Porn The Vote

First and foremost let me say that I am American/Iranian and very proud of my Persian heritage. Unfortunately because of the turmoil in Iran, my family was never able to visit the country. My father has only been able to visit in recent years because as a young doctor, his American citizenship was not recognized and he would have been drafted into the Shah’s army. 

It was unusual occurrence to have Persian American unions when my parent’s married, so when I was born, my birth announcement was the front of the local news. I grew up around many Persian relatives and friends and understand the culture, traditions and lifestyle. Many immigrants during that time, from different countries wanted so badly to be American citizens, that they rejected their own cultures and languages and teaching them to their children. The consequence of that is that I don’t speak Farsi. 

Just because I am half Persian certainly doesn’t make me an authority on the politics of Iran. I am grateful that I have been exposed and educated to the culture of my father as the insight keeps me from being bigoted. Ignorance and propaganda lead to hatred of other people all over the world. 

So here is my take on the election in Iran. Corruption and recounting votes seems to be the trend of all elections these days. From what I understand, this is really a family battle between two families in Iran, almost like a mafia type scenario one would see in New York City in the 1960’s. 

Mamoud Ahmadinejad (the incumbent president) supposedly won 63% of the votes and Mir Hossein Mousavi won 33%. Rafsanjani, Chairman of the Expediency Council resigned and Mousavi was placed on house arrest after the election and the protests of corruption occurred. The support of the Ayatollah’s in the Holy City of Qom are essential for the election to be successful. Iran is already having a civil war; with a possible coup de tat, this situation will only get worse. The majority of the younger population is progressive and any oppressed people want freedom, hence the violent protests. 

As far as the United States involvement with Iran, we would ultimately like to be friends and allied with Iran. Our friendship to Israel coupled with Ahmadinejad’s antisemitism prevents this possiblity. The problems of the middle east are ancient, spiritual and deeply personal. Our involvement is strategically essential for several reasons, one being oil supply. A solution and answer for this is not an easy one. World peace? Bah  humbug! That is like saying one day there won’t be power struggles, war, greed, and all cardinal sins. It is human nature to err.

The City of Palm Beach is passing an ordinance to apply a curfew for teenagers under 18 years old. Evidently, teenagers are hanging out in droves on Climatis street until late hours of the night. I say “Thank You” to the city officials enacting this law. 

Now the problem starts with a parent who is fighting for the teens first amendment rights and is suing the city. As a parent who raised a teenager that was not allowed to loiter in public places, or watch MTV or South Park, I find this parent sending a bad message. 

Teenagers are difficult people. Their hormones are flying everywhere and they are fighting between becoming adults and being dependent financially. The teens that act out the most are the ones who need the most guidance and restrictions. What are the consequences when teenagers  hang out on a street that has bars and restaurants? I will tell you what…trouble. Teenagers need adults to guide and discipline them so they can be prepared to be responsible adults. Maybe this hostile parent(s) can start a teen club where these energetic teens can network in a safe environment. 

I don’t know about the rest of you, but as an adult, I want to walk down the streets of my downtown and not be concerned about unsupervised youth running wild.

Persia Monir 

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Where are our congressmen, our govenors, our President? The politicians do such a great job of taking off their sport coats, rolling up their white collar sleeves and loosening their ties while campaigning. Smiling, preaching, rubbing elbows with people in the community. These things give the American public hope; hope that we will vote genuine leaders into office that will change bad policies. 

Our United States is becoming an impoverished, third world country. We seem to elect these egomaniacal Presidents that weakly delegate while visualizing how they will make a mark in history. What about the unemployed and starving Americans on the street? 

Roll your sleeves up Mr. Governor, Mr. Congressman, Mr. President! Feel our pain. Gas prices are climbing, people and the Banks are hoarding money. You are our leaders! 

The solution is simple. Reach out to your neighbor, carry a bag of apples in your car to hand to the homeless, and go shopping at least once a week before the dollar diminishes to dust! 

Comments are encouraged. Please Porn The Vote!

Persia Monir