7/5: Iranian motorcyclist

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Here you see an Iranian carting his entire family somewhere.

The world is an interesting place. The western world looks at Iran with its fundamentalist approach and wonders how anyone could live in such a strict country.

And yet, if this scene were to take place where I live, the family would be pulled over so fast, so immediately, that they probably wouldn't make it one mile.

Where I live, even a single rider isn't allowed to ride without a helmet. A lot of the bikers have made it a point to rally against this law, saying that they should be the ones to make that choice. And so, even riders who would never ride without a hat are demanding the ability to ride without one.

In Iran, that freedom is taken for granted.

Most likely because the cops are protecting me, as a citizen, not desiring to be hit crossing the road by a driver who can't quite see over the 2 people in front of him. Or as another concerned driver, not quite wanting to have him pull out in front of me. It's not always for their own protection that laws like that are enforced (is it a law even?), but rather for mine.

As far as the helmet thing is concerned.. well, um.. I guess I can't say too much since it really doesn't hurt anyone. I've always been of the opinion that laws should be made around the people, not around the lawmakers. And what I mean by that is if both parties agree, to anything, it should be legal. S&M, pot, helmets, certain sexual practices, etc. Of course this means that the party(ies) involved be ABLE to make choices like that (insanity, youth, etc).

cd

The maximum i've seen one one bike is 8! (Vietnam)
The biggest factor here is poverty...Iran i beleive (based on everyhting i hav read) wll slowly change, the catchphrase i believe is evolution not revolution as there is a growing backalsh accross the board to the extreme rule of the nonelected fundamentalist leaders which is growing with every new outrage (singles are no longer allowed in amusement parks to stop them meeting each other) but it will take time....