Ayatollah rock n ' rollah

I am encouraged but also pessimistic about what's happening in Iran. Kind of a weird emotional place to be. It's uplifting to see the public rise up and demand accountancy but if history teaches us anything, those damn mullahs will try to crush the people like grapes.

I've broached the topic with my father, who left Iran when he was 18. He has one sister who still lives there but he has not spoken to her in years, nor to his nieces and nephews. He has never taken a trip back to Iran and he doesn't actively talk about his life there. I called him the day after the election to express how saddened I was and he agreed that it was likely a rigged vote. "But those people, what can you do," is how he left it. I tried to incite him but he downplayed my sentiments and then conveniently changed the subject. It was maddening but later I realized that deep down the situaton bothers him deeply and he feels powerless, as so many people do.

I am still hopeful that a more moderate regime will assume power one day and that I can actually visit the country and meet the host of relatives I have never seen. Hopefully Pops will be around to see that day.