Saturday, June 20, 2009
Who Will Be Iran's Poet?
Soccer Dad previously commented on a particular Roger Cohen piece but I wanted to follow up with an additional observation:
“Quoting Ferdowsi, the epic poet, he said, “If there is no Iran, let me be not.” Poets are the refuge of every wounded nation — just ask the Poles — and nowhere more so than here in this hour.” Roger Cohen: Iran’s Day of Anguish
Well, as it happens, I am in Poland so I did just as he said and asked some Poles this very question.
And he is right…if one considers the eloquence of Ronald Reagan as poetic:
“The Polish nation, speaking through Solidarity, has provided one of the brightest, bravest moments of modern history. The people of Poland are giving us an imperishable example of courage and devotion to the values of freedom in the face of relentless opposition. Left to themselves, the Polish people would enjoy a new birth of freedom. But there are those who oppose the idea of freedom, who are intolerant of national independence, and hostile to the European values of democracy and the rule of law.” Reagan didn’t remain silent on Poland
Side Note: To be fair, Iran has also felt the fury of a Barack Obama smackdown. Here's one I'm sure they'll be quoting for years:
"I'm very concerned, based on some of the tenor and tone of the statements that have been made, that the government of Iran recognise that the world is watching. And how they approach and deal with people who are, through peaceful means, trying to be heard will, I think, send a pretty clear signal to the international community about what Iran is and is not." BBC NEWS Middle East Obama says world is watching Iran
Just wait until Rahm Emanuel let's him watch the videos.
“Quoting Ferdowsi, the epic poet, he said, “If there is no Iran, let me be not.” Poets are the refuge of every wounded nation — just ask the Poles — and nowhere more so than here in this hour.” Roger Cohen: Iran’s Day of Anguish
Well, as it happens, I am in Poland so I did just as he said and asked some Poles this very question.
And he is right…if one considers the eloquence of Ronald Reagan as poetic:
“The Polish nation, speaking through Solidarity, has provided one of the brightest, bravest moments of modern history. The people of Poland are giving us an imperishable example of courage and devotion to the values of freedom in the face of relentless opposition. Left to themselves, the Polish people would enjoy a new birth of freedom. But there are those who oppose the idea of freedom, who are intolerant of national independence, and hostile to the European values of democracy and the rule of law.” Reagan didn’t remain silent on Poland
Side Note: To be fair, Iran has also felt the fury of a Barack Obama smackdown. Here's one I'm sure they'll be quoting for years:
"I'm very concerned, based on some of the tenor and tone of the statements that have been made, that the government of Iran recognise that the world is watching. And how they approach and deal with people who are, through peaceful means, trying to be heard will, I think, send a pretty clear signal to the international community about what Iran is and is not." BBC NEWS Middle East Obama says world is watching Iran
Just wait until Rahm Emanuel let's him watch the videos.
