How to Legally, Nonviolently and Enjoyably Prevent the Invasion of Iran

From Saadi, ’Rules on Conduct for Life’, Gulistan:

"If thou art aware of news that will grieve a hear, remain

 silent that others may convey it,

Nightingale! Bring tidings of spring, leave bad news to

 the owl."

We’re going to bomb/sanction the Shi’ites out of Iran. We’re obligated to DO something about that. Sorry to have to play the owl. Now read the title of this article again, please.

Following the suggestions contained herein should also contribute to forestalling an attack on other countries, and help us have a better chance at withdrawing troops from abroad. People took me the wrong way when they interpreted me as advocating letting Iraqis and Syrians die in the name of moving on to help Iranians...in a recent article. [2]

And speaking of other articles, this piece approaches the problem of "helping" Iran from quite a different angle than what was proposed in my most recent submission on the subject. [3]

Instead of forcing the closure of high schools across the country vis-a-vis illegal and dangerous means...alluded to in the previous piece, one could legitimately work in the same realm...toward helping high school students, their parents, staff, faculty et. al. relate to Iranians with compassion. Directly. With a high likelihood of success.

Without even hinting at a political position, a given high school student could approach a faculty member with the idea of conducting a cross-cultural event...for the purpose of increasing awareness of the humanity of other people. Certain Iranian films would be particularly efficacious in that regard. And have much else to recommend them to boot. But all without a direct, confrontational/political word...that might very well make exposure to the cinematic miracles impossible.

For instance, in the highly conservative climate of Los Gatos, California, where the local main high school is just around the corner from my rental...I could get Victoria, the sweet teenage babysitter across the street to...perhaps...solicit help from someone in the Social Sciences or Humanities the next time she goes to classes. In my mind, from there it’s just a hop, skip and a proper jumpsuit for a special showing in classes, after school and/or in the auditorium. Which might lead to a showing elsewhere in the community. Which might lead to a term paper on something meaningful and moving...for one and all.

A far cry, this, from my last proposal. But no less penetrating potentially. The two ideas simply exist within two different time frames. It’s that that readers should latch onto here, not the (likely) overblown, obvious contrast that comes from noting the urgency factor. The main aspect to dwell on is the notion of DOING something which does not follow old paradigms.

If the prospect of showing a film makes one recoil with the accusation that that’s been done before...to no avail, no worries. I submit that I’m putting a whole different ball of hot wax in your lap here. To fully understand that point, I suggest that readers actually look in the proverbial horse’s mouth to count the teeth. To wit, get down with some Iranians films. And not just any Iranian films. And not just one or two. The assignment would be...to see me. To get started.

I can assure readers that as much hard work and risk, if you will, will be entailed in embracing this project. Just of a different order.

One of the things that’ll distinguish your efforts from the stock image...that perhaps comes to mind...as I talk about film showings in schools...is that passion that’ll be involved this time around. And that’ll come, in part, from the sense of working on a life and death issue...and doing so in lieu of putting heartbeats into the shutting down of schools...illegally, forcibly.

This has zero to do with the kind of fighting to get something screened a la the recent "Eyes on the Prize" flap. [4] People wanting to ensure that that documentary is shown are behind a worthy cause, but the variables involved are significantly different from what I’m proposing.

Many people on MoveOn protest lines...and in International A.N.S.W.E.R. gatherings...and sending money to Global Exchange (and so on) have never had much contact with the people they’re fighting for...in their minds...with their bodies/pocketbooks. This could change some of that, and it’s essential that something along those lines happen.

What I’d like people to become exposed to is NOT so much the socially conscious/political fare touched upon in the long opening quote, the documentary films at the festivals which are to be contrasted with the artistic achievements which don’t hit viewers over the head with an agenda. The films of Majid Majidi, Samira Makhmalbaf and Abbas Kiarostami, for instance.

Documentary-like in most cases, the exquisite works of art I advocate are unlike the cinematic treasures to be found the world over. They are singular accomplishments with unique features that should not be missed. Especially if one wants to operate full-steam-ahead in stopping Western abominations in Iran. Without explosives. [5]

If activists want to function under optimal motivation respecting this proposal —with resolve that cannot be broken or diverted— they should at least get to the point where they know what I’m talking about.