The ABC reports that Riot police break up Tehran memorial

Iranian police have used tear gas and batons against thousands of mourners who staged a graveside ceremony for those killed in the recent post-election violence.

As many as 2,000 people gathered at Tehran’s main cemetery to remember those killed in the wave of protests since last month’s election.

Witnesses say many of those who gathered at the cemetery were beaten and arrested as the police moved in and took them away.

Amateur video showed riot police and pro-government militia used sticks, batons and teargas to break up the crowd. Some mourners fought back with rocks. Many were beaten and driven away.

The memorial marked the 40th day since the death of a young woman, Neda Agha Soltan, whose death at a post-election protest shocked the world after footage of her final moments was put on the internet.

The observance of the fortieth day is an ancient religious tradition in Islamic culture and the “Islamic” government of Iran refused to allow this young woman’s family and friends to observe the traditional rituals associated with her death. You have to wonder how many more religious requirements will be deemed as a danger to the current leaders?

The main reason that the “church” and the “state” must be kept separate is that throughout history the “church” always ends up corrupted by the association.

Piyush was in the area not running for President and I missed him.

The Times Picayune reports:

After a three-month break mandated by state law, Gov. Bobby Jindal will resume raising money for his re-election campaign today with an event in Destin, Fla.

The fund-raiser is being hosted by the Louisiana chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, and follows a speech that Jindal is giving to the group, which is holding its 2009 convention in the popular vacation destination.

Well, at least we are getting some tax revenue from the visit, which will help the county budget. Although we are in better shape than many counties because of state and federal actions. We didn’t have to lay off anyone from the Sheriff’s Office because of all of the arrests by the Feds, and the state arrests of other local officials are being tried in the state capital in Leon County, so we don’t have to pay those costs. Things could be worse. 😈