What Does Freedom & Democracy Mean To Iranians?

June 16-2009:

What Does Freedom & Democracy Mean To Iranians?

Sometimes I ask myself if those of us outside of Iran, or the middle Eastern countries truly understand how democracy and freedom is perceived and is expected to be practiced in those countries. And because of the different perceptions and practices of democracy in the East and West, we sometimes feel that we can make statements on it at anytime, feeling that there is a commonly understood concept of democratic governance in all cultures. Which is certainly not so!

However, as I see it, the outpouring of youths, and women in large numbers against the perceived rigging of this election results, says to me that their must be a perception from the opposition's supporters and voters that something unfair or illegal was done, in order to get the current result or winner of this election.

The Women and most Young people who participated in this election had expectations for equal rights, freedom of expression, freedom of the Internet, the local media, and freedom to peacefully agitate for changes, without being harassed by the security agencies or Police, or incarcerated for so doing. And the opposing contender seem to have garnered the support of mostly young people and women, who genuinely believed that their representative, if elected will address these issues and concerns.

Even though both political contenders swore allegiance to the Supreme Ayatollah, and the Islamic State, before they were allowed to contend for the presidency. And even if the losing side had won this election, it would not have prevented the Supreme Ayatollah from intervening in the government anytime he perceives that his conservative position was under threat.

So what happens after the recount?

If after a recount is done, and Achmedinajad is still the winner, the opposition will have to abide by the result of this recount. And his supporters will probably go along with it too in sorrow. But I hope that the struggle will never cease or die in frustration. But that the youths and women generally, will continue to agitate for these issues to be addressed by their government, for the freedom to express their fears, anger, and expectations peacefully, in the future.

Derryck.
NYC.