war to declare their freedom from Great Britain and give the choice of government back to the people. How long ago it now seems that women marched the streets in demand of the rights of suffrage. How long ago it now seems that people of all different colors banded together to achieve their rights as equal citizens in the selection of their government.

But the truth is, that it was not so long ago. These events did not transpire in an age of dinosaurs or cavemen, they were merely generations before us. Yet, how do we repay these brave souls who fought to earn us the fundamental right of a say in society? Do we cherish our right to vote? Do we rejoice at how lucky we may be to have such opportunity? Few do. When election days rolls around, most of us, rather than excitement in the ability to take part in our government, view it as an obligatory chore.

As the Iranian presidential election rises on the horizon, many Iranian citizens find themselves not debating over which candidate to vote for, but whether to vote at all. In a state where many rights are forbidden, I find it surprising to believe anyone would turn down such a direct form of choice. Though their voting options may be limited, there are still options.

Many people have this idea that their vote is simply one of many with no effect on any outcomes whatsoever. This is a disappointment. If every person were to decide their vote made no difference, then democracy, in essence would be incapable of implementation. It is the power of singular votes which come together to form a majority; majorities do not spontaneously happen on their own.

The most prominent appeal of voting is to make our voices and opinions heard. We find candidates who seem capable of appeasing us, and through their contributions in office, shape our government. Every election has candidates of variety, though sometimes that variety may not be as abundant as we would hope. But still there is a variety, and every small step towards a change, is still a step.

Though people say that the candidates in the running for the Iranian presidency are all equally unjust or un-ideal, there are still differences among them. Preferences can still be made between different candidates, because each little bit of change brought to the table can eventually lead to big changes, or at least improve conditions subtly. Some of the people who are refusing to vote are the same ones who sit and talk of changing the Iranian government. They spend time and effort writing articles and fighting to make a difference in the country they once called home, but when that chance comes knocking on their doors in the simple form of a ballot they turn it down with excuses that they refuse to support the government they oppose, or that their votes would be pointless. Perhaps their votes put together could make some difference in their government, even if small, that their articles, etc., have not yet been able to.

Not to dismiss the significance of these persons honorable works, but as of yet, no significant change has been seen in the governing of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and these works have been simply shrugged off or blocked out by those in power. Perhaps with slow or small changes through the selection of more liberal candidates, we could reshape and reform the face of our nation.

In the end, every vote counts. Realizing how lucky we are to have this freedom of choice, this right of selection, is key to filling up our polling stations and forwarding the progress of our government. As the first to hold a right in such democracy, the ancient Greeks had a good word for those who chose to ignore their right of participation in government: idiot.

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Parham

Mammad

by Parham on

The chances that Israel DOESN'T attack Iran are far, far greater than for it to attack.

They're not (that) stupid.


Mammad

The loonies do not represent anyone

by Mammad on

I repeat:

These people represent no one but themselves, and the interests of Israel.

Israel wants Ahmadinejad. As Shimon Perez said, "no one has helped Israel more than Ahmadinejad." The only reason Iran's nuclear dossier went to the UN Security Council was Ahmadinejad. From the standpoint of international laws and the UN Charter, sending Iran's nuclear dossier to the UNSC and the subsequent Resolutions are purely illegal, with no ifs, buts, subjects tos, etc.

With Ahmadinejad back, the lying and false propaganda about Iran's nuclear program will continue, in order to justify attacks on Iran. And, of course, if the attacks come, we know who will be at the forefront! Those who advocate armed confrontation!

The only way to have Ahmadinejad back is if the people do not vote. So, these characters are lying when they shed crocodile tears for Iran. They want Iran attacked and destroyed, and turned into a docile state that would take orders. Just see how the "modern, secular, 21st century" crowd has to go back over 2500 years to abuse Koroush-e Kabir in order to justify occupation of Palestinian lands by Israel. They have nothing to cling to. 

These characters are too transparent to hide behind any smoke-screen, or their baseless, angry, hatred-filled attacks. 

And, no amount of vicious attacks will deter people like me to speak up. Say what you want, dear. The more you say, the more transparent you become!

Mammad


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good for you Anonymous8

by Anonym7 (not verified) on

Anonymous8 says: "We are coming"

good for you and LalehGillani. :)


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LalehGillai

by Anonym7 (not verified) on

I vividly remember 1360, unlike you I don't live in 1360. You did "jolt" my conscious, fascists of all flavors do "jolt" my conscious!


LalehGillani

Not Mistakes, Only Murders!

by LalehGillani on

Anonym7 wrote: “I hope IRI corrects its mistakes before it is too late… next time you want to "scare" me try much harder, I have seen the dark days of 81 (1360) ... IRI didn't scare me...”

