The Iranian election has spawned many demonstrations in Tehran. As I read and watch some breaking stories, one thing pops to mind. I realize that no matter what I see and read, I could never imagine what the people of Iran are going through. I was born into freedom, that right was already granted to me long before I was born. I have known no other way of life. And yes, I admit, I have taken that freedom and abused it in certain aspects of my life. As with a lot of things in life, you tend to abuse what you have not earned.
In Iran, the demonstrations in which Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has publicly condemned and sworn to avenge with bloodshed, have slowed to a mostly non-violent type. I wonder if this is just the calm before the storm. In my opinion, one thing is obvious, the people in Iran want change, they want to break from the usual leadership and its values. They don't agree, so they protest. Don't they have that right? It must be very emotional to actually take a stand for change, to take a stand against all that is oppressing you and your freedom to live as a free man/women. I'm not talking about signing a petition, or writing a blog for change, I'm talking about taking the streets amid a violent chaos and knowing full well you could be killed just for wanting your voice to be heard!! The men and women of Iran who are protesting against what they feel was a rigged election are willing to sacrifice their lives to show the world, just how lucky we are because our fight for freedom has already taken place, and I, for one, have taken extreme advantage of it. Seeing the situation in Iran helps me put things back in perspective. Do a little less complaining, and a little more appreciating.
So the next time you want to complain about how life is not going your way, about how much gas is going to cost you this summer ($4.50-$5.50 a gallon maybe), about how due to the economic crisis, you have to do without your 3 Starbucks lattes every day, please slow down a bit and be a little thankful you don't have to risk your life to simply earn the right to live a free one. We have had that done for us.
