It seems that it is a time to pause and reflect on the meaning and value of the freedom we may take for granted at times. While our day to day world often seems beset by disagreement and dispute, here in America we have the sense that at least we have the right to say what we mean to say. We also generally are able to trust our elections to empower the leaders we choose, though at times we've experienced imperfections in the system.
This past Presidential election, a majority in our country gave a great sigh of relief in the fulfillment of the promise of free elections and the potential for great accomplishment in the new direction our country was likely to go. Somehow along the way, our people either stumbled upon, or were perhaps divinely guided toward the creation of a system that allows us to express our will as a people, and enjoy the fruits or famine that our collective voices and choices bring.
Now we watch the people of Iran passionately awaken to the calling of their hearts and of their need to have their voices heard and their choices honored. The question is, where do we stand in support of their truth? Will we, as a people who have lived and died for our right to express our voices and to be honored in so doing, cower on the sidelines as if it's not our problem?
The Iranian government has not been too concerned by voices of its people up to now, because the power in them has not risen to the level where it could threaten them. So I ask, will we help amplify their voices or in absentia, muffle them?
As I see it, this is a turning point for us all. What will be heard? The voice of freedom, which is the same all over the world when it is expressed, or the voice of fear and tyranny, also the same all over the world when expressed.
Perhaps the world's greatest teacher said it best, 'That which you do to the least among you, so you do unto me' echos as loud today as ever. If we do nothing and the voice of fear is strengthened and more deeply embedded in Iran, we will find we have strengthened that voice in our own lives and experience. Make note of the damage to our own freedom in the name of fear over the last 8 years alone.
On the other hand, if we as a nation express support for the rights of every man and woman on earth to freely choose their leaders and give our support for their right not to have their elections subverted, we will acknowledge that we recognize everyone, everywhere as One People Under God with certain inalienable rights. We will then be able to look around when we need support and trust we will be far from alone in sponsoring this truth.
To be silent out of fear that it will harm future negotiations with Iran is to bargain with the devil. To speak against their leaders that the people have tolerated to this point is to risk untold suffering for the people, sadly true. However, the distinction, I believe, is to raise our voices in favor of the truth that freedom is the natural, human state and must be nurtured and supported in every way possible when it seeks expression. We must state our belief in the necessity of elections being held openly, honestly and subject to the rigorous scrutiny of non-partison evalution. Anything less is to sell our own souls as we watch the lives of the people of Iran sailing down the river of oblivion.
