myOpEd: Iran... and why we MUST help

There comes a point when a society is faced with the decision to either accept the status quo, or fight for their freedom. A point where each and every member of said society must decide that enough is enough, that tomorrow must bring hope and possibilities, and that they must be the ones to lead the charge of this revolution, both for themselves and their posterity.

We see this now in the reformation taking place in Iran. We see the people, of all ages and backgrounds, yearning to be free, to be recognized, to have a voice. Now, as these brave individuals do what many of us have, thankfully, never had to, we must stand with them in their fight for equality, for justice, and for liberty. For too long, they have been oppressed, and now it is their turn to take back their nation, their government, and their basic human rights.

As Americans, we know how vital this struggle is. It is a struggle we were able to overcome more than 200 years ago, because we believed in ourselves, and had other world powers believe in us as well. Now, it is our chance to return the favor and begin a new chapter in our relationship with Iran and the entire middle east. This is a battle that can be won, but it is not one that any society must go at alone. The government of Iran has banned the foreign press access to record these protest, they have shut off cell phone, text message, and social networking use throughout the nation, forcing the protesters and citizen journalists to risk their lives in spreading the message to the outside world. Government allied police officers and soldiers are beating, brutalizing, and killing protesters in an attempt to quell the uprising, but we must not let these cries for help fall on deaf ears!

So, I ask that each and every one of you support these valiant efforts of these brave individuals who are not unlike ourselves in their desire for peace, liberty, and prosperity. Show your solidarity by wearing green bands or ribbons. Raise awareness and support by speaking to your elected officials, urging them, and the president, not to remain idle during this courageous revolution. Spread the word by posting your support of those fighting on your Twitter or Facebook status. Please help, help these people, these fellow human beings realize their dreams to attain the same basic democratic rights that so many of us take for granted. This is our chance to make a difference and change an entire civilization for the better as we stand with them in their fight to stand up, speak out, and be heard.