Looking Back to 1984

I read this from the New York Times this afternoon:

"Iran’s leadership says it is determined to maintain control of the streets on the anniversary of the revolution, one of the most emotionally charged days in the Iranian calendar. In this smoldering political conflict, the leadership of the opposition and the government have both tried to lay claim to the revolution, with each accusing the other of straying from the path charted by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Iranian officials often rely on large crowds of people — many of them paid by the state, the opposition charges — to prove the regime’s legitimacy, and on Thursday — a day steeped in symbols and myths — the streets are likely to be filled with those who support the state."
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/world/middleeast/10arrests.html?partner=rss&emc=rss


I couldn't help but be reminded of 1984.  Doesn't it sound like the organized Hate.  In fact, the entire article is littered with situations like those of the book.  A little disconcerting to have something seemingly very fictional and distant become so real and close to home.