Mistakes? If you had truly lived through those dark days of mass murders, you would not have called them “mistakes.” A mistake is when you drive down the highway going over the speed limit or when you get drunk in public and make a fool of yourself.

Murdering children and young adults while in captivity isn’t a mistake. It is cold blooded murder!

The purpose of my comment wasn’t to scare you. I was trying to jolt your conscience! After all is said and done, I realize that I have failed miserably: Someone who doesn’t know the difference between a mistake and a murder has no conscience.


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Anonym7

by Anonymous8 (not verified) on

It's too late for what you wish. We are coming my good man. It's only a matter of time!


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Those who advocate violence for Iranians

by SmartAss (not verified) on

Will be VERY quiet when you ask them about Israel. No matter what Israel does, there must be no violence there - only in Iran. I just noticed that. Some interesting tidbit - HAHA


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Ananymous JAne haftom

by KouroshS on

CAN I?

Oh god. don't you think it is a bit late now? The honor and pleasure will be all mine to have you as my manager. so i can blame everything that goes wrong on you. and also you must give me your word tha you will remain in my administartion if all goes well.

Your slogan of Gone with the wind, Has been Gone with that same wind.

Salam beresoon be doostan javoon.


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LalehGillani

by Anonym7 (not verified) on

I wish Shah had started democratizing Iran so that the country had not gone to that extreme. Similarly I hope IRI corrects its mistakes before it is too late and the the country ends up with likes of you starting a new round of extremism/fascism.
BTW, next time you want to "scare" me try much harder, I have seen the dark days of 81 (1360) ... IRI didn't scare me...


LalehGillani

Take Notice Yourself!

by LalehGillani on

Anonym7 wrote: “ya, Iranian neo-fascists have been around for quit sometime and because of IRI excesses, we have had more of them after the revolution. I am not glad that we have more of them, but I am definitely glad that they write, and they share their dream of becoming the next generation KhalkhAlis, and GhaffAries with us. I hope IRI notices that too and realizes real reforms are needed to keep these disasters away.”

For centuries, Iranian nationalism has been targeted by Muslims incapable of tolerating any ideology and allegiance other than their own. History has been rewritten by mullahs occupying the pulpits across Iran to alienate us from our roots. For centuries, Islam has been shoved down our throats; the fear of afterlife has been rubbed into our faces, and the empty promise of Muslims’ fake paradise has robbed our people of a decent life.

This new wave of Shi'a atrocities can’t be hidden, justified, or sugar-coated. We have witnessed it with our own eyes.

Instead of wishing for IRI to take notice, you must pay attention to it yourself. Supporting the enemies of our nation while it suits your purpose and then dressing up as a reformist to advance the same cause don’t absolve you: The responsibility of collaborating with a murderous regime rests on your shoulders.

Let our battle cry send shivers down your spine…


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Not So Fast Anonym7

by Anonymous8 (not verified) on

Don't you dare compare us to Khalkhali. Our fascism is for a good cause, and that is resucing Iran, the land of Ardeshir, from the Arabo-Bedouin culture of rozeh khooni, too sar zani, crying and Arab-e-mordeh parasti. It's a huge task, but we are a people who came from nothing to become the greatest empire that has ever existed on this planet...so for us nothing is impossible.

And for the Arabo-Mafia worhsipers on this site who rub their temporary power in our faces day in and day out, remember this: every dog has its day. As we say in Persian: "gahi zin be posht-o gahi posht be zin". Don't get too carried away with your threats, ridiclues and celeberations. Your day of rockoning will come too!


Jaleho

کیوان جان، یک جک بگم که تو هم بخندی

Jaleho


 

یک چلو کبابی میره تو بساز و بفروش که بیشتر پول در بیاره. چند دستگاه ساختمان قشنگ میسازه. تموم که شد، تیر آهن ها شو میکشه بیرون.

 


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the need for real reform (to Parham)

by Anonym7 (not verified) on

"am glad people such as LalehGillani exist."

ya, Iranian neo-fascists have been around for quit sometime and because of IRI excesses, we have had more of them after the revolution. I am not glad that we have more of them, but I am definitely glad that they write, and they share their dream of becoming the next generation KhalkhAlis, and GhaffAries with us. I hope IRI notices that too and realizes real reforms are needed to keep these disasters away.


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Please run for president (to Kourosh)

by Anonym7 (not verified) on

Kourosh_jAn, please run for president in Iranian election. I will be honored to be your campaign manager, ..., and our slogan, the slogan for your supporters, would be 'gone with the wind'.


