In a so-called “Alternative Christmas Message”, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahamdinejad (prounounced ah-maud-deen-a-jahd) denounces the leaders of ‘expansionist’ states, saying that the world suffers because the leaders of such nations have strayed from the message of the prophets.

His most recent contorted message of peace is an echo of his September 2008 rant at the U.N. General Assembly¹, where he tapped into people’s beliefs to invoke a message of brotherhood and mutuality. But strangely enough, even then he thought himself better and almost divinely inspired² as he now projects in an “alternative” for truth.

A message of peace, a message that has been penciled and scripted, rehearsed, and calculated with precision and focus, is – totally unbelievable.

Leader of one of the most inhumane nations with the highest degree of human rights violations.

Who shut down Iran’s main human rights organization, headed by Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi⁴.

Who just this year at a rally preceeding his U.N. visit had called for “Death to America”⁵

Who, as leader and supporter of an Islamic republic intolerant of other faiths and lifestyles, has done nothing to change the direction of the nation.

A man who continues to call for the death of Jews, yet speaks of Abrahamic faiths, of brotherhood, and “for the establishment of justice and for love in human society”.

Such a man is not a man of God.  Such a man does not know God.

His contradictions scream brazenly.  They are banshee-like calls that riot against the values set by the very prophets he invokes.

He speaks the words but he does not know their meaning – he does not live them.  And Jesus, whom he chooses to invoke in this perverse Christmas message, would be disgusted by him.

Ahamdinejad has no legitimate role in society, let alone on an international stage.  Yet he is repeatedly given the podium at Ivy League universities⁶ in America, and now even on UK’s Channel 4.

If Ahmadinejad is gaining mass followers and fame, which he is, it is because of the attention academic institutions and media agencies continue to throw upon him.

They do not question his character and listen to only his words.

But words without the question of character, without the question of who is speaking them, are dangerous words if they are believed.

So who is to blame for madmen and their messages – the madmen, or the men who listen to them?

Footnotes:

1. Transcript of Ahmadinejad’s September speech at U.N. General Assembly

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6107339

2. Ahamdinejad self-projects divinity.

http://www.rferl.org/content/Article/1063353.html

3. Ahmadinejad, an Islamic fundamentalist deadest on a worldwide Islamic revolution

http://www.iranfocus.com/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2605

4. After years of harassment and zero support, Iran shuts down Human Rights Defenders Center

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-12-21-voa14.cfm

http://www.iranpresswatch.org/2008/12/police-raid-close-offices-of-shirin-ebadi/

5. Before heading to U.N. meeting in NY, Ahmadinejad attends rally calling for “Death to America”

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2007/09/23/2007-09-3_irans_ahmadinejad_issues_new_threats_aga.html

6. Ahmadinejad addresses Columbia University

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/24/AR2007092401042.html