Re: ATM Donations to Iran

[Anthony Stillman <atmer@flash.net>]

>...my memory goes back to 1979


I lived through that time. They were powerfully hurtful days.  I grew up in
the shadow of embassies. The camaraderie that exists in the state
department, for the people who protect you, doesn't go away. I felt, feel,
strongly about the hostages and the rabble who overthrew the Shaw. I'm not
going to mince words, I'm angry at what happened. I will not forget the
sight of a US service man, dead, being dragged through the streets of
Tehran. What happen makes me sick.

Until Tom wrote I wasn't going to donate a thing. I paused when I saw on
the pages of S&T, a picture of an astronomy club in Iran.  It put a face on
it, but no I thought, nothing would come from me. Thank you Tom, for
helping me to see straight. I can choose to demonize the Iranians, hold
fast to my sadness and hatred, try not to understand, and do that for ever.
But I am an ATM, I chose to do hard things.

A telescope needs help being made. I can help. The course is clear.

In defense of my being off topic, and mitzvahing out loud, I hope to sway
others, as I have myself.

Anthony