Home OP-ED A New Year at No Ruz

A New Year at No Ruz

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Previously, ‘Emotionally Connecting to a Heroine in Iran

[The New Year, No Ruz, is celebrated in the spring in Iran.]

 
There was a Tehran that I knew some 50 years ago

Today with all the turmoil, there’s not much left to show
Of graciousness, of culture and very old tradition

Instead we see the rioting, some say it is sedition

But when I hear that people have no free speech or will

Journalists jailed for writing truth, not political swill

I wonder what has happened to the land that I once knew

Swallowed up in fundamental Islam, with power for the few
 
The church and state as one is the doctrine of the day

Yet the hardline government found that it has no sway

Over the Persian populace who keep traditions alive

And celebrate their No Ruz by jumping through the fires.
 
We see in this election, another attempt to control

And batter down the people, as if it were their role

To keep the people submissive and try to keep them quiet

But all they seem to accomplish is the start of another riot
 
If Iran is a theocracy and based upon religion

Then why must they resort to guns to keep down any schism

Why can’t the Guardian Council in its “wisdom” based on faith

Realize that “thugocracy” is damning to the state?
 
Indeed, to say that Iran is an Islamic Republic

Is more like an oxymoron for there really are no public

Rights or any freedom when women are suppressed

And beaten by “authorities” if not “appropriately” dressed

According to the mullahs, who can stick in your craw,

While interpreting the Shar’iah, their Islamic law,

A woman is held responsible after being brutally raped

While the man goes free – the law needs to be reshaped
 
So don’t give in Iranians, the land belongs to you

What the government and the clergy say isn’t always true

Although the Basiji militia and the Revolutionary Guards

Threaten you with violence if you leave your own front yards

Keep demanding justice and riot if you must

Keep the pressure on and change will come, we trust.

Keep remembering tradition and culture that is yours

And hope that change will be in place next year at No Ruz

Dr. Hoult may be contacted at HOULTight@aol.com