As a citizen of and believer in democracy, I applaud the efforts of Mir Hossein Mousavi. His efforts are similar to what former Democratic Vice President Al Gore should have done during the U.S. presidential election controversy of 2000. Gore should have continued to protest regardless of the political risks until all the votes were counted in Florida. Instead, former president George W. Bush was appointed
by the U.S. Supreme Court to effectively overturn the will of the
people—and look at what has happened to the United States in the past
eight years.
Believe it or not, one thing that trumps
capitalism and political correctness in the United States is the right
to have one’s vote counted. This is the foundation upon which our
democracy is built. Mousavi should continue to defy Iran’s powerful
security forces so that Iranian democracy can be preserved. It is not
the reformist movement that is attempting to seize power but rather
those currently in power who have engaged in fraud to prevent the will
of the people from being heard. Why else would they stoop to such
underhanded tactics to block communication among the citizens of Iran?
Why is the government in power utilizing such political strong-arm
tactics as the use of violence and false arrest? Why are international
journalists being told they should prepare to leave the country?
The United Nations must
be allowed into Iran to monitor the election up to and including a new
election. During the new election, let the call go forth among all
citizens of Iran that your brothers and sisters of democracy from all
over the world are with you during every trial and tribulation you may
encounter during this crisis.
To the people of Iran, the
trumpet of freedom beckons you to rise in protest and ensure your vote
to preserve your sacred heritage, promote your children’s future and
obtain the blessings of liberty we all cherish.
Joe Bialek
Cleveland, Ohio