Iran – truly a crisis for democracy?

First, let me say I am saddened by the treatment we see on TV of the Iranian people, and the farcical appearance of their voting process.

But at the same time – we can’t forget Obamagate, as I call it.  [the gate to free enterprise is slowly closing, once closed, be nigh impossible to open].

“It’s time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms intended for us by the Founding Fathers. James Madison said, “We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self government.” -Ronald Reagan.

That being said, should we not strive to keep things in perspective- what is the real issue in Iran? Are we indignant over the results or the treatment of the people?

Religious beliefs in a Iran (The Republic of Islam)  have a fundamental role in their elections or democracy, the state religion is the only allowed participant and standard. They are a theocracy, not a democracy – I.e. their democracy, “capacity of mankind for self government”, is restricted by their supreme religion. They elect people (Islam only) to carry out their government administration, subject to the religious beliefs and objectives of their religion, Islam and the ultimate authority: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite our enthusiasm, Mousavi/Karroubi are not advocating an overthrow of that form of government.

In the final analysis, whomever wins in Iran – the policies don’t change much, just the tactfulness of their execution. Mousavi wants us to see that destroying Israel is in the worlds best interest (the opposition) while Ahmadinejad doesn’t care whether we agree or disagree. Same policy and same intent, only different set of players. I almost think I prefer Ahmadinejad since I know where he is coming from – doesn’t believe in the holocaust, thinks U.S. is the great Satan, wants us out of Iraq – and for that matter wants us out of all of middle east.

Mousavi/Karroubi aren’t much different, we are still a sinful and satanic country and should leave the middle east, Israel must go, but willing to grant women some rights so they will support the growth of the “Republic of Islam” (Iran)  throughout the Middle East. One plus, the free enterprise system has some place in their economic theory, where Ahmadinejad wants more government control (fascism) and Mousavi believes in a more socialistic approach to the economy. And, on one primary and important topic – none of the popular candidates advocated substantial change in Iran’s nuclear program or defense initiatives.

I didn’t write this to be an in-depth piece on the Iranian government, its social structure or cultural history – I only wanted to wake some people up to asking the right questions before becoming full time supporters of a theocratic society and government; that regardless of outcome – will still be opposed to the U.S. in principle and not an ally. Before being overly supportive, actually read and look at what the opposition platform is, and see what is the difference from the incumbent party.

Support that they are pursuing a democratic approach, but don’t think that makes you them an ally or a friend.