My friend in Tehran

[hankzzz]

As that nutjob of a president comes here and denies that gay people exist in Iran, I think of my dear friend there. We started talking a little over a year ago and it seemed unbelievable that such a repressive country could have the Internet. Yet they do - though mostly dialup or some of the wealthier people even have dsl there (no cable because no cable tv). I was able to hear his voice once through Skype, but it does not work too well with dialup.

We talk on many subjects, including politics but also computers and his study at the university. What truly amazes me is, except for our ages, how very many things we have in common. The pictures are the most treasured thing, but also to get a glimpse inside that country. I've seen the inside of their apartment from webcam. Sadly, he could not view Soulforce because the anti proxy software he uses couldn't get around Iran's filtering system.

Gosh, at first, I expected to see some kind of police bust into his room and take him away in handcuffs. But thank god so far the only one trying to spy on him is his brother. The other brother knows he is gay - yet somehow he still lives at home (he is 20 and his oldest brother 27 - but they ALL live at home with their parents and none are married yet). I think the family hates the government too much to turn anyone in. And no, though he is still enough of a Muslim to fast for Ramadan, he is not offended by dogs. He loved it when I held my puppy and my cat up to the webcam. He even sent me a picture of a cat they befriended on campus.

Yes, I worry a lot about him at times. But I also dream a lot about that awful regime being gone and our two countries being friends. I just hope our government shows some restraint and the people of Iran change their government.

[u-dog]

As that nutjob of a president comes here and denies that gay people exist in Iran, I think of my dear friend there. We started talking a little over a year ago and it seemed unbelievable that such a repressive country could have the Internet. Yet they do - though mostly dialup or some of the wealthier people even have dsl there (no cable because no cable tv). I was able to hear his voice once through Skype, but it does not work too well with dialup.

We talk on many subjects, including politics but also computers and his study at the university. What truly amazes me is, except for our ages, how very many things we have in common. The pictures are the most treasured thing, but also to get a glimpse inside that country. I've seen the inside of their apartment from webcam. Sadly, he could not view Soulforce because the anti proxy software he uses couldn't get around Iran's filtering system.

Gosh, at first, I expected to see some kind of police bust into his room and take him away in handcuffs. But thank god so far the only one trying to spy on him is his brother. The other brother knows he is gay - yet somehow he still lives at home (he is 20 and his oldest brother 27 - but they ALL live at home with their parents and none are married yet). I think the family hates the government too much to turn anyone in. And no, though he is still enough of a Muslim to fast for Ramadan, he is not offended by dogs. He loved it when I held my puppy and my cat up to the webcam. He even sent me a picture of a cat they befriended on campus.

Yes, I worry a lot about him at times. But I also dream a lot about that awful regime being gone and our two countries being friends. I just hope our government shows some restraint and the people of Iran change their government.

Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your friend's life and thanks for sharing your friendship with us! I will keep him in my prayers. I don't know his name but I'm pretty sure God will know who I'm talking about.

[Progo35]

As an American, I am disturbed by the fact that our most prestigious centers of learning seem to be inviting these incredibly misanthropic people to speak, esp. since such places are supposed to be the intellectual vangaurds of democracy. Hitler also spoke at a US university in the 1930s. It wouldn't bother me as much if these institutions gave an equal voice to everyone, but they do not. Speaking at these insitutions is supposed to be an honor.

I do think that the college President's introduction was good and that it is good to see things, esp. evil things, as they are instead of hearing about them, but we don't need to see the president of Iran spewing his hatred to know that is wrong.

By the way, I really think that underneath his statement was the implication that Iran "doesn't have any homosexuals" because they're all dead. Or, at least, that's what he'd like to think.

[hankzzz]

Unfortunately, some in the foreign press, perhaps even the Tehran press used the harsh introduction to try and beget sympathy for Iran's President. I thought the introductary remarks were appropriate, but Ahmadinajad has a way of humiliating himself on his own. Regardless, his Farsi speeches translate poorly or seem to be rambling - so I don't see him as getting any support here. Anyhow, he is just a pawn - the supreme leader is a lot more in charge there.

[hankzzz]

the ONLY Supreme Leader in my mind would be God!

[Progo35]

With you there, brother!