Thursday, June 25, 2009

Spread the Word

I haven't seen the White Hut open lately, have you?

Brigham Yen has his finger on the pulse what's going to happen on the southeast corner of Colorado and Madison. I like Brigham's blog. I suspect a lot of people will have mixed feelings about what's planned for that corner, though.

Another subject: are you a blogger? If you're so inclined, join bloggers worldwide this Sunday, June 28th as we post in support of the people of Iran in their struggle for self-determination. Post a video from YouTube or a photo you've found particularly inspiring or even disturbing. Or just post the color green in solidarity with the protesters. Say what you feel about self-determination or free speech. Let me know if you'd like more suggestions and I'll post them here.
The world is watching. Spread the word.

15 comments:

Dina said...

Sunday? OK!
Both of your photos go together--it's a world turned upside down.

Vanda said...

Again, I'm sorry to be a wet blanket, but before all the starry-eyed cheering breaks out, I'd like to remind everyone that there are only shades of difference to the parties. If there was no vote tempering and the opposition won, the new government would still be basically anti-west, anti-American, anti-Israel, fundamentalist, very far from what we consider democratic.

As Daily Show guest, Reza Aslan pointed out, how this whole thing turns out will determine whether the future Iran will be like North Korea or like China. Sure, China is far better than North Korea, but still...

So I won't be cheering the Iranians in their struggle to have a slightly less autocratic regime. I wish them the best, but that's about it. And if I'm wearing green that will be in sympathy to the 220 California state parks facing closure.

Petrea Burchard said...

Dina, I hadn't thought of that.

Vanda, you're not a wet blanket, you're a voice of reason. I'm aware of the minor differences between the candidates. That doesn't concern me. I'm concerned with the people's right to self-determination. If they want to elect an ass they ought to be allowed to elect an ass, even if he hates the west. But Moussavi has at least stated he's willing to negotiate with America, which is something. What we consider democratic is fine, but it's not our business to impose it on them. It's their business to elect whomever they damn well please.

And there *is* a possible sea change afoot: inside the workings of the government, reports say Supreme Leader Khameini is in jeopardy of losing his position. He's the big dictator running this gaudy show of violence. It would be nice to see him go.

ben wideman said...

Great post P. And I appreciate the tip about Sunday being marked as a day to show support in the blogging world. I'll be sure to work something up.

Anonymous said...

Lord knows what Pasadena needs is another coffee shop. And won't that compete with the cute little indie on El Mo?

(I'll be joining Sunday)

Maria said...

i'm in. i think it is incredible that people are willing to speak out in such a terrible environment knowing that they are risking their life. things don't change over night, however it just takes a spark.

another coffee shop in pasadena....hmmmm we have the same thing hapening in san dimas, only we are being taken over by the hair salon, day spas.

likenarnia said...

thanks for the alert about sunday...very curious about this new project in pasadena.

Petrea Burchard said...

Thanks Ben and Karin. What's the "cute little indie on El Mo?"

Glad to see you started blogging, Maria. It's catching.

Likenarnia, I thought of you today. Thanks for checking in. I'm glad you'll blog about this.

Petrea Burchard said...

Oh duh! Zona Rosa.

Unknown said...

Answering to your comment, please feel free to do it, Petrea.
I have some news regarding our friend: he called his family last night saying he was OK... As far as I understood there is some hope he can join them next week. I wish this is something more than just the strong will of his friends.

Cafe Pasadena said...

Sad if The Hut & Zinke's Shoe has to leave for another coffee joint. But, sometimes the owner closes for vacation. Ditto de KB.

Ann said...

Feel free to copy my post. After all its not my image, I googled it.

Petrea Burchard said...

I am back on my quest but haven't had time to post it yet.

JM, that is fantastic news and I hope it's true. I worry about our friend who took up the mantle for him, but hope the fact that he's in the states makes him safe.

Cafe, sad to say I got such nasty "service" at the Z last week that my feeling is the only thing there worth saving is the blue tile and the retro sign. But I do like the Hut.

Thank you, Ann. Nice of you to stop by.

Unknown said...

Fabulous that you're helping spread the word, Petrea....I hadn't even heard about it yet (and having been married to an Iranian and produced a half-Persian daughter, you'd think I'd know).

Regarding the minor differences between the parties....what the people are aiming for is being governed by a group, not a "supreme leader". Most are leaning toward their forming a democracy. We'll see what happens, all we can really do is watch, pray and aid their quest for freedom.

Petrea Burchard said...

I didn't know that, Lori!

Tomorrow will be a day of expressing support in the blogosphere, so tune in.