China and Iran – Not A Non-Profit “Take”

I try so hard to limit my thoughts and commentary to the nonprofit world. It's what I know best. Plus, who wants to hear from Randall Hallett on issues outside of philanthropy? But some things I'm witnessing and watching are beyond disturbing and yet very similar 1/4 of the world apart.

Recent stories, and more importantly video evidence, have shown the ruthless treatment of citizens. And while we in the United States of America have immense challenges and have very little room for elevated self-aggrandizing notions, it is more than bothersome by what is going on in China and in Iran.

In China, in dealing with the pandemic, there are more and more stories with video evidence of the citizenry protesting major lockdowns and massive changes to economic conditions with those protests being overwhelmed with violent suppression from the government. From people protesting individual lockdowns to the massive pandemic camps, to tracking people's individual movements, there appear to be more and more Chinese citizens who are saying enough is enough. While one could argue that the Chinese government has overreached in fighting the pandemic, for various potential reasons, I'm not commenting on that. What I am commenting on is the citizenry not being allowed to express its opinions on the government's actions.

A half-continent away in Iran, there have been recent stories about a house being torn down that once belonged to the family of an international athlete who did not wear a head covering during an event. At the same time, there are protests from the World Cup Iranian soccer team about government overreach regarding suppressing people's opinions. In particular, several individuals have died at the government's hands. Again, a lack of governmental allowance for other people's opinions is squashed like a grape.

Power is an interesting physical and emotional element. It can raise up groups of people to heights they didn't even imagine possible changing a cultures future and the individuals within its hopes and dreams. At the same time, power, when misused can create strife, delusion, and outright despair. Here's hoping that as we move forward as a worldwide community, power is used more for the good than for control. To make people's lives better, rather than ensuring the longevity of only one perspective within a community.