(To see photos of downtown Tehran and two banks that somebody else has already robbed, go to my blog)
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Global Exchange is an American organization that sponsors friendship-engendering, people-to-people tours of some of the world's most controversial hot-spots -- places like Cuba, North Korea, Palestine and Afghanistan. And someday, when Iraq is finally stabilized to the point where outside visitors might feel safe enough to travel behind its wannabe "Iron Curtain," I bet that Global Exchange will start up its tours of Iraq once again. In fact, I imagine that the first way that we will truly believe that peace has finally come to that poor war-torn region won't be when George Bush or John McCain delivers yet another phony TV speech telling us that Iraq is now perfectly safe. No, it will be when Global Exchange announces that it is once again offering its guided tours of Baghdad. But I digress.
"We have just set up a tour of Iran for this October," said GX's tour coordinator. "Interested in going on it?" You bet!
"October would be perfect," I replied, "because Madame Jane has predicted that Bush won't bomb Tehran until November or December." But how in the world am I going to pay for this tour? I know! I'll go rob a bank.
You are probably thinking that said bank robbery would include stuff like shotguns and ski masks and getaway cars and video surveillance cameras. No way. That kind of bank robbery is SO old school, so out-of-date! No, I'm going to rob these banks the NEW way, the way that the Bush family does it. I'm gonna go apply for a job with the Federal Reserve. Or Bear-Stearns.
Iran here I come!
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Here's some info on the GX tour to Iran: Iran: Citizen Diplomacy, October 13, 2007 to October 26, 2007. Why a Reality Tour to Iran? Did you know that more than half of Iran's university students are women? That Iranian films are considered among the best in the world? Or that despite censorship, most Iranians openly express their views about their government? Since the 1979 Revolution and overthrow of the US-backed Shah, Iran and the United States have severed ties and few Americans visit Iran to explore the country's rich historic legacy and the complexity of its society.
Contrary to popular Western perception, the vast majority of Iranians are eager to rebuild relations with the United States and are extremely hospitable to Americans. In this time of increased political tension between the US and Iran, American travel to this misunderstood country helps establish the people-to-people ties that facilitate understanding and peace between the countries.
Join Global Exchange's Reality Tour to Iran and: Learn about women's advances and struggles under the Revolutionary government and the work of non-governmental organizations. Explore Iranian poetry, music and bazaars. Experience the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian people. Embrace the beauty of Iran's mosques, palaces and natural landscape. Become fascinated by Persian history on a journey from modern-day Tehran to ancient cities.
Stillwater is a freelance writer who hates injustice and corruption in any form but especially injustice and corruption paid for by American taxpayers. She has recently published a book entitled, "Bring Your Own Flak Jacket: Helpful Tips For Touring Today's Middle East". According to Ms. Stillwater, "It's a fabulous and entertaining book. I loved writing it. And I hope that you will love reading it too." It's available at http://www.amazon.com/Bring-Your-Own-Flak-Jacket/dp/0978615719 or you can special order it at any independent bookstore.
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