Civil Disobedience

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Ayatollah Ali Khameneni's speech this morning was disappointing, but not a surprise. Claiming a "definitive victory" is hard to believe given the 30 million+ votes that were hand counted in a few days time. It's also difficult to believe that the opposition candidates, and Mousavi in particular, received fewer votes in their respective districts than Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. That information, coupled with the huge turnout of protestors, implies something is amiss.

I assumed Khameneni's objective was to calm the masses, persuade them to accept the validity of Ahmadinejad's presidency and continue with the daily tasks of a spiritual leader. His efforts proved fruitless when the protestors grew in number after he proposed a partial recount. When protestors were killed at Tehran University, the voices of change spoke even louder. And now, as he threatens the protestorswith a crackdown, one can only wonder what this effect will have.

Ayatollah Khameneni, the President and others representing the status quo in Iran, need to know that civil disobedience prevails. The people are asking for what Henry David Thoreau wrote about so long ago, not to abolish government, but to improve it. Improvement begins by accepting the will of the people.

As we wait to see what happens in the coming days, I'll show my support for Mousavi by wearing green as well.

Be My Embrace Now

Starbucks can't measure up to the addiction of this track. Enjoy and I'll be back when the broken bones heal.

pnau - embrace songs
Download free music | Download free mp3

Yo Yo Ma

One of my resolutions for the new year (in fact, the past few years) has been to give up the addiction that is Starbucks. Specifically them delicious tall, non fat, no whip, extra hot mochas. I've been making great progress until today when I felt the need to reward myself for such great behavior. Plus it's a Friday--why the heck not.

I got my drink, and a heated butter croissant (yummy in my tummy!) and headed to the office. As some of you may know, there are quotes on the cups by various individuals. In the past I've read quotes by Madeline Albright, Andy Roddick and random customers as well. To my delight, this morning, was a quote by Yo Yo Ma. You may recall he performed at the inauguration last month and I've been a fan since he began collaborating on movie soundtracks.

The quote:"What I look for in musicians is generosity. There is so much to learn from each other and about each other's culture. Great creativity begins with tolerance."

I couldn't agree more with this quote. In fact, you could replace the word musicians with any noun and the quote would still be equally true. Well done Ma, well done.

Now back to that tasty cup o' joe.

Hail to the Chief: President Barack Obama

You can catch Obama taking the Oath of Office (and link to his full inaugural address)

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