“64th story”
First Published: Nov.08.2018
The leader of an unjust land gathered everyone weekly in the town square.
People had to show up to respect the leader, or there would be consequences and people didn’t want to get in trouble.
The leader always talked about great things like freedom of thought, speech, choice, and dreams, but the civilians never saw those things.
Then at the end of each speech, the leader invited people to talk freely and share their thoughts if they disagreed with any part of his speech. The leader insisted that he loved to hear about it to be able to fix it. However, out of thousands of people, not one ever dared to speak up. Until a man named Samad finally did ask, one day.
Samad said: “We have a rich land full of gold mines, we make tons of money here. Why don’t we have enough schools, hospitals, and retirement? Why can’t females …?”
The leader interrupted: “You see dear people feel free to talk. It is a free land and you all have the right to share your thoughts. I thank Samad for mentioning all these things that Samad has forgotten we already have.”
The speech finished mysteriously. Everyone started looking at each other and talked with their eyes. They were wondering what had happened, what a brave man Samad was. He asked questions that they all had wanted to ask for so long. He was stopped in the middle, but at least he asked important questions.
This encouraged people to ask questions in the following week’s Congregation.
When it was time for the gathering, the leader began his speech with the same old lies and encouraged people to talk freely.
Everyone looked around to see Samad, the brave man, but couldn’t find him. No one dared to ask any questions that day.
Weeks passed and Samad was never seen again. Once again, out of thousands of people, no one dared to speak up.
“It’s a saying they have, that a man has a false heart in his mouth for the world to see, another in his breast to show to his special friends and his family, and the real one, the true one, the secret one, which is never known to anyone except to himself alone…” James Clavell,
This post could not be more timely. Current events in Turkey with the “disappearance” of a Washington Post journalist and only yesterday a journalist silenced in the US. As always your stories have depth and meaning as well as being entertaining to read.
For some people, the only truth that matters is the truth that goes in line with what they want to hear. Speak what’s real and go against the status quo and you’ll be silenced. Sam is a perfect example of speaking what’s real and challenging beliefs that do not benefit the people. I really love this post, my friend. Really powerful and well done!
Love it Laleh! So timely and so very true… throughout history, as I’ve mentioned to you before: the famous Martin Niemöller speech. Remember? I’ll leave this wonderfully profound quote too…
My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular. — Adlai Stevenson
Today that’s not the case when your mobster/mafia “leader” sounds like a broken-record, “You’re FIRED! You’re FIRED! You’re FIRED! FBI? YOU’RE FIRED TOO! Intelligence Agencies and Homeland Security? YOU’RE FIRED TOO! Freedom of the Press? YOU’RE DEFINITELY FIRED and AN ENEMY OF THE STATE!!!! Is there anyone else I can fire? I get giddy and aroused when I scream that repeatedly.”
Talk about everything that is NOT in the spirit of our Constitution, this attitude and mentality is off the charts. 😔
I like that your stories don’t always have happy endings. Life is like that, unfortunately. Stories are quite sobering – it’s easy to live in blisfull ignorance.
I’ve read about your book a few times when I came to your site, and again today. With so much going on the world people, especially Americans, live in a cocoon. They really don’t know what is going on in the world. If they can read about it in 5 second blurb they don’t have the attention dosh to absorb it. So often on my social media sites I try to educate people about what is happening but I don’t make much headway. People are stuck in their half truths and don’t want to know. That being said I know I am woefully ignorant about the truth of what goes on in countries of the middle east except to know that women are rarely treated with equality. I want to get your book, tomorrow when I crawl out of my bed where I am reading right. ( writing it down now so make me remember!)
Also, I know the labor of love that goes into writing and promoting a book you believe in. It is important that authors and writers support and share the work of others. Without that support means there will be people who never get the chance to read it. So look for a sale from me tomorrow. If it is as good as it appears to be I will hapy to it with my followers. share
You are so kind my dear friend. Thanks for your support and kind words. I hope you like my book. The purpose of writing this book was for the world to know what really is going on, and this is only a drop in an Ocean of cruelty. Can’t wait to read your review. <3
You write so well and the message u get across is strong. I am so inspired by your words. Currently I am also writing on free speech (law on free speech in India) and will be posting it soon
A timeless story we all need to ponder. Thanks so much for sharing it. Fear remains a motivator to all of humanity and it is often only the brave ones who speak up. Your story gives us all fair warning. America’s first president had something to say about it–“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
― George Washington
This is so scary, even as we see freedom of speech under attack in the United States and around the world; however, when this happens even in the United States, how does the rest of the world keep up their hope?
Thanks for liking my piece on the word ‘Labyrinth’ Laleh. My eyes are filled with tears on reading your piece about freedom of speech. Nowhere’s perfect…but we are so lucky to have that in the West. All credit to you. Take care. Hugs Joy xx .
Amazing story Laleh…if you spread this story to a big mass, they’ll get benefit. You see, your story is short but it has a vast impact. Thank you so much.🤗
This story is one that plays out in many places in the world. Sam was “disappeared”. Tens of thousands of people have been disappeared in South American countries and many other countries in the world. Thank you for another meaningful story Laleh.
