We The People Must Stand For Freedom
The image of a teenage girl shot and killed is becoming a symbol that is helping to chip away at not just the legitimacy of one election, but the government’s entire claim of legitimacy. The government of Iran tried to keep the video of her death from the eyes of the world, but thanks to modern technology, the video could not be contained. This young woman, Neda, has become a symbol of stopping Iranian tyranny. They were able to kill Neda, but they will never be able to silence her voice.
Americans now must decide how much our country should voice our support these brave Iranians, and their quest for the freedom and democracy that we have enjoyed for more than two centuries. In the past, Americans have called it our duty to support any nation seeking freedom. This does not necessarily include sending in tanks and armies to fight for freedom, although often it is required. But simply the acknowledgement of support from the United States, the greatest beacon of freedom in the history of mankind, gives enough hope to those citizens to fight for the rights God has given us.
In 1989, just by calling the Soviet Union an “evil empire” President Regan gave the Polish people the hope and support that eventually led to the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. International support of freedom has again and again helped countries seeking a democracy, or preserving one that is in jeopardy: In Georgia, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Panama, the Philippines, South Africa and Taiwan — just to name a few.
The United States of America needs to make it very clear to every single country that we stand for freedom. No matter what, we support any nation seeking freedom. We must always voice this message, and when needed, defend it at any cost. The Iranian people are risking their lives for a chance at freedom, the very least the American government can do is publicly support them. So why does it remain silent. In Iran they took to the streets, and the American government remained silent. Both Iranian and non Iranian Americans have taken to our own streets in support, but our government still remains silent.
President Obama said in his speech in Cairo “the various rights that we possess are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.” So why wont President Obama acknowledge his support for the Iranian people? No matter what the reasons for the silence, the Iranian people are begging for support. They write their signs in English hoping to get their cries to the American people. The American government must publicly give their support for the Iranian people wanted freedom if there is any chance of success. If it doesn’t, countless lives may be lost, and our reputation of hope and freedom will be damaged.
I am in no way in favor in the United States taking action against the Iranian government. Right now, that is not our place. But I believe whole heartedly that every American should voice support to the Iranian protesters wanting what every human wants, a chance for a better life, a chance for freedom.
What do you think the American government should do? Do we give our support to the protesters, or do we wait it out and see if this becomes a full revolution, or just dies out. Please voice your own opinion on the debate!
Filed under: Iran, Politics | Leave a Comment
Tags: Freedom, Iran
No Responses Yet to “We The People Must Stand For Freedom”