The Islamic Republic of Iran is an inherently viscious,

tyrannical, and sexist regime brought into place by ignorant

fanatical Muslims. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a proud sponsorer of

the terrorist organization of Hezbollah, which is based in Lebanon,

advocated the death and persecution of Jews, Bahais, and advocates of

the Shah regime. I know that some may be tempted to argue that the

Shah was corrupt and his father, the first king in the Pahlavi

dynasty, forced women to remove their hijabs. Please! Tell me what

is worse. Taking off your scarf or giving a woman who does not wear

it properly some good lashings.

I am a Rousseauian at heart. I promote secularism. As for

Huma, she needs to read the essay she responded so inadequately to

again and understand the point that is being made. Its not ethical

for her in this day and age to simply jump to defending the hijab.

Death to the Islamic Republic of Iran! Long live democracy and

secularism! Religion and government must always be separate. If one

religion gets the upper hand, then the minority of believers of

different ideologies will always find themselves oppressed and

compromised.