Not Just Another Day

For many of you, today is just a regular day. Some of you will go to church, some of you will sleep in. Some of you will celebrate Father's Day, some will just kick back. And some will be fighting for their freedom. Some will mourn the loss of family members struck down in protest. Some will march, while others will find a way to let the world know of what is happening to them.

Today is not just another day for the people in Iran.

I have been following these events as they've unfolded since last week, when the Iranian president was re-elected by an 11 million vote margin. The people of Iran are demanding a recount and have been protesting the results since last Friday. However, over the past week, things in that country have been escalating. Riots, tear gas, Embassies taking in the wounded, people chanting for freedom, cries of "Allahu Akhbar--God is Great" can be heard from the rooftops.

But today, I've practically been glued to my computer, trying to get as much information as I can. Twitter, Facebook, AW, the NY Times, etc. All over the world, people have been showing their support and solidarity for the Iranian people.

But not so much here in America.

I went on Facebook to see what the people I know were saying about this situation and was surprised and discouraged to see that out of all my friends that were updating, only one had mentioned anything about it. It would seem that a lot of Americans don't understand that they are also global citizens. We all know about Jon and Kate, but how many actually know what's going on in Iran? The sad answer to these questions is not as many as should.

Many of the people here who are aware are saying disparaging things about the President's response to the situation. Others are slamming Sen. McCain for his slams against the president. This situation is NOT about us! There is no partisanship, there is no political gain to be had. There is only support for those people who are putting their lives on the line to fight for the same kind of freedoms that we fought for ourselves over 200 years ago.

You may be saying to yourself, "Why should I care? I don't know anyone over there." or "What can I do? I'm half a world away." It's simple really. Just knowing what's going on is the first step. We HAVE to realize that the world we live in is smaller than we think. The little things you do today may end up having a life changing effect on someone tomorrow. Don't close your eyes to the world around you. Just hearing a person's story means that you are now their witness. They can know that their struggle is not in vain because their voice has been heard. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you can do nothing.

Today I truly feel like a writer because I believe that my voice can help turn the tide on this part of history. Will you do the same?

Don't let today be just another day. Be someone's witness. Be a voice. Be an instrument for change.


"No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little."
Edmund Burke
(Thanks for the quote, Mac.)