A little while ago, we covered Reza Torkzadeh and supported him in the MTV contest for a speaking slot at the U.S. Republican convention. The issue of Iran, we said, needed to be given a voice. Unfortunately, Reza didn't win the contest; but yesterday, Reza wrote back:
"Let me take this opportunity to first thank you for your support on Winds of Change. After the MTV Contest, I received so many emails and letters asking me to create a site to exchange ideas about politics etc... I just started a blog at www.rezat.com. I wanted to know (1) what advice you have (2) if you would be so kind as to post a link on your blog."
You're welcome, Reza. Hmm, advice...
Let's start with the important stuff. This photo shows that you don't quite get it yet. Buy some silk pajamas, which are by far the most comfortable, and a good smoking jacket to go with them. Silk boxers are an acceptable alternative, but only with a nice bathrobe. For instance, I'm currently writing this after midnight in silk boxers and a nice flannel robe by Polo. Note that cushy slippers are optional in either case, but no cute animals on them or we're gonna have words.
Once that's all taken care of, welcome to the Pajama Brigades. Now it's time to find your "hedgehog's trick," as I explained in my Norm Geras interview. Fortunately, yours is kind of obvious:
Work hard to serve as an articulate and fair bridge between the Farsi/Persian blogosphere & web sites and the English blogosphere.
The issue of Iran is getting attention again (vid. Jonah Goldberg's recent mea culpa), and we in the blogosphere have been looking for this for some time. If you do it well, and offer coverage that acknowledges and draws on democrats, monarchists and other anti-regime voices without being sucked into their b.s. rivalries and animosities, there will be a substantial role for you in the blogosphere and you'll find rapid growth.
The American politics stuff is really secondary, except insofar as it connects to your focus issue in cases like John Kerry's Iranian backers.
I'll let our readers handle any further advice.
glad to see Reza's blog up - and his support to the blog community! way to go.
A quibble with you and Frank Herbert (from the interview you reference): I'd add a word to his sentence, to wit -- "It is not just that power corrupts, but that it is magnetic to the corruptible."
There are a number of issues there, but start with the correct quote: "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Incorruptibility, this says, is relative, and can not withstand having absolute power. That implies no consequences and no restraints, but probably the cascade of attempts to "fix" edicts and decisions that go awry with more and more arbitrary measures is the true slippery slope.
A free Iran is a democratic Iran, and the Iran of tomorrow which will be the one lead by Reza Torkzadeh and his generation. Iranian students know the future of the Islamic Republic has no role to play in the future of Iran. We must support freedom in Iran and the current student movement.
Reza Torkzadeh proved that even though he was born in the US and has live here his entire life he still remembers Iran and talks about Iran as if he were living there. I have heard and seen his interviews on persian networks. I am glad to see his website and to support people like him who have the right message of freedom and democracy for Iran. keep up the noble work.
My advice: be indispensible.
Like praktike.
my advice: keep your site updated as frequently as possible with events and activities. I would also like to hear your views on the issues you have listed on the categories section of your site.
Also, I recently learned that you gave a presentiation at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Where can I find the text of that speech?
Use the site as a resource for people who want to learn about you.
I voted for Reza Torkzadeh in the contest and wante him to win!!!!
Nice site so far Reza. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading more of your material.
Is Reza Torkzadeh running for office? Maybe he should consider doing so. He could be what is needed in politics today.
1. He is part of the young generation growing up in the era of the internet and MTV. No matter how hard today's politicians try, they will never relate to young people and the things important to them. Let alone understand them.
2. Here is a quote I found by Reza, "Whether they [young voters] identify with the Democratic, Republican, Green or Independent Parties is not important. There are over 42 million eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 30. We (young voters) can easily decide who the next president is going to be." This tells me that Reza is open-minded and believes in doing the right thing. Which is not playing partisan politics which as become a plague amongst todays policy makers.
3. He is a true American Dream come true as Joe indicated in his post. Parents are Iranian immigrants who came here to provide a better future for their children.
ADVICE FOR SITE: how about posting your positions on issues?
reza a republican?
please. wouldn't give the guy the time of day.