Iranians did not wake up one day and decide to live in an oppressive society. By oppressive, I mean the following: high school graduation, college entrance, employment, marriage, the ability to buy a home, all the things most people want for in a simple life, is tied to one thing: how well you tow the party line. The more effective you are at maintaining the illusion of religious piety and devotion to the current Iranian regime, the more likely you will be to be given a position of power. This includes, how you dress, what company you keep, and how you regulate your language.
This happened slowly. To my American readers, I am asking you, please pay attention to what has happened to a visionary and inspirational environmental activist named “Van Jones.” Today he stepped down today from a government position. This was after being the target of a smear campaign, that in essence, called into question his patriotism and love for the United States. What does this mean for activists, bloggers, free thinkers. Does this mean we have no role in civil society in the United States?
Welcome to censorship. Please don’t allow it to take hold here in the United States. We must defend freedom of speech and expression with furvor. What has happened to Van Jones is the first step down a slippery slope.
seamorg
spoonsun
