Respect for the Iranian's

I have followed Iran for years, and I am particularly inspired recently.

Americans love the romance of the revolutionary. Whether it be the mother speaking out against a public school conditions, or the loan libertarian at a political debate, or the county sheriff who calls out corruption when he sees it; there is something extraordinary about the person who takes the “road less traveled by,” as Frost would say.

The revolutionary is a dignified individual, who prefers the comfort of his home and family. But he is ready when called to the defense of his principles. He doesn’t need to hire a lawyer to tell him the difference between right and wrong. Like William Wallace from the movie "Braveheart," the revolutionary doesn’t look for a fight, but he doesn’t back down from one either. Fighting means taking a few punches and that is hard. But to the revolutionary, those punches are preferable to the ease of conformity, acquiescence, and complacency which equal slavery.

The founding fathers of the U.S. flew a flag that had a rattle snake on it and said, “Don’t Tread on Me.” The rattler is not an offensive creature, but a defensive one. Until you invade his territory and threaten him, he will mind his own business. He even uses his rattle to warn you not to cross the line.

Like the rattlesnake, the revolutionary strikes with ferocity when the life he cherishes is threatened. But its not about security and prosperity. Its about freedom and the notion that some things are worth dying for.

The founders spoke at length of how they would prefer to spend their time at their farms, rather than fighting in the cold. But the revolutionary cannot sit in comfort while there is oppression.

In the 1980’s, I grew up admiring mythological rebels like Luke Skywalker. His home was destroyed and family murdered by the government. He was destine to fight by powers beyond his control. He fought for the “Rebel Alliance” against the evil empire. It was no mistake that he was aided by the cowboy-esce criminal smuggler Han Solo. It was also no mistake that the “bad guy” in the story was the government – in this case democratically elected.

As a child, I also learned of real legends like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt, and others. Peaceful, dignified resistance with a preparedness and willingness to fight is the key to success. As Teddy Roosevelt said, "Walk softly, but carry a big stick." The desire for peace changes hearts and minds - while the willingness to fight lets the bullies of the world know that slavery is too high a price to pay for peace.

No ideology precludes a person from respecting those who fight for what is truly right – rather than for personal or group benefits. That’s why I am so inspired by Iran today.

Hundreds of thousands of people are peacefully protesting over in Iran. They’re not protesting for political gain like many American lobbyists, but rather a fundamental right to have a clean election. They’ve been cheated of their rights by a shameful government. They’re mad. They have a right to be. They are doing something about it.

The only question I have is about the lesson for America: how many punches are willing to take before we finally do something about our government?

The whole story recalls the lyrics to one of my favorite Metallica songs:
"Don't Tread on Me"

Liberty or death, what we so proudly hail
Once you provoke her, rattling of her tail
Never begins it, never, but once engaged...
Never surrenders, showing the fangs of rage

Don't tread on me

So be it
Threaten no more
To secure peace is
to prepare for war
So be it
Settle the score
Touch me again for the words that you'll hear evermore...
"Don't tread on me"

Love it or live it, she with the deadly bite
Quick is the blue tongue, forked as lightning strike
Shining with brightness, always on surveillance
The eyes, they never close, emblem of vigilance

Don't tread on me

So be it
Threaten no more
To secure peace is
to prepare for war
So be it
Settle the score
Touch me again for the words that you ll hear evermore...Don't tread on me

Liberty or death, what we so proudly hail
Once you provoke her, rattling on her tail

So be it
Threaten no more
To secure peace is
to prepare for war
So be it
Settle the score
Touch me again for the words that you'll hear evermore...Don't tread on me!