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Need a TAHRIMI for our radio show

by Borhan (not verified) on

Hi guys and gals,

We're putting together a discussion around this topic on the radio, and although we will use a lot of the material from this blog, we would also be interested in having people represent different points of view on the show. I'm interested in someone from the Bay Area who's under 30 and can be present for the live show in Campbell on Wed. evening at 7PM. If you are this person or know of such a person please e-mail me at my first name @iranican.com

Thanks,

Borhan


Keyvan Talebi

KouroshS

by Keyvan Talebi on

Exactly. Its all about forcing their ideology with humiliation, insults and outright criminality.

There is some dalghak bazi going on in the other blog. I can't believe Mr. JJ would do this.

Thanks! Keyvan.


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Keyvan

by KouroshS on

This is ACT 2 of their continuing show of support and love for the iranian people, those who live inside iran. No too long ago, you witnessed ACT one:)

With such condescending attitude and way of enforcing their ideology on others, and humiliating those who dare tosee things from another angle, they are so hard at work encouraging their hamvatans in iran to rise up or better yet take the gradual path to change and reform, working with what they already have been given, namely the principles the current system of governance is based on.

Resorting to bad mouthing others and vicious personal insults and shallow and cheap banterings (dalghak bazi) is just one of their tactics to defend and guard their position.

May God save our nation and protect them from the grace and kindness!! and sincere good wishes of this culturally-challenged bunch.


Keyvan Talebi

Jaleho Aziz, No thanks from you is needed or necessary

by Keyvan Talebi on

Stop that nonsensical taroaf:))))

You see, although I am sure that I have a higher IQ than an Islamist apologist as your self, its really not about IQ anyway. Its about emotional intelligence. Something that you are completely missing as a result of the multiple high level sigheh/Mehdi is returning sessions with your dear Ahmadinejad:))))

I actually learned the "signature copy-paste" you talk about from you "deary". Would you like to go and review all your great enlightening copy-paste jobs on this site? Do we need to remind you of your narcissistic habit of copying and pasting your previous posts for others?

I have learned from passed experience that people like you, who are always concerned about IQ and are first to start the insults, are very insecure about themselves as a result of being underachievers even though they are sort of smart with the books. The lack of emotional intelligence makes them dismal failures in life.

Do you by any chance have a scientific background and or work in a lab environment?

If so, this would explain it all.


Jaleho

Keyvan jan, thanks for re-posting

by Jaleho on

my comment. You give me the best laughs in this site, you're a pleasure to read, and I really mean it :-) :-)

AND, don't ever try to compose anything by yourself, your signature  copy-paste, and the meaningless way you do it, is what makes you so funny and a pleasure to read! reminds me of the rubber and glue... :-)

Between the two of us only, what's your IQ deary?


Keyvan Talebi

Who is the "megalomanic ASS" here?

by Keyvan Talebi on

Any person who assumes or concludes that Ms. Gilani "just gave Jerusalem away to the Jews and single handely solved the historical problem of status of Jerusalem"

Because of the following statement by her "In the tradition of Kourosh Kabir, I stand with the Hebrews for their right to a homeland with Jerusalem as the capital. "....

Is the true "megalomanic ASS!"


Parham

I, for one

by Parham on

am glad people such as LalehGillani exist.

But then that's not the point. The real point is one can see who the winners and the losers of an argument are where a debate has turned from discussing AN IDEA to discussing A PERSON, or an online character in this case.

Go back and see who has attacked whom, and you'll know that the side has had NOTHING to say about the argument anymore.

Of course, when it turns into a lynch mob, it also shows you those who have cowards in them, and those who don't.

My 2 cents.


Jaleho

Gilani negates herself in one breath!

by Jaleho on

Leleh Gilani says:

"I neither interfere nor participate in the internal affairs of US or Israel. I have my hands full with Iranian politics. "

forgetting that the sentence just prior to this was:

"In the tradition of Kourosh Kabir, I stand with the Hebrews for their right to a homeland with Jerusalem as the capital. "

What a megalomanic! She just gave Jerusalem away to the Jews and single handely solved the historical problem of status of Jerusalem, and on the side she's feels she's now in company of Kourosh, hahahaha :-) :-)


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"activist" 's vicious attack (to Laleh)

by Anonym7 (not verified) on

I am not a Muslim, yet I have been wondering (since last night), what did Laleh gain by attacking one of the most respected people of this site so viciously?


Fred

Enjoy the madness while it lasts

by Fred on

The rabid Islamists/Anti-Semites and their likeminded lefty allies should enjoy their Anti-Iran and Iranian Islamist republic while it lasts. Whether they like it or not the eventuality of an Iranian-Israeli alliance is based on sound strategic justifications, sweetened by amicable historical considerations and mandated by recent events.

