The Iranian government seems to have made good on a threat to use force to disperse the crowds who are protesting the recent presidential election, which has all of the hallmarks of foul play.
Unfortunately, foreign media outlets are banned from reporting on activities in the streets, but we are seeing amateur reports sneak through social networking websites that are showing chaos and gore on the streets of Tehran. It has been reported that as many as 150 people may have been killed in recent days.
I believe that this incident has the propensity to become something more than simple civil disobedience. The government has much more at stake in this than it may be willing to publicly admit. It is obvious in its willingness to use armed force against its own citizens to save itself. Two things can happen: the people will accept that the government has the upper-hand and relent, or they will continue and their cause will spread like wildfire and take down the 30-year-old theocracy. Personally, I always vote for revolution where a government works feverishly to retain autocratic control.
During this precarious time in Iran, I am reminded of one of America's great revolutionaries, Thomas Jefferson, who said, "An enlightened people, and an energetic public opinion, will control and enchain the aristocratic spirit of the government." Perhaps, the people of Iran can finally envision true democratic reform and concrete their civil liberties and rights, which are inevitably ordained by the people and not the government, as a result.
How long will the silent majority of Iran sit by and watch their friends, family members, and neighbors be maimed and murdered by their own government before they decide to take direct, proactive action?
No comments:
Post a Comment