"The revolutionary idea should be diffused by means of appropriate media, to the greatest depth possible." - Che
Some 50 years ago- even Che believed that in order for the ideas to spread from the revolutionary groups, the word had to get out- propaganda- to convince the world around them that their cause was just, to convince the people that their fight was worth it.
In the past week, Iranians have taken to the streets so that their voices would be heard. And they are. They are calling for righteousness and despite demands from the Government to scatter, they keep coming back every day. It is something of a "velvet revolution" (such like that of the Czechoslovakia in 1989).
Despite the Government's efforts to eliminate cell phone usage, Facebook, blogging ability and other social internet devices- the people found Twitter. Ok, I admit, I've never been fan of the site or how people use it- but- I will appreciate THEIR using it to get in touch w/ the outside world- and tell us just what is going on. Major network journalists have been banned from reporting from w/in the protests and some have to been asked to leave the country.
And they, the citizens of Iran, are using every bit of propaganda available to spread the word of their protest and cause. In response to this past week's events, Google has launched another language to it's Translate page- Farsi (the language of Iran), Facebook also has added a way for people to translate messages from Iran and YouTube has had several videos throughout the week. I read one Twitter comment from someone in Iran who stated that the Government would not have shut down websites were they not in fear of the people.
It is an amazing feat that the Iranian people have taken on- Peaceful demonstrations and call for political justice. I am a believer in revolution, the ambush of a corrupt system for a better future. And this- this my friends, is exciting.
While the Supreme Leader of Iran first called for "partial vote recounts," he is now turning to support a leader that the public wants brought down. Blood has been shed against innocent people- and they keep coming forward b/c they believe in their freedom to choose. Opposition leader, Mousavi, even encouraged protestors to rally in black- earlier in the week, as to show a sign of mourning for those that lost their lives.
I applaud the people for being so bold.
It's very interesting, that, while some Americans were calling for military action against Iran, the biggest action to topple the oppresive government has been the will of the people. You can't force democracy on a people, but if you give them a taste of have a hand in choosing their own destinies, they will not let it go. A revolution of the heart will endure much longer than military revolutions. Freedom or death ... that is part of the human spirit.
ReplyDeletetis true. but certainly there is a time for everything. my hope and prayer is that this "green revolution" as they are not calling it will be the force that changes the state of their contention. it is preferred to protest and change that which is necessary. in this case, sincerely, i hope pushes the government back into it's right place-- as a servant of the people....enough blood -shed against the people has been shattered.
ReplyDeletebut just a small note- i also believe in times when force is also needed. the american revolution and even french revolutions were not won w/ peaceful demonstration, but w/ force, and yet the same simple and whole hearted spirit was with them also.
a true revolutionary will still, no matter what, stand his ground for the will of the people. a true revolutionary starts an ambush w/in their own life....then with their brothers, in unity for the better.
from FaceBook-
ReplyDeleteSU: "is there ever such thing as "the people"?"
ASH: "i suppose it's how you look at it. but i do prefer to see them as a people, with names, and voices...and a cause...why the cynicism?"