Tuesday, June 23, 2009

A bit of a stretch, but...

I think most of us have been somewhat confused regarding the uprising in Iran. It first shows that Iran, and the Arab people, are not all marching lock step with their leaders, and they have, low and behold, differences of opinion, just like us. Imagine that.

What is fascinating is to see the reaction of the establishment to the riots. First, they announce nothing is wrong. Then they say there may be some minor problems, but that doesn't affect anything the people have full control of. They then threatened and forced confessions or redactions from people who they think are behind demonstrations.

And, while we don't know how it will turn out, and it is quite likely that the existing Iranian President will continue in office, there is no doubt that the country and the people of Iran have changed. They have changed the way they see their country, their religion, and themselves, and their actions do not end at this election, but will certainly be felt in the future.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is a stretch Quiz. What this "stretch" does though for your readers is more accurately portray the magnifying glass under which you describe the problems at Holy Cross...

As I have always said, "If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem!"

The Quizzinator said...

You don't think Holy Cross School under Denise has changed?

My "stretch" is that it will never be the same again. She isn't the only reason - the economy and demographics certainly don't help, but she had more then a bit to bring about the negative changes we have seen.

Anonymous said...

To compare it with Iran...It is almost laughable!!

The Quizzinator said...

It is called literary license, just as someone who is crying buckets isn't literally crying buckets.

However, the point remains,and the more you think about it, the more the parallels are there. What about calling in organizers or spokesmen of the opposition and threatening them and their kids? What about calling in widows to "star chammbers" and forcing them to recant?

Yes, there is a bit of exageration, but the point remains, which you ignore. Her mark on the school will change it forever.

Anonymous said...

Literary license is given only to those that write literature...What you have given your readership is a window to your soul...a metaphor that compares the power plays in a small Catholic school with the sacrifices of the Iranian people for self-dtermination....You need to examine your motive.

The Quizzinator said...

I'll disagree on several points.

That license goes to anyone who speaks or writes. If you've ever told your kid, "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times....", you are using it.

As for the "stretch"....well, of course it is a stretch. Notice the title of the post? However, the struggle to change things, management that refuses to acknowledge or miminizes problems, and that strong handed methods, not necessarily shooting people (although there was that "joke" about lining up the teachers and shooting them) ARE there.

And, like Iran, life may LOOK the same, but it will be changed. You may think that as the hordes of people leave that things will calm down, and they may, but so many things will never be the same.

Anonymous said...

Okay Quiz since you don't get it at all, I will "plainspeak it" for you:

People are brutally beaten, shot at, imprisoned and yes even executed to exercise their human right for self determination!

Anonymous said...

Everyone knows HC is not as bad AS Iran. Sounds like the comparison was only given as an example.

Anonymous said...

This is the World Wide Web. As The Quizz has taken pains to describe many folks visit...The metaphor is inappropriate given the true turmoil and pain being suffered by the people of Iran.

The Quizzinator said...

First, I never made the comparision in the original post. I let the reader draw their own conclusions...glad you saw the point I was trying to make, which means that the analogy (a tough word, perhaps) hit home.

Second, when I hear that Holy Cross is going to Hell in a hand basket, I do NOT immediately envision the school in a big ol' basket (Longerberger, of course) being sucked down into a bottomless pit. Most people here know the point I made, and most got it. If you want to borrow some fake outrage, go ahead, but don't think that your ignoring the main point isn't noticed.

Anonymous said...

Not outraged at all. Just making my point about your motive. Go back and read what I said. Perhaps you'll gain some insight.

The Quizzinator said...

Oh, well. You don't want to address the issue and want to focus on the format. You want to try to make the issue the analogy, and that certainly is your right. I suspect, however, that most people would see YOUR comments as much more of a stretch then what I said.

Anonymous said...

My point is simple...You, this blog, is an aggitator. You seek to rile folks up with remarks designed to rip Mrs. Jacono and by extension the Holy Cross administration (and even the Diocese!). There is no solution in what you do here! Man-up, Be part of the solution...for if you are not then, in fact, you are part of the problem!!

My children are getting a solid Catholic education, which is why I sent them in the first place. I have no problems with how things are run. You and your anonymous cohorts need to know that you do not speak for all. Mrs. Jacono, Holy Cross, Father Dan and the Wilmington Diocese are my home..You may think that the "faithful" do not exist. You are wrong. And I am not Mrs. Jacono!!