Iran

[Mr Guy]

*WARNING* This is a highly charged political issue, going on right now. Most of the links I'm about to link are not safe for viewing at work, small children, or people who just really don't want to know. Many are disturbing and violent.

I'm posting this mostly because I think it's an important example of the roll both independent citizens and technology are able to play in getting out messages. Whether you agree with the messages or not, these are stark examples of the difference between what a photojournalist amateur citizen is able to capture that the mainstream media may not be able to or willing to show. While Iran is in brutal conflict and massive protests, very little is being reported in the media, because that's "Their problem". The US can't get involved, the UK isn't willing to, and the BBC can only report what they are able to smuggle out since foreign journalists have been banned.

Thanks to twitter, fark, and the efforts of the "bad boys" of the internet, 4chan and thepiratebay, Iranian protesters are still able to document their lives and the turmoil around them.

Here are some of their pictures, Repeat: These are uncensored photos posted by people in the heart of police brutality and government oppression, they are not for the gentle hearted:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fhashem...58530748/show/
http://picasaweb.google.com/iranonfi...ranUniComplex#
http://picasaweb.google.com/bahramks/RiotsInTehran#


For those of you who have no clue what's going on, here's the best overview of the situation I'm aware of: https://sites.google.com/site/tatsumairanupdate/

[jgomez65]

This is in contrast to the pictures from the offiical Iranian newspaper that photshopped a demonstration in support of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

http://www.pdnpulse.com/2009/06/iran...owd-photo.html

[Jim Bryant]

true......it's a mad,mad, mad mad world we live in. And these rulers act in the name of God, Allah or whatever suits them at the time. Too bad they don't take the Koran for which the way it was written.

[douglas]

It is so depressing. There are obviously a huge number of "ordinary" people who want to escape from the present oppressive regime, but are being thwarted. perhaps by a manipulated election. certainly not being heard by their leaders.. It would seem that there is such a reaction going on that one can hope that some good will come from it.

[sdphil]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

true......it's a mad,mad, mad mad world we live in. And these rulers act in the name of God, Allah or whatever suits them at the time. Too bad they don't take the Koran for which the way it was written.

It's easy to judge people far away and, I am not here to say right or wrong.
However, let us not forget that we've had and have similar riots in our streets and "leaders" that act in the name of God to do as suits them not to mention questionable election practices.
I am happy to see that many want to be heard and won't be silenced no matter the cost
phil

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by sdphil

It's easy to judge people far away and, I am not here to say right or wrong.
However, let us not forget that we've had and have similar riots in our streets and "leaders" that act in the name of God to do as suits them not to mention questionable election practices.
I am happy to see that many want to be heard and won't be silenced no matter the cost
phil

tis true....folks over they are just tied of being ruled by religious zealots.

[sdphil]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

tis true....folks over they are just tied of being ruled by religious zealots.

Agree Jim and .... we should be here too