Iran: A wheel in spin

Rostam replied, "The way is long, how shall I go without soldiers to accompany me?" Zal said, "There are two ways there from this kingdom, and both are filled with difficulties and dangers. One is the way that Kavus took; the other lies through the mountains and will take two weeks. You will meet with lions and demons and darkness, and your eyes will be bewildered by what they see. If you take the shorter way, you will come on monstrous things, and may God come to your aid then. It is a hard way, but set Rakhsh along it and you will survive its perils. In the dark night, until daybreak, I shall pray to God that I shall see your shoulders and chest again, and your sword and mace in your hand, and if God wills that a demon turn your days to darkness, can any man avert this from you?

What comes to us must be endured. No one can stay in this world forever; and even if he remains here for a long time, he is finally summoned to another place. If a man leaves behind him a noble reputation, he should not despair when he has to depart."

- Shahnameh

I don't know whether we're witnessing a revolution or not in Iran at the moment. But I do believe that everyone who calls themselves an American, who says they love freedom, should be paying attention.

My guess is that we are not witnessing a revolution, but only a step. Perhaps many steps.

Whenever people take to the streets, peacefully, to say "We are not satisfied," the cause of humanity is advanced. And whenever the government in power responds with a tightening grip, it only hastens its own demise.

But these things all take time. Government has no special powers of its own. Nor do movements. They are merely means to an end, which hopefully we will call liberty.

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When I refuse to obey an unjust law, I do not contest the right of the majority to command, but I simply appeal from the sovereignty of the people to the sovereignty of mankind.