Editor:
I was pleased to see Halfmoon Bay resident Roger Lagasse is still engaged in his pursuit of international peace Coast Reporter, letters April 6).
He commented on a speech I made in the House of Commons recently, in which I pointed out the support of our government for people of Iranian background in an attempt to distinguish that from our government's strong opposition to the government of Iran for its record on nuclear proliferation; oppression of its own people; and support of terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
I attended four major Nowrouz ("Persian New Year") events this year in our riding, where I brought a message of peace, to which I think Mr. Lagasse and other Canadians would agree. Though I could never approach the heights of Iran's famous poets, such as Omar Khayyaam, Saadi, and Hafiz, I offer my own poem, which I humbly submit in support of a vision for a new Iran, an Iran known for freedom and democracy instead of anger and oppression.
Screaming voices cry, "Revenge!"
People ask what's left to lose;
There much more to life than this.
Let's strive for peace on this Nowrouz.
People seek their simple rights
But snarling governments refuse.
We must ask our leaders to
Pursue the peace on this Nowrouz.
Nuclear bombs, oppression live;
Hatred, war are ours to choose.
Instead - we seek a better world;
"To life and hope!" So stands Nowrouz.
Disregard for others' faith
And anger permeate the news.
We'll love someone who's unlike us;
With open minds, we greet Nowrouz.
Bah'ai or Muslim, Christian, Jew -
We need to stand in others' shoes;
The spring of tolerance will thaw
The chill of evil this Nowrouz.
John Weston, M.P.
West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country
