"This is how countries that have freedom and democracy get it," said the woman, who asked that her name not be published. "They have to fight and die for it." - from LA Times 6/20/09
For this week's Intellectual Freedom blog post, the subject seemed obvious to me. The major news story of the week is the recent presidential election in Iran. For those who haven't followed too closely, the Iranian President is not the highest ranking official in the country. Neither is he the Commander in Chief of the Iranian military. The position is more of an international spokesperson for the national policies. The Supreme Leader position (held by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) was not up for election. Nevertheless, this was an important election as the incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a very Anti-West instigator who causes tense relations with Israel and Europe. The challenger was Mir-Hossein Mousavi, a more moderate politician who many believed by improve the relations between Iran and America/the West.
The election, which many believed would be very close, provided a surprise result, as officials declared Ahmadinejad a run-away winner carrying two-thirds of the votes. This prompted many calls for more election transparency, as many suggested there was foul play or voter fraud involved to help Ahmadinejad keep the Presidency.
There have been many protests by supporters of Mousavi, and counter protests by supporters of Ahmadinejad. Reports have indicated that military and militia forces have also been involved and violence has ensued. I would not feel right blaming the violence, or even the instigation, on one side, but I believe both sides have overstepped peaceful protest.
Most recently, the Supreme Leader made a public speach validating the election results and declaring Ahmadinejad the winner. He also suggest that no more protest would be acceptable and no challenge can be made to the election results. While some Pro-West Iranians believe the Sea Change they were hoping for is lost, others believe they should continue the protests as it is the only way to (eventually) achieve the goals of transparency and Freedom (see quote from LA Times Article, above).
As an American, with democratic transparency and the Freedom to assemble and speak freely already established and protected, it is hard for me to imagine how those Iranians who feel betrayed and misled can cope at this time. Questions I ask myself: Would I be ready to continue to protest, even at risk of violence? How long can "Hope for Change" last without any evidence? What would I do now, as an Iranian who feels lied to by the Government?
What do you think?
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4 comments:
I see what you mean about being so accustomed to our freedoms. Would we be willing to fight for our freedoms if there was the possibility of real violence?
I guess it would depend on the strength you have in your convictions. The country has been so beaten up, many of the people just want to live in peace. They have lost so much. Fear can be a great suppressor, as we read in "Little Brother". For those who stand up for their beliefs they need support, and proof they will make a difference.
Thank you for your excellent description of the situation. A couple of things come to mind. I remember when G. W. Bush was elected over a hotly contested vote count in Florida. I never really did believe that was honest. There wasn't diddley squat any of us could do about it. Then the kind of suspicious death of Michael Connell, aide to former president G.W. Bush, and the also death of Senator Paul Wellston, senator from Minnesota, that many people feel was suspicious as well.
It is so frustrating to feel that the government has so much power that there is nothing we can do about it.
Remember the Kent State students who were killed as they protested Vietnam? That was near the end of an era where Americans got out in the street and protested what our government was doing.
Are we so much different than these countries? Are Americans less interested in protesting or have we just found better ways? See Center for Applied Conflict Management at Kent State.
I think as librarians and guardians of intellectual freedom in our libraries and schools, it's so important to think deeply about what is going on in the world today. Observing what goes on in other countries can help strengthen our own convictions.
In order to be good defenders of intellectual freedom in American, it's important to know our own history as it pertains to struggles that have taken place here at home. We don't need to go out in the street with guns and violence because we have learned better ways.
Very good summary of what's been going on, James. A woman protestor quoted on cnn.com today said, "When they want to hit me, I say hit." From what I'm reading, women are playing a big part in the protests. There has obviously come a breaking point for many who would pay for their freedoms with their lives. Their fight is so difficult to hear about yet so inspiring.
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