
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is leaving the Daily Show. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to survive the 2016 presidential election without my touchstone of sanity – Jon Stewart. In my book the man is brilliant. He never misses a beat and there are no better moments on television than when he points the finger of hypocrisy at those so deserving.
The Insanity of Mass Media
It’s hard to escape the insanity of the mass media, especially with an upcoming election and candidates trying to out Trump, Trump. Is that even possible? Will the U.S. be the laughing stock of the entire world if our country elects a President with the worst comb over in history? How can Jon leave me now?
Aside from the election, I don’t think there’s a hotter topic in the news right now than the Iran Nuclear Talks, which has led to quite a bit of trepidation on my part when it comes to writing about our 3 weeks in Iran. Once we returned home from 13 weeks on the road, I was hesitant to begin writing the Putting a Face on Iran series. They’re our stories to tell, but given the global news these days, I wasn’t certain as to how well-received our stories would be.
Lessons Learned
I learned a lot while in Iran; not only about the country and its people, but about myself. The more I travel the more I learn. But with that being said, I can’t even begin to sort through the decades of history with the given situation in the Middle East and the not so innocent role of the U.S. I don’t think I even want to because it’s so convoluted. Don’t you love that word? Convoluted. I decided instead to tell the personal stories of the people of Iran because it’s the people who taught me the most and they are the ones caught in the crossfires. These are the stories I hope, in some small way, will help dispel some of the untruths.
Political Grandstanding
Admittedly, I am a bit passionate when it comes to the people of Iran. A former U.S. president once labeled Iran as an evil country. That in itself is a bit evil. Don’t you think? When I see the in your face commercials and listen to the political grandstanding, my heart goes out to the people of Iran who are just trying to live their lives given the circumstances. Isn’t that what we’re all trying to do?
Jon Stewart is leaving the Daily Show, but before he leaves me us, here’s a few minutes of Jon on point.
Good post Patti, I’m glad it didn’t put you off doing your post on the faces of Iran. Politics and people can be separated, just because we don’t agree with a regime doesn’t mean that the people are evil. Every post I’ve ever read about Iran bloggers mention how gracious and friendly the people are. I’ve got a Spanish language post on Cuba on my blog (where I don’t even mention politics) and I get hate mail from angry latinos, especially Venezuelans. My point; don’t hate them because of their politics.
It’s usually the same people who would vote for buffoons like Trump. I’m not against some of his policies, but they guy is a blowhard and I’m surprised by how low he sinks. Says a lot about people when they eat it up and love that…I guess a sign of the times.
I always love political satire and I’ll miss Jon Stewart too.
Frank (bbqboy)
Frank recently posted…Highlights of our first year of Full-time Travel (and our favorite photos)
Thank you, Frank, for your thoughtful comment. It’s the point I’ve been trying to make through my posts.
Love Jon Stewart Too. Damn our country needs him.
I know, he’s a rare talent!
This man is a genius, I loved this clip and I am now a fan. I hope you will continue to tell the stories about Iran and its people.

Gilda Baxter recently posted…Glamping at Cheddar Gorge, England
Jon is going to be missed in this household but we’re excited to see what’s next for him. I have a few more Iran posts in me, no worries!