Death of Khomeini

Many Muslims of the world mourn the passing of Ayatollah Khomeini. To many he was a great man, a spiritual leader, the symbol of the power of Islam and the human spirit; to others he was despotic and cruel. History will record his tangible achievements and Allah will judge the intentions of his actions.

Yet this one man impacted the lives of people across the world. Muslims, once allowed to hide in the shadows, were placed in the world spotlight, re-educated about Islam, and made choices, thus taking public stands. Americans were forced into expressions that ranged from hatred to patriotism as different incidents occurred from the downfall of the shah, to the hostage situation, to the Salman Rushdie affair.

Right or wrong, Khomeini made us think and react, to not take for granted the rights and freedoms we enjoy, be we Muslims, Americans, Chinese, Christians, etc.

Ayatollah Khomeini, loved or hated, shall be missed. He made us think, choose, react, and for a world filled with overwhelming problems, human suffering and corruption, he made us see that we can control our destinies only if we protect what are our inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, defined within the context of our many societies.

MELODY GHANDCHI

Goleta