I’ve not turned my Twitter/ Facebook/ Blog picture-icon “Green” – as some have been doing to show their support for the Iranian election protesters.

I am reminded of The Who song: “Won’t get fooled again.” You know – meet the new boss – same as the old boss….

When I was back at KU (Kansas University) after my stint in the US Navy (1972-1975) – I happened to be on campus during an Iranian student protest – and being a Journalism/Radio/TV/Film major – I had my 35mm camera on me.

I cannot remember if this was in 1977 or 1978 – I cannot find a web reference to this event.

The issue being protested was that there was a supposed SAVAK agent on campus – SAVAK being the Secret Police for the Shah of Iran.

SAVAK was not held in high regard by Iranian students at KU.

I knew some Iranian students back in the late 1970s – and I knew about their view about their homeland and their view about our CIA’s involvement in the coup that re-installed the Shah in 1953.

Having just gotten out of the US Navy where I had spent considerable time in The Philippine Islands (The PI) – where another one of our installed leader/friends ran roughshod over the people – Ferdinand Marcos (remember Emelda and all her shoes?) I have a particular dislike for dictator allies of the US.

So this protest march was of interest to me – beyond the photo opp.

This was a long time ago. Before the US Hostage Crisis. Just before that.

So given the real politics of Iran right now – and who runs in their elections and who does not – I cannot get myself all Green with excitement – I won’t get fooled again.

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