For all of those who get fed up, or even offended by Michael Moore or Sean Penn, it is appropriate to consider the reality facing an Iranian actress.
And, for all those who are fans of Michael Moore or Sean Penn, and who are appalled that anyone is opposed to their messages, it is also appropriate to consider the reality facing an Iranian actress.
This is America.
There are those today who would try to suggest that is no big deal.
Well, they are wrong.
It IS a big deal, even with debt crises and the lack of political character and the rest of the issues that plague us.
Nevertheless, being in America is a very big deal!.
It should go without saying that Marzieh Vafamehr wishes she was living here right now.
As the Associated Press reported this week: “... an Iranian actress has been sentenced to a year in prison and 90 lashes for appearing in the movie.
“Reports of the sentence against Marzieh Vafamehr appeared on the Iranian opposition website Kalameh.com on Monday, though no official statement from the government has been issued.
“The website said that Vafamehr was arrested in July and that her attorney has appealed the sentence.
“‘My Tehran for Sale’ was shot in the Iranian capital and is critical of the Islamic republic’s hard-line policies. “The film tells the story of a young actress whose stage work is banned by authorities. ...
“It premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival in 2009, but is banned in Iran.”
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, in a statement presented by a spokeswoman, said: “The Australian government condemns the use of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and is deeply concerned by reports that Ms. Marzieh Vafamehr has been sentenced to one year in jail and 90 lashes for her role in an Australian-produced film. The Australian government urges Iran to protect the rights of all Iranians and foreign citizens.”
Lots of luck.
What Americans built in the past was a present in which everyone in this country can present their beliefs and opinions without fear of this sort of treatment.
So it is worthwhile for us to question: What are we building for tomorrow?
Will we be more like America, or more like Iran?
— Chuck Smith