As we approach Independence Day this week, I had to share what has been weighing heavily on my mind this past week.  When President Barack Obama was elected last fall, my husband made a remark about the poignancy of a peaceful transition of power.  Leading up to an election we had two fiercely passionate sides vying for a candidate, and differing points of view leading to intense debates – yet when all is said and done, the election takes place, a candidate claims victory, the supporters rejoice, and everyone gets back to their daily business.  This doesn’t mean that opposing points of view are no longer heard, but it is peaceful. While this was such a true statement that my husband made, it is something that I take for granted. It really is not a reflection that would have crossed my mind – it is the way our country operates, the foundation from which the country was built. 

The current unrest in Iran following their election is an extreme juxtaposition of our own election a few short months ago.  It is heartening to see so many people in Iran voicing their opposition to the election and exercising freedom of speech.  Yet, that “freedom” of speech comes at a price.  International press has been barred from the scenes, and the reigning government is exercising brutal force against these protesters. Neda, a 26 year old woman, is one of the martyrs – a peaceful protester, standing up for what she believed in, shot dead by a government sniper.  Her death has touched millions, and rallied the world behind her mission.  As her boyfriend stated:  ”She didn’t believe that we always have to fight and quarrel and be violent and have death.  There’s only one thing Iranians must fight, and that’s ignorance.  And you don’t fight ignorance with a sword or a gun.  You turn on a light.”

With this struggle going on in Iran as a backdrop, I think more people this week will think beyond the fireworks and cook-outs to the true meaning of Independence Day – and be mindful of how truly lucky we all are.