isany1listening

I admit that I subscribe to Twitter.  It does give everyday people a certain sense of importance and I guess I would agree that it is pretty self-indulgent.  But my criticisms of such a social network as Twitter have changed dramatically in the past few days. 

While the government of Iran has ordered a blackout, and major networks have been denied access and filing of stories, the Twitter revolution has taken over and given eyewitness accounts and reported what is going on in the country.  It also seems to help organize the protests.  What I know from the tweets on my phone (via Tehran Bureau and a correspondent for ABC News), which have been non-stop for the entire morning are that people have taken to the streets.  Riot police and military have been installed to quel protestors and take control.  Tear gas has been used and helicopters puring boiling water on crowds has also been tweeted by several sources.  Gun shots have been fired and people are being injured and/or killed.  Clinics have been closed, but embassys are taking injured people in. 

It seems there is a lot of chaos and a lot of action.  CNN has started to report these events as they are trying to confirm them.  The news organizations cannot keep up with latest developments because of the blackout.  While there can be some skepticism of tweets on Twitter, even from those who claim to be “news” sources, the rate that everything is happening and being “tweeted” is astounding.  And as I said now networks are picking up these tweets and confirming them.  It is a scary time for the people there who are amidst a possible revolution. 

I hope the bloodshed and violence will end soon.  Innocent people are dying in horrific ways because they are exercising a right of protest.  I have so many emotions simply from the updates I am receiving.  My final thought is that I am grateful for a social network like Twitter that has been able to inform and help those in Iran organize and try to find safety in numbers, and alert them to what is going on in various parts of the city.  Again, my heart goes out to the people of Iran and hope the violence that is being done to them ends soon.  The violence and murder of people must stop.  If you are a person of faith, pray for them.  If you are not spiritual whatsoever, take a moment to think about them and their suffering and wish them well, or just be aware and spread the word.  That is what these people are asking for across the ocean: for prayers and to spread the word.  My heart is with them.