Democracy Protests In Iran Days After Celebration Of King Cyrus Day

Today is the 30th anniversary of the 1979 takeover of the American Embassy in Tehran by Iranian protestors. While many stood outside the former embassy in a government sponsored rally yelling "Death to America", many other pro-democracy demonstrators protested on the outskirts of the rally chanting "Death to the Dictator" in defiance of the Islamic mullahs running their country.

Last week, on October 29th, the world recognized King Cyrus Day. What many do not realize is the symbolic connection between these two events.

King Cyrus was himself a champion of human rights and is most well known for releasing the ancient Jews from their captivity in Babylon and allowing them to return to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Because of this, the Bible refers to him as "the annointed of the Lord." He also decreed a universal charter for human rights for all people in his kingdom regardless of their religious, or ethnic background.

Today, the former kingdom of Cyrus is ruled by Islamic extremists who don't share the tolerance and compassion of the former Persian monarch. There's is the rule of fascism with no with no respect for democracy, or human rights. Non-Muslims are at best treated as second-class citizens. Those who disagree with their rule are arrested, tortured and sometimes murdered. Now, they seek nuclear weapons to destroy Israel and spread their their murderous revolution around the world by force.

But there are those within Iran who believe in democracy, tolerance and human rights. Knowing the consequences, they risk their lives and fortunes for freedom, just like the Biblical prophets and the fathers of the American Revolution. They need and deserve our support! Liberty is the gift of heaven to humanity and must be protected and preserved at all cost.

The Bible itself speaks of this divine gift. Both Moses and his father-in-law advocated representive government during the Exodus from Egypt. Later on, the prophets speak of God's disfavor of the census for taxation being implemented by King Solomon as too much centralization of government under the rule of an earthly monarch rather than under the rule of the King of Heaven.

I ask you to support democracy in Iran in whatever way you can. Elect officials who promote the overthrow of the Islamic regime in Iran rather than those who wish to negotiate with these murderous thugs. Participate in demonstrations when possible, or organize some yourself. You can also speak out on the many online sites for democracy in Iran on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere.

Through our efforts, we can honor the legacy of King Cyrus and help bring peace to the Middle East and the world. I ask for your support.

Until next time....

Shmuel