Wanting the support of others

In this post yesterday, I ended by suggesting that to protest in support of democratic movements in countries lacking genuinely democratic institutions lies squarely within the traditions of progressive politics. It's not a point that bears labouring. However, there's a reason why campaigns of solidarity have the force of tradition behind them and I didn't spell it out. A column by Afshin Molavi in the Washington Post does that:

In recent weeks, courageous Iranians have been writing, tweeting, text-messaging and telephoning the outside world with an almost universal message: Please bear witness, please stand with us. One Iranian demonstrator e-mailed me: "Where are the American actors, the writers, the university professors, the intellectuals?" I would add to this patriot's list: Where are the labor unions, teachers unions, science academies, university students and ordinary Americans from all walks of life who took to U.S. streets last year to back an unlikely presidential candidate whose motto of hope and change is mirrored by Iranians half a world away? The key difference between them? Iranians are facing guns and violence as they wage their struggle for a democratic future.

While Americans should be at the fore, standing up for democracy, it's not just here that this question should stir a response. Civil society around the globe has an opportunity to demonstrate the kind of justifiable fervor displayed, for example, when people in other nations opposed the war in Iraq during the Bush years. Supporters of democracy worldwide should be standing with the Iranian people as they struggle for justice and freedom. The simple message of one Iranian demonstrator on Twitter last month still brings a chill: "I have one vote. I gave it to Mousavi. I have one life. I will give it to freedom."

We may split on what Obama should say or do, fearing the effects for the protesters or our nation, but that should not stop Americans from demonstrating solidarity. Last month I attended a candlelight vigil to honor those who died fighting for freedom. The gathering was somber yet hopeful, but it was still too narrowly Iranian. We need more Americans - African Americans, Asian Americans, conservative Americans, liberal Americans, red-state Americans, blue-state Americans. If there is one issue that politically polarized America ought to be able to rally around, it is the gallant struggle of Iranians.

Stating the obvious? Maybe. But it's not only obvious, it's also true: those fighting for democracy, those fighting for human rights, in countries where they are denied them generally welcome the support of others elsewhere.