Below was author's response to a mailing received from National Iranian American Council [1] to all its members on successful initiatives taken in 2008:

Dear friends at NIAC,

As a long time member, I congratulate and continue to appreciate and support the good work you're doing on behalf of the Iranian-American community. However I'm a bit dismayed by the insistence to inform the public about "Iran's human rights violations". Exactly which population is NIAC trying to "educate"?

As an organization representing the interests of Americans of Iranian heritage, shouldn't NIAC's focus be on such violations by this government? Respect for universal human rights begins at home and not through PR campaigns to promote such rights in Iran
or any other country. In the past several years, we've witnessed a massive erosion of civil and political rights that have proven hollow for both citizens and non-citizens who've suffered from U.S. policies and actions here and abroad.

Please take some time and read this report [2] by the American Civil Liberties Union for the United Nations Human Rights Committee documenting U.S.' pathetic record on human rights in all areas including national security, women's rights, racial justice, immigrants' rights and religious freedom.

I'm by no means suggesting that NIAC should stop holding the Iranian government responsible for adhering to universally recognized human rights principles, but that accountability MUST begin with the country that is hosting its membership.

Thank you for your attention.

Best wishes and Happy Holidays.