#iranelection

For those interested in the latest events in Iran, check out persiankiwi's Twitter feed.

May the Iranian people's voices be heard.
May the powers-that-be exercise restraint.
May peace return to the streets.
May democracy and justice prevail.

Mugabe kills opposition; clears path to "re-election"

One day the people of Zimbabwe will be free of Robert Mugabe. Unfortunately, today is not that day.

Background reading for those interested:
1. a network of Zimbabwean activists has a site and a blog.
2. Human Rights Watch puts out great reports

Or, if you just want the prophetic Bob Marley take...


(Verse 3)

To divide and rule could only tear us apart;
In everyman chest, mm - there beats a heart.
So soon we'll find out who is the real revolutionaries;
And I don't want my people to be tricked by mercenaries.

Put up or shut up!

Benazir Bhutto has an excellent op-ed in today's New York Times, challenging the world - particularly, Western democracies - to act against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's Martial Plan.

Much can be - has been - said about Bhutto's own bona fides, but she is correct to call the question: do promoters of freedom and democracy actually believe what they are saying?

Aaaah... now I'm thinking of Sweet Honey in the Rock:
"Ella's Song"
We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

I believe.

Last night I spent a few hours driving to and from Prince William County, VA. My wife and I went and had a celebratory meal with Aracely Panameno, her brother and his two daughters. Aracely mounted a write-in campaign for County Supervisor against a 26-year incumbent and really shook some people up.

Election workers had to rediscover the laws and poll duties they have taken for granted. The larger electorate had to face the truth that "a change go'n come."

Big up to Aracely for Upsetting the Setup!