By David Swanson
When Iran’s democracy was overthrown by the CIA in 1953, many Iranians had what they still have: affection for the people of the United States, as distinct from the U.S. government.
If — even with Michael Flynn out — the U.S. government/military manages to stir up a war on Iran, and the Iranian government responds with less than perfect nonviolent wisdom, it will be the job of U.S. citizens to distinguish the wonderful Iranian people from their government.
This ought to help matters. Iranians, in response to Trump’s travel ban, are abandoning the tradition of burning U.S. flags, choosing instead to thank all the U.S. people who have been protesting the Muslim Ban. This gratitude for protests is a good illustration of the importance of protesting injustice by the U.S. government, even when the protests don’t immediately reverse the policies. It’s important for the other 96% of humanity to know we disapprove.
The thank yous have become expressions of love in both directions, with the hashtag #LoveBeyondFlags. Is this beautiful or what?
this gives me hope. We are all brothers and sisters living in the same world #lovebeyondflags
— Lindsey Richards (@Lindsey_r0122) February 14, 2017
It's one of those photos that should be remembered #LoveBeyondFlags pic.twitter.com/kpHuxgxEzO
— Kourosh Ziabari (@KZiabari) February 13, 2017
On this #ValentinesDay say #ILoveYou in #Persian / #Farsi: #DoosetDaram! @EtonInstitute #PersianLanguage #LoveBeyondFlags #PowerOfLove #LOVE pic.twitter.com/cfCwClnF5a
— Persian Language Online (@Persian_Online) February 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/Ehsankvs/status/831197915284697088
Iranians welcoming the US wrestling team with flowers and gifts. #LovebeyondFlags pic.twitter.com/8nqcsgidAL
— Mona R (@fairy_mr) February 13, 2017
Ordinary Iranians are thanking ordinary Americans who fought the #MuslimBan. Let’s talk peace directly. #TalkToIran #LoveBeyondFlags ترند
— GlobalProgressiveHub (@globalprogress) February 13, 2017
Not just America - people all over the world support our Muslim friends against #Trump's #MuslimBan. #Lovebeyondflags pic.twitter.com/DWKLZ6eUx5
— Rebecca Ratcliffe (also Jones) (@Rebecca_Jones2) February 13, 2017
#Hugday #LoveBeyondFlags pic.twitter.com/P4jP6ifcNV
— kriti sanon 🌠 (@kritisanon741) February 13, 2017
Maybe one of these pictures would have been more appropriate for this tweet ? Thanking U. #LoveBeyondFlags pic.twitter.com/x3GKPaIvit
— Azita Rahimpoor (@RosesPourpres) February 12, 2017
60% of Iran's population is under 30. #LoveBeyondFlags is trending there b/c the young see US #resistance, and *trust* that America ≠ Trump. https://t.co/BG2eLSss9h
— Sophia (@paperwings573) February 12, 2017
One Response
The ban isn’t a bad idea for non residents temporarily, but please don’t ban residents and citizens at all. Why isn’t Saudi Arabians banned? That is the real terrorist state and nothing.
Thank you,
Tim Arnold