“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”

Jesus Christ, quoted from Matthew 5:43-47 (NIV)

Is it possible to love one’s enemies when we spew vitriol, cast aspersions, repeat propaganda, refuse to discuss disagreements and irrationally support violent aggression against a nation we know so little about? Some Christians will seek other words by which to justify such actions, but the ones above quoted from Jesus Himself are good enough for me.

Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in New York on Sept. 23 to speak to the leaders of the world at the United Nations. He was greeted by Jewish and Christian protesters who fervently believe that Ahmadinejad ought not be allowed to speak nor provided a stage for dialogue over issues impacting the Middle East and the world. Many of America’s leading Christian evangelicals adamantly oppose the idea that the U.S. should sit down and talk with Iran under any conditions. Despite the Christian belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ, many Christians still hold fast to the altered verse: For God so loved America, He gave His only Son … .

Ahmadinejad actually had a lot of considerably poignant points to make (See his letter to U.S. citizens) — and he didn’t obfuscate or seek to hide behind language that could be re-defined at a later time. Such is the typical approach of America’s leaders, to which we have grown accustomed.

Ahmadinejad sat down with the Los Angeles Times for an extensive 40-minute no-holds-barred interview.

In brief, Ahmadinejad addressed the following issues:

Regarding the current financial crisis …

“The U.S. government has made a series of mistakes in the past few decades. First, the imposition on the U.S. economy of heavy military engagement and involvement around the world. There’s no one who can correctly pin at the moment exactly how much the war in Iraq, for example, has cost so far.”

Regarding the economic crisis within his own country of Iran …

“Both on the east and western borders of our country [Afghanistan and Iraq], there are two big wars going on, and for years sanctions have been imposed on us [By the West, led by the U.S.]. It’s quite natural that when world crises increase, Iran is also harmed.”

Regarding the “confrontation” with Bush (as the LA Times posed the question) …

“We generally do not welcome confrontations. Mr. Bush’s administration has not only harmed the people of the United States but people all around the world. The principles that were pursued in addressing the propaganda around the Iranian nuclear issue were wrong and incorrect to begin with. It was a huge lie.”

Regarding who Iran desires to be the next president of the U.S. …

“It doesn’t make a difference who is in power in the United States. Any government that comes to power must change previous policy approaches, since big blunders have occurred that have to be corrected. The U.S. government must save on the heavy costs of military engagement and intervention, and refocus on improving the lives of people at home (and) to really speak with respect with other nations.”

Regarding the U.S. proposal to stop its sanctions against Iran if Iran agrees to stop enriching uranium …

“Last year, all the subject areas addressed by the (atomic energy) agency to us were addressed by us and resolved. Just prior to the conclusion of the report, the U.S. administration provided a series of (forged) documents (to the agency) and sort of misinformed them about certain operations. It was so funny and superficial and not in depth that a school kid could laugh at it. Of course, we don’t expect any better from the U.S. administration because they have declared that they are our enemy and we are theirs.

“It is interesting: Countries that have the atomic bomb themselves are all telling us not to have peaceful nuclear energy. It is one of the biggest jokes of today.”

Regarding Ahmadinejad’s statements about Israel’s removal from the face of the map, and Iran’s intent …

“Iran has made its proposal loud and clear: We’re calling for free referendums for the Palestinian nation to determine their own government. This will be reflected in a proposal which we will soon submit to the U.N. secretary-general. Palestine constitutes a nation that has lived there for hundreds if not actually thousands of years. Now, with the pre-planned thinking, Israel has actually displaced over 5 million people from their own lands and collected other people elsewhere from the world and has put them in their place. How is it possible to recognize a state that has come about as such?

“If we agree, and accept that certain events had occurred during World War II, well, where did they indeed happen? In Germany, in Poland and in Great Britain. Now, what does this exactly have to do with Palestine? Why is it that the Palestinian people should pay for it?”

Regarding charges that there is a crackdown on freedom of speech and political opinion in Iran …

“These are what the Zionists and the U.S. government say. They are not true; they do not happen. In Iran, freedom is absolute, and it is the law that rules. Our judicial procedures are among the most advanced around the world. When I hold press conferences, everyone is there to freely ask their questions. Even academics can freely speak in the presence of our leader and criticize.”

Regarding the departure of President Bush (LA Times asked if he will “miss Bush on the world scene”) …

“Of course, I am very much against measures taken by Mr. Bush. He could have avoided war. Do you know that over 1 million people in Iraq have been killed or wounded and hundreds of thousands of people in Afghanistan? What for? Because Mr. Bush wants to have power basically over the Middle East. For the sake of the American people? No, not really. Just for the interest of a few capitalists.”

Regarding a potential deal between Syria and Israel over the release of the Golan Heights …

“We welcome any part of the occupied lands that are freed. We believe that the freedom of the Golan Heights is exactly what the Zionist regime does not want. And we think it is very unlikely that it will happen as a result of the negotiations.

