When I was brought up in Iran I remember opening my school books and seeing the picture
of Shah as the first page, I remember our national anthem was called "Salam'e
Shahanshahi" which even started with "Shahanshah'e ma zendeh bada
[long live the king]" and that the slogan in our country was "Khoda,
Shah, Mihan".
Then the revolution came and Shah was replaced with Islam in our country's
motto and Islam became the top priority. Iran once again stayed at the distant
3rd in the slogan after god and Islam. Our national anthem hardly mentions the
name of Iran and our flag has foreign writings embedded in its fabric.
Later I came to United States and heard from an army general something that
made me think real hard. The general was asked what is his first and foremost
responsibility- his answer was "to protect the constitution of the United States".
This was a shock- not to protect Christianity or a faith, not to protect god,
and definitely not to protect the president- but the constitution of the United
States- the writing that defines and makes the United States the country it is.
That was his first and foremost responsibility- "Defending the Constitution
of the United States".
I am now, more than ever, wondering if in our minds and souls we have ever
considered Iran first? Should we put our love of Iran ahead of our sentiments
for the leaders? Should we put the love of Iran ahead of our commitment for
the faith? Isn't it time for Iran to be the first no matter what?
The past is gone and the future is now in the making by us- you and I! What
should we do now?
Should Iran be the first no matter who, or what runs the country, or we should
keep the "God, X, Mihan" and only fight over the X?
Should Iran be first?
- Yes: Iran should be first regardless of the system of government.
- No: Other elements should be considered before Iran.
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