I have always had the freedom to think what I please and say what I think. Sure, we have conventions. If I'm rude I may be chastised or lose a few friends. But the law protects my freedom of speech.For those like me who love to share opinions and feelings, the internet is a boon. The City Daily Photo blog community is all about worldwide understanding and friendship; through it I've made friends all across the planet.
I can't imagine not having the freedom to speak to them. I can't imagine being afraid that if I shared my opinions of my culture, my spiritual beliefs or my country's politics I might pay for it with my life.
A City Daily Photo blogger is missing in Iran. For him, and for all the bloggers, journalists and Iranian citizens jailed either by their rulers or just by the rules, today is a special blog day to raise awareness. I don't know if the Iranian people would elect a leader I like, but it doesn't matter. I defend their right to elect whomever they choose, and to speak openly about their choices.
Click here to view thumbnails for all today's participants, and you'll see our worldwide family united in this effort. To sign the Avaaz petition to the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement and all UN member states, click here. (Thanks to Hilda of My Manila for the Avaaz link.)
UPDATE, 2:30 PM: AMIR IS HOME SAFE! Reports are confirmed, according to JM at Oeiras and Environs Daily Photo. Thank you!
33 comments:
Hi old friend. You put into words what I couldn't. Thanks.
This is a most heart-felt individual statement of support and of your own position, Petrea. Bravo!
I am so glad that you have chosen to participate in this special Theme Day. I hope that our missing blogger will be able to participate in our next Theme Day.
The world is watching.
I think you have just put into words what we all feel and think as bloggers. Thank you, Petrea.
I hope the violence ends soon.
Hang on to that freedom, Petrea.
You use yours well, as this post proves.
I can't imagine it either. Thank you for putting it so eloquently and compassionately, Petrea.
Superbly said.
I love your image for today's solidarity for Amir and Iran. It just speaks of freedom. Let's hope Amir is released and SOON.
this picture is look like to mazandaran(sari).
Great writen text! You are right in every detail!
Thanks for supporting people in Iran!
m_m
Check out this perfect picture for today from Chicago!
http://dailychicagophoto.blogspot.com/2009/06/special-theme-day-where-is-our-blogger.html
Beautiful post Petrea, thank you. And have a good Sunday.
I sincerely hope your missing blogger is safe, my thoughts and prayers are with the person and family.
Thanks for highlighting this issue.
Yvonne.
Petrea, there is some news regarding 'A' being set free tonight, but I will not post it until confirmation.
Lucky for those people who can write and tell their opinion openly. I hope other parts of the world whose people doesn't have that luxury yet, will get it one day. I wish the missing blogger come back soon.
Perfect. I quoted you over at my place. Hope you don't mind.
Well-said, Petrea. It's difficult to watch freedoms (that we often take for granted here) be denied to folks in other parts of the world. While I don't want to force my worldview or belief system on other people, it is obvious that human dignity and freedom to speak without fear are universal. I hope change comes to our fragile planet...
I'm excited to see how many bloggers have participated today, and not just from the CDP community. Some have said our interested will flag. If this drags on that may be true. But let's adopt Julie's phrase, "The World is Watching." Let's not only keep our eyes open but make our voices heard.
JM, this is good news and I'll check in with you to hear more. You've had your finger on this pulse all along. Thank you.
Thank you all for your participation and your voices. The world is watching.
By the way, Danial checked in from Sari, Iran. Danial, it's good to see you online! I see from your blog that it's your first post since June 12th. Welcome back.
Beautifully said and I see from JM that perhaps good news is around the corner. I pray that it works out.
V
Thanks, Petrea. I think you expressed the feelings and sentiments of all of us!
UPDATE 20h00 GMT:
It has been confirmed by two friends, who have been giving news the whole week:
AMIR IS HOME NOW!
It is so encouraging to read the concern and hope in all the CDP blogs today. Thank you for adding a Pasadena voice to the day.
Jose, is it true? This is wonderful news! It gives me hope for all the prisoners. WOOOHOOO!!
Petrea, bravo to you, girl! I'm so glad to see that you and the CDP group stand behind the people of Iran and the freedom they so desparately want.
Since I'm so personally involved, all this is breaking my heart. My first husband, and father of my daughter, Parisa, is Iranian. There are family members that we haven't been able to get ahold of and it scares us to death to think of what is happening over there.
So glad to read that Amir is okay. Let's all pray that this is resolved positively, if not quickly.
I'm envisioning a world where everyone is free to speak their mind and discuss and even disagree. It might have been Steven Wright who said "A conclusion is something you come to when you get tired of thinking..." Let the many conversations of freedom and Peace and Love continue forever. Glad to hear that Amir is safe at home.
bien fait Mz. Petrea...thanks for inspiring me to blog my thoughts. my thoughts are with all those who want their voice.
I was just about to link his blog to mine when I saw he's home, safe and sound.
Good for you.
Thank you for your efforts on this, Petrea. I've joined you and the other CDP bloggers in "posting green" today. I'm glad to learn that A is safe!
Home safe---great news. Thanks for the update. MB
Splendid statement of personal ideology plus support of Iran. PS. Does anyone know where A was during his absence?
My dear Petrea,
Thank you for your comment on my blog. I saw how my foreign friends are worry about me and other Iranians. I am safe. The city is going to be calm but… but I am worry if every one forgot about recent days, about people who are killed innocently. I am really concerned about these. If our movement for freedom stops for ever…
My exams will be finished on July 12 and I'll start to post again on my Mashhad photo Daily blog !
Greetings from Mashhad- Iran
I'm glad for your support. I'd like to make you aware of this video. Jump to 00:27:10 if you don't like to watch the whole video. I think this is what most western countries deny but it is all connected.
I'm glad to hear from you all, and especially glad to hear from you, Sarah! I don't think the movement can stop forever. It has started now, how can people forget? But this is up to the people of Iran.
Mateo, I'm not in a place where I can watch the video with sound, so I'll take a look later. I notice you sent this link to blogs around the world!
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