The leader of an unjust land gathered everyone weekly in the town square.
People had to show up to respect the leader, or there would be consequences and people didn’t want to get in trouble.
The leader always talked about great things like freedom of thought, speech, choice, and dreams, but the civilians never saw those things.
Then at the end of each speech, the leader invited people to talk freely and share their thoughts if they disagreed with any part of his speech. The leader insisted that he loved to hear about it to be able to fix it. However, out of thousands of people, not one ever dared to speak up. Until a man named Samad finally did ask, one day.
Samad said: “We have a rich land full of gold mines, we make tons of money here. Why don’t we have enough schools, hospitals, and retirement? Why can’t females …?”
The leader interrupted: “You see dear people feel free to talk. It is a free land and you all have the right to share your thoughts. I thank Samad for mentioning all these things that Samad has forgotten we already have.”
The speech finished mysteriously. Everyone started looking at each other and talked with their eyes. They were wondering what had happened, what a brave man Samad was. He asked questions that they all had wanted to ask for so long. He was stopped in the middle, but at least he asked important questions.
This encouraged people to ask questions in the following week’s Congregation.
When it was time for the gathering, the leader began his speech with the same old lies and encouraged people to talk freely.
Everyone looked around to see Samad, the brave man, but couldn’t find him. No one dared to ask any questions that day.
Weeks passed and Samad was never seen again. Once again, out of thousands of people, no one dared to speak up.
Such things never cease, do they? Democracy is very messy, but what a blessing!
True. It sure is. Thanks dear for reading and commenting.<3
True that. Truths are only appriciate when they serve your vested interests.
I know what you mean. Thanks for reading and commenting.<3
You are welcome.
<3
Is it written as ” aajadi ae bayan”.
Ah! That’s sad.
Yes it is and we can’t do anything about it. Thanks dear for sharing your thoughts.<3
“It’s a saying they have, that a man has a false heart in his mouth for the world to see, another in his breast to show to his special friends and his family, and the real one, the true one, the secret one, which is never known to anyone except to himself alone…” James Clavell,
Thanks for sharing such a great saying dear.<3
This post could not be more timely. Current events in Turkey with the “disappearance” of a Washington Post journalist and only yesterday a journalist silenced in the US. As always your stories have depth and meaning as well as being entertaining to read.
You are so sweet Anne. Not only in Turkey, all middle east, Africa, South America, North Korea and not to mention the rest of the world.<3
Thank you very much.
<3
Our freedom is but an illusion.
Exactly. Thank you sweet Rosaliene.<3
Wow. So really, their voices weren’t even respected. Wow…powerful.
Roshonda dear thanks so much for reading and commenting.<3
Sad but true!
I know. Thanks dear so much for your visit.<3
My pleasure…🙂
<3
Absolutely amazing piece!
Thank you dear.<3
For some people, the only truth that matters is the truth that goes in line with what they want to hear. Speak what’s real and go against the status quo and you’ll be silenced. Sam is a perfect example of speaking what’s real and challenging beliefs that do not benefit the people. I really love this post, my friend. Really powerful and well done!
Thanks so much Manessah dear for reading and sharing your thoughts.<3
You are very welcome, Laleh. 🙂
<3
The uncomfortable person dies. The ruler is a deceitful cheater and murderer. Man learns that honesty is unpaid.
Thanks darling for your visit and comment.<3
Happening even today. Sad but true. Freedom of speech is quickly becoming a thing of the past, even in our western countries.
Thank you Laleh.
Thank you Crissy dear. Yes that’s so unfortunate.<3
Love it Laleh! So timely and so very true… throughout history, as I’ve mentioned to you before: the famous Martin Niemöller speech. Remember? I’ll leave this wonderfully profound quote too…
Today that’s not the case when your mobster/mafia “leader” sounds like a broken-record, “You’re FIRED! You’re FIRED! You’re FIRED! FBI? YOU’RE FIRED TOO! Intelligence Agencies and Homeland Security? YOU’RE FIRED TOO! Freedom of the Press? YOU’RE DEFINITELY FIRED and AN ENEMY OF THE STATE!!!! Is there anyone else I can fire? I get giddy and aroused when I scream that repeatedly.”
Talk about everything that is NOT in the spirit of our Constitution, this attitude and mentality is off the charts. 😔
Thanks dear friend for always sharing these valuable quotes. Appreciate it.<3
This reminds me so much of somebody we all know…..!
😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks lovely ❤️
Laleh,
Brilliant and powerful, as per usual.
Freedoms do not belong to the few but to the many, and I think it’s easy to forget this even though we shouldn’t. We can’t afford to.
Thanks so much dear for your kind words.❤️
Una lettura emozionante! grazie.
shera🌷
Thanks dear ❤️
All my thanks to you 💙
❤️
https://superduque777.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/red-lily.jpg?w=950
❤️
https://superduque777.files.wordpress.com/2018/09/digital-art-painting.jpg
Beautiful.❤️
I like that your stories don’t always have happy endings. Life is like that, unfortunately. Stories are quite sobering – it’s easy to live in blisfull ignorance.
