I've just found out through the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) that there is a grassroots campaign to nominate Neda Agha-Soltan for Time Magazine's Person of the Year.
Neda became a global icon when she was gunned down while attending a protest challenging the results of Iran's presidential election this past summer.
More than 700 messages have already been sent.
Click on the link below to tell Managing Editor Richard Stengel to recognize Neda's impact by making her Time Magazine's 2009 Person of the Year:
http://capwiz.com/niacouncil/issues/alert/?alertid=14394536In 1951, Iran's first democratically elected leader, Mohammad Mossadegh, was recognized by Time Magazine and the world. He led his life based on the ideals of democracy and Iran's sovereignty. Now, another Iranian who gave her life striving for freedom and justice needs to be recognized.
Her name is Neda.
Time Magazine awards the title to the person who "most affected the news and our lives, for good or ill, and embodied what was important about the year." Neda moved us to tears, gave us hope and moved millions to take action - all without uttering a word.
Her impact is undeniable. She has come to symbolize the struggle for democracy in Iran.
The campaign to nominate Neda for Time's Person of the year began by ordinary people in Iran. NIAC wants to amplify their voice and enable you to do the same.
The Iranian government has done their best to quell her impact - calling her murder staged and refusing to let people visit her unmarked grace. Her life was ended by a single bullet, but you can make her live forever through a single email.
Tell Time Magazine's Managing Editor, Richard Stengel to recognize Neda's impact by making her the Time Magazine's 2009 Person of the Year.