Iran

Friends,

I had just begun to write my weekly Saturday Evening Post this evening -- interestingly, on the topic of perspective -- when the news of the U.S. bombing of Iran broke. I am unable to offer much perspective without more information and reflection, but it is enough for me to know that my country has effectively declared war on Iran. Because I see life primarily through the lens of peace and justice, and especially a deep abhorrence of war, the news has affected me viscerally as the bombing of Iraq did to me years ago. I am heartsick. I’m reacting not so much with surprise or anger, or even fear, as I am with such deep sadness that the brutal violence of war is used as a last resort for defense or, criminally, to assert personal or national dominance rather than through diplomacy. I am assuming many if not most of you share my feelings.

I will be spending special periods of quiet time in the next couple of days especially to muster as much love and nonviolence in myself as I can through prayers and holding the victims of war in my heart. I need to stay centered as the news comes in. And you may want to do the same in whatever form you choose.

I will also be mustering as much resistance as I can to accepting the inevitable call now for national unity in support of the bombing and the likely declaration of war. Engaging in war is perversely an historical way for sagging leadership to attempt to unify and recover their public support. Somewhat predictably, and ironically, after some 2% of the American people in the millions went to the streets just last Saturday to oppose authoritarianism, Trump has taken unilateral action with little or no consultation with top and appropriate Democratic committee members to initiate the bombing.

I can’t help thinking about the people in Iran. I don’t know the extent of civilian casualties from the bombing, but at least the extent of the bombing, and the size of the bombs, must have been felt near population centers and throughout the area. 

On a personal note, on my way to India in 1965 I spent several days visiting an Iranian college friend’s family in Tehran, and I was so very warmly welcomed I actually teared up when I had to leave. That family visit in Iran is very much on my heart this evening, but unfortunately I have not maintained contact over many years now.

Several years ago our own travel agent and educator from Edmonds, WA., Rick Steves, aired an hour-long documentary filmed in Iran that included an appreciative perspective on Iran culture with a number of conversations with the Iranian people. He acknowledges he received special permission to film and had some limitations, but I found the program presented an open and informative perspective on the people themselves although carefully avoiding political issues. I encourage you to watch it below [click here or on the image], and please consider sending it to others so it can be widely viewed.

Peace, 
Tom