Life is so unfair, unfortunately. Thanks for reading dear and commenting.❤️
Very nice. Thanks
Appreciate your visit dear.❤️
Been a problem in many places, in one degree or another. Good thing there are blogs now, though. 🙂 (I hope the internet connection is OK there). >-I
True, people can talk this way, as long as they are not living in those countries. Thanks dear for reading and commenting.<3
I’ve read about your book a few times when I came to your site, and again today. With so much going on the world people, especially Americans, live in a cocoon. They really don’t know what is going on in the world. If they can read about it in 5 second blurb they don’t have the attention dosh to absorb it. So often on my social media sites I try to educate people about what is happening but I don’t make much headway. People are stuck in their half truths and don’t want to know. That being said I know I am woefully ignorant about the truth of what goes on in countries of the middle east except to know that women are rarely treated with equality. I want to get your book, tomorrow when I crawl out of my bed where I am reading right. ( writing it down now so make me remember!)
Also, I know the labor of love that goes into writing and promoting a book you believe in. It is important that authors and writers support and share the work of others. Without that support means there will be people who never get the chance to read it. So look for a sale from me tomorrow. If it is as good as it appears to be I will hapy to it with my followers. share
You are so kind my dear friend. Thanks for your support and kind words. I hope you like my book. The purpose of writing this book was for the world to know what really is going on, and this is only a drop in an Ocean of cruelty. Can’t wait to read your review. <3
So much sad thing in Iraan.
Sure is. Thanks dear.<3
Oh.welcome,dear!!🤔
<3
Ouch too close a parallel to what is going down in our current “democracies” … good one Laleh!
Lol. So true Kate dear. Thanks so much for your visit.❤️
lol sorry for being absent so long … had net connection difficulties with my move 🙂
Great to have you.❤️
Those of us who live in lands where we can express ourselves should be thankful. We need to keep working at it to ensure it is not frittered away.
So true, we can remind the world what our friends and families are going through. Thanks Ankur dear.<3
You write so well and the message u get across is strong. I am so inspired by your words. Currently I am also writing on free speech (law on free speech in India) and will be posting it soon
Thank you very much. It’s wonderful Atul dear to be able to speak freely. I will read it.<3
A timeless story we all need to ponder. Thanks so much for sharing it. Fear remains a motivator to all of humanity and it is often only the brave ones who speak up. Your story gives us all fair warning. America’s first president had something to say about it–“If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.”
― George Washington
Thanks darling for reading and sharing your wonderful thoughts. Great quote.<3
My pleasure, Laleh. Have a wonderful week, my friend! <3
You too dear.❤️
Your parables teach other people.
I welcome you cordially.
That means a lot dear, appreciate it.<3
This is so scary, even as we see freedom of speech under attack in the United States and around the world; however, when this happens even in the United States, how does the rest of the world keep up their hope?
Exactly. No one could really speak freely. Thanks Janet dear.❤️
Thanks for liking my piece on the word ‘Labyrinth’ Laleh. My eyes are filled with tears on reading your piece about freedom of speech. Nowhere’s perfect…but we are so lucky to have that in the West. All credit to you. Take care. Hugs Joy xx .
You are so very kind my dear friend. Appreciate your kind words.<3
Reblogged this on Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News.
Thanks dear.🌺
tis a litany
iran, iraq
syria
north korea
all of the russias
most of africa
arab lands
so shah or the religion
free
to be
brave
and offed
ala khasoggi
🙏❤️
Reblogged this on B +Ve!!.
Appreciate it dear.🌺
Thank you!🙏
Amazing story Laleh…if you spread this story to a big mass, they’ll get benefit. You see, your story is short but it has a vast impact. Thank you so much.🤗
Appreciate your kindness dear.🌹
Sometimes freedom of speech has to be fought for!
True, but unfortunately we truly don’t have the freedom of speech in the world.🌺
A fable beautifully told, but so true in many lands. We must cherish the freedom of speech we have where we live. Glad to have found your site.
Appreciate your kindness dear.🙏🌺
This story is one that plays out in many places in the world. Sam was “disappeared”. Tens of thousands of people have been disappeared in South American countries and many other countries in the world. Thank you for another meaningful story Laleh.
Unfortunately millions in Asia🥺 thanks so much Anne, appreciate it.❤️
Great story Laleh, Probably taking place closer to us than we think.
Thanks Crissy, it’s so unfortunate that freedom is just a dream in many countries.❤️
Too right I am afraid
Keep safe Laleh
❤️
So poignant. Here we have a poet who have been missing since late 1998.
And millions more all around the world.🥺🥺🥺
Reblogged this on worldtraveller70.
Thank you dear.
Leaders don’t like other to make as same they are.they have to kill the freedom of speech.so sad.
Thanks so much dear.🙏🌷❤️
You are most welcome forever,my dear Laleh🌷🌷🌷🌷💞💞💞💞
❤️❤️❤️
💖