A brief entry for a change. We're on the move to Pacific City, Oregon, where we'll spend a few days before returning to Portland. Still awaiting news on the quota for foreign workers in our district in Russia.
My heart has been captured by events in Iran. Go elsewhere for political analysis, breathless updates, and journalistic speculation--all I can say is that, on the street, some very human messages emerge: Treat us with respect. We are not stupid. The nation includes us, too. Don't push us around. Our dignity is our strength. And, maybe most fascinating of all, and most terrifying for the old tyrant class worldwide, you cannot silence us or make us invisible.
The outcome for Iranian politics is completely unclear to me. A friend told us last night that he had heard a prominent Iranian say, long before the current situation, "Just leave us alone and don't interfere. We will take care of things ourselves." Maybe what we're seeing now is a validation of this advice. The Iranians themselves have the perspective, strength, and resources to shape their nation into a worthier reflection of their own extraordinary culture.
These events have a huge significance beyond Iran. A potent combination of courage and nonviolence is on display (thanks to the democratizing power of digital media) for all the world to see--and learn.
A few righteous links: "Evidence of Iran Discontent." ~~ National Iranian American Council blog. ~~ Does the content of this Beliefnet forum for Friends seem adequate to you? If not, you can fix that! (Thanks, Mary Kay Rehard.) ~~ After complaining (here, thing number three) about the dense language of an otherwise valuable book of theology, I was amused to come across this article. ~~ There's a big debate going on among specialist pundits about how the USA should relate to Russia. Read these samples (one; two) for information--a lot of assumptions are revealed--but not for much inspiration. ~~ Looking forward to this.
Jean-Rene's "Speak your mind"--the title of the song seemed especially apt in view of Iran.
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