The past thirty years of paying the “brotherly” Arabs through the nose for their fleeting friendships while most were financing and sending volunteers to help Saddam “swat Persians” is yet another reinforcing justification for the eventual Iranian-Israeli alliance. 


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Laleh: Finally, I figured you out

by SmartAss (not verified) on

As I have said before all "revolution lovers" and the proponents of violent regime change in Iran are directly related to pro-right-wing-Israel. The MKO is also heavily cooperating with Israel right wing. That explains a lot. So is your other name here "Fred?"

I absolutely LOVE the way you avoided sondeming the crimes of your beloved Israel and tried to legitimize that cancer as valid using standard Mosad propaganda. It feels good to have figured you out.


LalehGillani

In the Footsteps of Kourosh Kabir

by LalehGillani on

SmartAss wrote: “you will not openly make any statement that is even vaguely criticizing Israel. Will you? Will you say something about the mass-murderers of Tel Aviv? Or are the angels of democracy in a world gone mad?”

Hebrew people have been an ancient ally and valuable partner to Persians since Cyrus the Great released them from bondage. This alliance has proven to be valuable to our people and cultures throughout the history. In the tradition of Kourosh Kabir, I stand with the Hebrews for their right to a homeland with Jerusalem as the capital.

I neither interfere nor participate in the internal affairs of US or Israel. I have my hands full with Iranian politics.


Mehdi

laleh (or Fred?): you keep avoiding an answer

by Mehdi on

Who do you represent? Is it a fictional "opposition" group? Do you advocate bombing of Iran? You keep criticizing everything and never give an answer. You keep picking up side notes of other people's comment and avoid answering the main point they bring up. Is this training in Mosad or MKO? I know they both heavily use psychological warfare. Which one do you belong to? What do you represent? We know so ar that you are an avid supporter of revolution, violence and destruction. But is it MKO? Is ot Mosad? Is it CIA? Which one do you support? What is your group? What do you recommend? Only revolution and killings?


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LalehGillani: One more question

by SmartAss (not verified) on

Your writing are starting to sound more and more like Fred. I am guessing that you will not openly make any statement that is even vaguely criticizing Israel. Will you? Will you say something about the mass-murderers of Tel Aviv? Or are the angels of democracy in a world gone mad? Your answer, or lack of, can be very illuminating. Remember that I am not looking for another "blanket" statement denouncing "oppressive regimes." I am looking for you naming Israel as the worst cancer in Middle East. Let's see your reaction or lack of. I am putting my money on you giving no reply and running.


LalehGillani

Delivered by one of Their Own!

by LalehGillani on

SmartAss wrote: “Even more evidence that there is nothing going on in Iran other than daily mass murders, destruction and jailing of writers, etc. People are being oppressed. Just see the video and how people are all dead!”

Thank you for posting the link. I enjoyed watching the video again. It reminded me of Shah’s rallies when thousands of people lined up alongside the road to greet their beloved king. Spectacles like this happen in every dictatorship to legitimatize oppression of the masses. Castro in Cuba has mastered the art…

The reformers are courting women’s vote. Smart move! The hardliners do need a jab in the stomach, a slap in the face, and a blow over the head. All this is even more enjoyable when delivered by one of their own…


Fair

personal belief vs state ideology

by Fair on

Due to time constraints I have not been able to participate in this debate as much as I would like. But a particular trend here has disturbed me quite a bit- and that is the assault on one's religion as a whole.

While it is very convenient to attack Islam as a whole and blame it for all our problems, it is also very counterproductive. I think the best way to prolong the life of the IRI is for the opposition to take an official stance against Islam. LalehGilani correctly pointed out that historical realities compelled western deomcracies to (for the most part) separate church and state. But they did not go further and pit the state against Christianity.  The US or French or Chilean government's official policy is not that Christianity should go.  

Fact is, many people in Iran are muslim, and deeply so. Much as some of us would like to pretend it is 2500 years ago and our great Persian roots have not been "polluted" by the Arab invasion, this is not the case. Those of us who deny this reality do so at our own peril.  As a personal opinion, we can think whatever we want.  But as a platform for opposition trying to earn popular support, it is a little different.

Instead, we should advocate freedom of religion, and open debate with respect among all parties, while denying any political power to the clergy. I think after 30 years, this is a valuable lesson that our people have learned and are ready for- this was the biggest obstacle to a modern government taking hold in Iran previously. Hopefully not anymore.

So as we try to take the "Islamic" out of the "Islamic Republic", we shouldn't try to replace it with "anti-Islamic Republic". Let's just be a modern democratic republic like so many other countries on this planet today.

 

Just my 2 rials worth...

 

-FAIR