A Peoples Revolution in Iran Calls for A Peoples Army of Support

Obama should Encourage Citizens of the World to Unite Around Iranian Freedom, creating a movement that draws its moral authority from free people everywhere.

President Obama has taken just the right measured approach in the crisis in Iran. Not because we shouldn't be speaking out for the rights of Iran's citizens and for the rightness of transparancy and integrity within a system that claims the mantle of democracy, but because in the context of this crisis, governing institutions (read US Government, British Government, Iranian Government) are irrellevant - even counter-productive to the debate.

The cadre of thugs controlling Iran - by virtue of a blatantly rigged election and the brutal suppression of their own citizens exercising what should be their right to demand redress - have relinquished their moral authority to speak for the people of Iran.

There is nothing to be gained and much to be lost if President Obama gives the Mullahs in Iran a reason to hang the US around the necks of protestors. This is why even those who have cried out for support in Iran have asked for INTERNATIONAL support not US support; and most simply agree that the US government should try not to become entangled in the crisis.

On the other hand, "we the people" are under no such constraints. The people of the world have been speaking out and will continue to so do. If there are ways for us to broaden our efforts, we are willing to do that as well and "We the People" do have the moral authority to weigh in, where governments may not tread.

As we weigh in on the side of the people of Iran who yearn for real freedom, let us also not miss the other lessons that we can glean from this crisis:

1. Iran has a deep well of indigenous democratic thought. If thoughtful, honest and independent leaders emerge from this crisis, now or in the near future, Iran can be a central force for good in this troubled region of the world;

2. Democratic nations could be weighing in on the Community of Nations issue. Letting those who are on the fence in Iran know that under the right circumstances Iran could truly become a leader in the struggle for a more peaceful and democratic world.

3. Democracy cannot cohabitate with Theocracy. Any nation that views itself primarily based on a religious identity - Christian, Islamic, Buddhist or otherwise - will see Democratic thought and institutions poisoned by the toxic brew of theocratic intollerance and despotism in the guise of government.

Light in the Window of Stone House

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