I received an email that deeply moved me a few moments ago. I’m going to reproduce it here exactly, except that (as requested) I am omitting the name of the sender. Because I think I’m going to need a term of reference for him, I am substituting the name of a legendary Persian hero.
My name is [Rostam] , an open source fan and your blog regular commenter …
Regarding to security consideration, PLEASE KEEP MY IDENTITY SECRET !!
I wanted to inform you about what’s happening in Iran , but the the wildness circle of Iran’s religious and dictatorship regime is so that I can just invite you to check this two link in youtube :
http://www.youtube.com/results?&search_type=&search_query=neda+protest
http://www.youtube.com/results?&search_type=&search_query=iran+protest
Eric, I know that I will maybe face the deadly threats by sending this email. But, I do this because I do believe in freedom.
Inasmuch as, you are one of the most influent persons in one of the most talented community (Hackers) in the world, I humbly ask you write about Iran and what’s going on there.
Please tell the world that Persian people are fight for freedom . Our fight is “weapon less” against a full armored enemy . Our weapon is our great civilization , is our will of freedom and is our prior experience over the history.
PLEASE tell the world that there is no doubt at all that we will see freedom as you saw it after destroying Hitler’s nightmare …
Sincerely Yours , [Rostam]
Rostam, I will indeed blog about this. I begin by publishing your plea, which despite its somewhat broken English is probably as eloquent as anything I could write on the matter. You have my promise of secrecy. I will have more to say in coming days.
And, an interesting contrast with my last email from Iran…