Many of you have seen this diary (
Gay Teens Executed in Iran) and if you have not, please check it out. I cannot say I understand why it happened or what we can do about it - I can only share what I have felt.
My first reaction when I read this story was tears. I am not being rhetorical or exaggerating for effect, but I had honest tears. It surprised me; I am not moved to emotional displays often by reading an article, but this one did it to me. I mean what kind of government has such little value for human life that it executes children? To paraphrase another poster: these boys were beautiful. There was nothing wrong about them. And when I look at the pictures (especially this
one) and you can see the absolute terror, grief, loss and confusion in their eyes. What happened to the beautiful boys so full of life, youth and its possibility? They obviously do not understand why their entire world decided to come crashing down on them for something that is part of who they are (for the record - I don't believe this "child rape" charge). They are just being themselves - dumb stupid kids learning what is right about themselves and some evil stupid mullahs wanted to use them a pawn in a twisted, fucked up point they were trying to make.
So what was the point? Because I can't figure it out. The only thing I see is a bunch of dried out old men who don't have an ounce of empathy, compassion or love left in them dealing out death and horror because they can. What an abuse of power and waste of life! Who knows what wonderful things these two could have accomplished or great lives they could have impact? I am not implying that these youths would have won a Nobel Prize or became a great leader; I am thinking of a simple life that we all lead - bringing joy, happiness, discovery and contentment to the friends, families and lovers. All of that was snuffed out and it makes me ill.
So what can we make of their deaths here? What can we do to stop this from happening again? Nothing - really, there is nothing we can do. Calling our Senator or the Secretary of State is not going to bring them back - the boys are dead - and it won't really make us feel any better. Iran will continue to execute anyone they can find for being gay.
All I can suggest is the only solace I could come up with: whenever you feel like giving up - think of these two youths. Think of their tears from the picture. Think how you would feel if your world came crashing around you because of how you express your love. Think of the terror and confusion they might have felt not really knowing why in a world of 6 BILLION people this happened to them. And when you think of that, remember why we are in this fight - why we fight the religious nutjobs, Bush & his toadies. Their death was in vain and it had no meaning, but let it give us courage to go on.