The Iranian community of Oklahoma has risen up to support the quest for freedom in Iran. They have held public rallies in Oklahoma City since last Wednesday (June 17). Beginning today, Monday, June 22, they are meeting every day from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the state capitol. This is a wonderful show of support not only for their Iranian countrymen at home, but for all people in the world who seek the freedom to express themselves without fear or intimidation.

At 9:00 pm, this evening, they will hold a vigil at 63rd and N.W. Expressway (in OKC), to mourn and honor all the people have have been killed in this new rise to freedom in Iran. The public is invited. All who support freedom for people in the world are invited.

Behnam Janloo, leader and organizer, says, “This is not about the vote issue. That’s is only the occasion, the opportunity. We want to see a regime change in Iran. We want to see democracy. We want the people of Iran to be able to chose their own government, the government they want. So, this is not about the vote. This is about freedom!”

Around 4:30, in 100 degree heat, I joined the group of some fifty people chanting on the curb of the busy Lincoln Boulevard. The group was growing. “Down with Khamenei!” they shouted. They clearly want a change of government, and they want Khamenei to step down. “We want justice! We want peace” they cried out, “for Iran!”

Lincoln Boulevard is a very busy thoroughfare, and many cars witness the Iranian rally, and laid on their horns in support. It is a great thing. It made me proud of Oklahomans. They new enough to understand what was happening, and they were obviously in full support of the people of Iran.

Behnam continued, “We want all the political prisoners to be released. We want all violence and abuse against the people to stop. The brutality must end.”

“I wish this happened a year ago,” said Maryam. “Bush would have helped us!”

(Maryam gave me her full name, but, we were advised to delete her family name, since she has family in Iran, and one can never be too careful. News on the internet has a way of getting around. So, we’ll have to describe Maryam as just another beautiful Persian woman!)

“I don’t like the Democrat Party anymore. I’ve been in America for years, but, I usually don’t vote. This time I did. I voted for Obama. I wish I could take my vote back. He doesn’t undertand what’s happening. He doesn’t know the situation. He is not a good politician at all. He supports the terrorist regime in Iran. He wants to negotiate with them!”

“He doesn’t know that Iran causes most of the problems in the Middle East. Iran causes the trouble in Iraq, in Palestine, in Afghanistan. If the mullahs were put out of office, then we wouldn’t have these problems.”

Maryam, in a few words, showed more wisdom and understanding that the entire Obama administration. Obama is a big disappointment. “Bush would have helped.” That’s a national news headline right there. As BadEagle.com has already declared, Obama does not support freedom. He does not believe in it himself. He is an liberal, and than means he believe in government coercion.

Behnam Janloo was interviewed by KTOK, the Daily Oklahoman, and local channels 9 and 5. The Oklahoma Iranian community is one of the original communities in the United States, dating back to well before the 1979 revolution in Iran.

I can only hope that more and more Americans will take a stand beside the Iranian people. Americans claim they have been wanted regime change in Iran for thirty years. Well, now’s our chance. The least we can do is pour on all the public opinion and public exposure we can.

Soon, I hope to have first hand video and pictures available. I’ve very proud of Oklahoma’s Iranian community. I want to see Maryam’s words in the headlines of every newspaper and media network in the country!

“Bush would have helped!”