May 24

May 24 Iranians Condemn Regime

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

This afternoon, members of Chicago’s Iranian community gathered outside the Wrigley Building to support Iranians who are resisting an Iranian regime run by religious zealots. I can only say so much about a peaceful demonstration by eight people.

Whatever the headcount, credit goes to anyone who speaks out in public about important issues. While I was present, there were no speeches. I don’t recall any chants, either. Just eight people taking a stand. I noticed more police officers nearby than demonstrators, although the officers may have been present simply because it was a holiday weekend.

Given the location, I suspect many passersby were out-of-towners who must have been curious about what was transpiring in the Wrigley Building’s shaded plaza . Unfortunately for the demonstrators, most people just kept walking after they paused to glance over at the large banner calling for the end of executions in Iran.

Despite its miniscule nature, the demonstration was notable for at least two reasons. First, I saw no references to Donald J. Trump. Strategically, the Iranians made a good choice if they consciously decided to omit such references. At prior demonstrations, some demonstrations held pro-Trump signage. Perhaps of greater significance, several speakers praised Trump’s efforts on behalf of Iran’s repressed populace.

Iranians living in the United States are favorably disposed toward Trump because he champions Iranian regime change. Yet, a large segment of the American public detests Trump, meaning that conflating Iran and Trump is a strategic blunder. While Americans may love freedom, many hate Trump.

Second, I saw no references to Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah of Iran, who would like to reclaim the throne that was vacated following his father’s demise. I was told in unequivocal terms that those standing behind the large banner do not support Pahlavi. While he claims he would serve as a caretaker until democracy in Iran is restored, many Iranians living in exile do not view him as the man to restore it. Notably, Chicago’s Iranian community does have a segment that supports Pahlavi, which explains why I have occasionally encountered ‘dueling’ demonstrations.

I suspect we will see these demonstrators back on the streets sometime before summer’s end, but in far greater numbers if the conflict in Iran returns to a boil. With the ceasefire in place, although barely so, the U.S. war with Iran is no longer topping the headlines, which probably explains today’s poor turnout.

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