Neda: A Martyr, a Victim, a Child

Her name was Neda. We can hear the grief and shock of her father calling her name as she dies, her life's blood spilled by the shot of a gunman. She was watching the protests, but was not participating. Her crimes, as they are listed:

• Being too innocent of the danger of what she did.
• Being in public.
• Standing on the same street as protesters.

When someone dies an innocent bystander, it it always tragic. We see the graphic reality of violence, the blood spilling as it fills her inside to the point it cannot be contained. She is dead quickly, a mercy for which we can only be thankful. I can only shed tears at the tragic suddenness of her passing, with her father right there. No parent should have to outlive a child.

Her name has become a battle-cry in the streets: "Remember Neda," they call. And at least 24 web sites that I've personally seen carry her name.

We will all remember Neda. Those of us who saw will remember her whether we want to or not. We hope that those who committed such an act understand that this only furthers the resolve of those who are resisting. Violence cannot be a solution when there is a nation based on the principles of Peace.

We can only pray for you for now. But we must ensure that things of this nature do not happen again.