“The regime resembles an airplane that has lost its engine and is kind of going down. And no one can help it. This will benefit everyone — more than anyone, the American people. Because in the name of the American people, this regime is carrying out crimes, crimes that fill the pockets of capitalists, for which the American people pay.”

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

When one actually listens to what our so-called enemy has to say, Ahmadinejad doesn’t sound like the madman he has been portrayed in American media and by the White House and Congress. In fact, his soundness of mind and depth of intellect begs the question: Why won’t the President of the United States have an open unedited dialogue with the President of Iran as requested on several occasions?

In fact, why won’t American media challenge the administration and Congress on the charges levied against this nation by Ahmadinejad? The allegations of forging documents and telling lies is only the beginning.

• How about the covert operations by the CIA that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected government just 55 years ago?
• How about the assistance given to Saddam Hussein in Iraq’s invasion of Iran one year after the Iranian people revolted and regained control of their own country from the U.S.?
• What about the 1 million Muslims killed in that 8-year conflict? What about the chemical weapons of mass destruction supplied to Saddam by U.S. companies?
• What about the billions of dollars in credit to Saddam all the way into 1990, despite knowing of the atrocities he committed against the Iranians, Kurds and even Iraqis?

How can any Christian justify ignoring the truth?

How can any American dismiss the numerous allegations currently being charged against President Bush BY OUR OWN LEGISLATURE? We do not have to accept Ahmadinejad’s word, although it is in agreement with the conclusions of many investigations. Even the allegations of forging documents is something the Bush administration is charged with right here at home!

Lies, deceit, misleading statements, forgery, spying, kidnapping, suspension of habeas corpus, secret prisons, torture and the unmitigated gall to send America’s sons and daughters to kill and risk being killed based upon false pretenses — these are just some of the charges against George W. Bush.

How can any Christian place their faith in such a man? How can Christians sacrifice the lives of our sons and daughters under the command of a leader we KNOW we cannot trust? And how can Christians believe the propaganda Bush spews about Ahmadinejad and Iran without even so much as a modicum of effort to research counter perspectives? Even if one retains a healthy skepticism toward Iran, as I do with ALL governments, there is no reason to dismiss the idea of holding a calm cordial discussion over ideas. Especially when failure to talk leads directly to violent conflict and aggression initiated by the United States.

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

From the Book of James 1:19-20 (NIV)

CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE …

Some will accuse me of many things because of my perspective toward listening to those with whom I may disagree or do not fully understand. These people do not hold to Christian beliefs.

Some will accuse me of disloyalty to this nation. I served this nation for 12 years, receiving numerous decorations including Sailor of the Year. I served aboard two warships and made 4 deployments of 6 months each. I recruited for the Navy for 4 years (a normal tour is 3) and received numerous awards including meritorious advancement in rank. I risked my life for this nation, which has, in return, offered me lies and hidden agendas.

I have every right to question the motives, decisions and veracity of the leaders of this nation.

LEARNING THE TRUTH

I will offer those of you who read this a challenge. When our leaders send the U.S. military to foreign lands, not to serve this country but rather to serve the Commander in Chief, do you question the rationale? Do you completely agree with the decision? Do you have full knowledge of the ramifications of such a decision? Will you do the research and make it a priority to fully understand both the history and the current implications involved in supporting our nation’s war efforts?

Or will you, perhaps as many already do, accept whatever the pretext and excuse is offered as simply good enough? When the lives of so many people are at stake, do you sit back and plead ignorance, passing the responsibility on to others in elected office?

After all, when everything is said and done, that kid who graduated high school and went off to “serve his country” may very well have been killed for “false pretenses” and ulterior motives … all because you and I did not stand guard over his life while he was presumably fighting to preserve ours.

WE SHOULD FIGHT TO PRESERVE THEIR LIVES

The courageous men and women who serve in our Armed Forces deserve better than a weak, cowardly ignorant populace that knows more about American Idol than it does about what our troops are facing and why. Those brave volunteers deserve a stalwart defense of their liberty and freedom. They deserve a passionate citizenry that will keep careful watch on the Executive Branch (which has control over the military and 16 secret agencies) and stand ready to immediately remove the Commander in Chief when he (or she) should dare to send our sons and daughters to kill innocent peoples due to decisions made behind a curtain of deceit.

My loyalty is to Jesus Christ. My passion is to preserve the lives of our brave volunteers and those lives that would be taken by them under orders from a Commander in Chief.

I call upon Christians to open their eyes, ears and hearts to see, hear and feel compassion. We mourned the loss of nearly 3,000 lives on September 11, 2001. We then offered our support in ignorance to a liar who has killed untold numbers and negatively impacted so many more. Does God justify such actions by Christians who say Christ is King? It is time for truth to emerge from the ashes of our faith. It is time we remembered that we do not get to sacrifice our beliefs upon an altar of ignorance or political allegiance.

We serve one God. His name is not Bush.

Let’s open our ears and be receptive to those we are told are our enemies. The lives of many people depend upon us.

Posted on September 24th, 2008 by MikeGreen
Filed under: thebook

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