Jun 21

Jun 21 A Twofer

Demonstrations, Donald J. Trump, Performance, Protest, Public Declarations

It was just too damn hot and humid to be out demonstrating today. But Chicago’s Iranian Community had scheduled a demonstration at the plaza in Grant Park usually used by the Palestinians for their demonstrations. The Palestinians apparently ceded the Grant Park location to the Iranians, choosing to schedule their Saturday pro-Palestinian demonstration at Jane Byrne Plaza (835 North Michigan Avenue)—although that has become a frequent locations for pro-Palestinian demonstrations so maybe that was where the demonstration was scheduled all along.

Given the Israeli attacks on Iran this past week, I wondered how Iranians viewed the conflict in the Middle East. While I had assumed that the members of Chicago’s Iranian Community were not fans of Israel. I wondered whether the old adage, “My enemy’s enemy is my friend” might be shaping their views. In other words, were the Iranians cheering on Israel, hoping that Israel’s involvement could lead to regime change? Or, the Iranians horrified by the attacks because they still had family and friends residing in Iran?

When I arrived at the plaza adjacent to Michigan Avenue, I saw a small group of people standing in the shade produced by some larger shrubbery. I learned that the Palestinian and Iranian demonstrations had been combined because the extreme heat would likely dampen attendance. The only way I could tell the Iranians from the Palestinians was by signage and the flags they were displaying, which is not a foolproof method.

I determined that two guys standing near the shade most like were of Iranian heritage, so I approached. My pitch, “Not a trick question, nor am I looking to argue with anyone. I simply want to know how you view the conflict. Will Israel be doing the Iranian people a favor if it topples Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s regime ?” What followed was a helpful explanation. Paraphrasing, “No, we don’t want regime change, we want reform.” I asked, “What’s the difference?” At this point, the gentlemen gave a very insightful answer. Once again, paraphrasing, “Long ago, the United States had slavery. It also slaughtered Native Americans. Do you think Americans who were opposed to slavery and Native American genocide would have welcomed a foreign power in toppling their government? Unlikely. They wanted reform, not regime change.” Granted this is only one Iranian’s view, but it does has an appealing logic to it.

Not having polled the world’s Iranians, I can’t say whether they agree with this man, but I am now using his viewpoint as a measuring stick as I consume print and broadcast media.

As for the demonstration. The organizers had the good sense to reduce the number of speeches. Nevertheless, the effort followed the established formula, including a march. The Iranian situation was addressed, but the day was still dominated by concerns over Gaza and the Palestinian people.

Present were at least two members of the group who are engaging in a hunger strike out of sympathy for the Palestinians in Gaza who are starving. I asked how long they intended to go without food. If I recall correctly, they will continue to forego food until the situation in Gaza is resolved, or until they physically can no longer go without food. I suspect they will quit long before the situation in Gaza is resolved, which is not meant as a criticism on my part.

As I stood on the stairs looking toward the demonstrators gathered in the plaza, I began to feel a bit faint. Not wanting to push my luck, I left shortly before the march began, heading to the Hilton Hotel. It is air conditioned, with an excellent, although pricey, snack bar. After 40 minutes, I headed back out, assuming the Iranians and Palestinians would be long gone. Much to my surprise, I heard chanting in the distance. When I arrived back at the plaza, the marchers were just returning to the plaza. The demonstration then broke up.

I captured a couple of images, and then headed to a Starbucks for further hydration.

[Click on an Image to Enlarge It. The Images Are Not Necessarily in Exact Chronological Order]