Dear Dr. Ahmadinejad,

Today you wrote me a letter, the text is found on MSNBC.COM. Thank you for your concern with all of us who are God Fearing. Since we are pen pals now, I am writing you in return. First off, the formalities. Al-salaam-alaikum, halet chetore?

In your letter you wrote a few things that I would like to comment on, and ask a few questions of my own.

Both [of our countries] greatly value and readily embrace the promotion of human deals such as compassion, empathy, respect for the rights of human beings, securing justice and equity, and defending the innocent and the weak against oppressors and bullies.

We all deplore injustice, the trampling of peoples' rights and the intimidation and humiliation of human beings.

May I ask then, why is it that you have state control over the media, and have banned high speed internet access to your citizens? Why also have you banned western music and dancing? If you feel we should protect the weak, why do you help al-Sadr murder innocent Sunna muslims?

You also say:

Hundreds of thousands of my Iranian compatriots are living amongst you in friendship and peace, and are contributing positively to your society. Our people have been in contact with you over the past many years and have maintained these contacts despite the unnecessary restrictions of US authorities.

I have to agree with you there. The real question is, why do they try so hard to get out of Iran? Why is it that my good Irani friend has told me time and time again that you were a horrible man? Why does he fight so hard for his wife and children to come away from there?

The legitimacy, power and influence of a government do not emanate from its arsenals of tanks, fighter aircrafts, missiles or nuclear weapons. Legitimacy and influence reside in sound logic, quest for justice and compassion and empathy for all humanity. The global position of the United States is in all probability weakened because the administration has continued to resort to force, to conceal the truth, and to mislead the American people about its policies and practices.

If that is the case, why do you constantly test your new missiles, and why are you trying to get nuclear weapons? Where is your compassion and empathy for the people your own government has helped kill in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Iraq?

Now that Iraq has a Constitution and an independent Assembly and Government, would it not be more beneficial to bring the US officers and soldiers home, and to spend the astronomical US military expenditures in Iraq for the welfare and prosperity of the American people?

That is a simple answer, we aren't done yet. There are still suicide bombers killing people everyday, and our compassion and empathy won't let us leave in good conscience knowing that things would be worse the day we were gone.

Dr. Ahmadinejad, how I wish you would follow your own advice...if:

It is possible to govern based on an approach that is distinctly different from one of coercion, force and injustice.
It is possible to provide welfare and prosperity without tension, threats, imposition or war.

Then why do you call for Israel to be wiped off the map? Why can you not try to help the region find peace, instead of threaten them with war? You threaten us with war, people in your country chant "Death to America" every friday at their prayers. That is not Islam. The root of the word Islam, in Arabic, is S L M. Salaam. Peace. Not death.

It is possible to lead the world towards the aspired perfection by adhering to unity, monotheism, morality and spirituality and drawing upon the teachings of the Divine Prophets.

Is it? Israel is a state of Monotheism. It is a state that follows Moses, one of the Divine Prophets, just like Jesus, and Mohammed salla Allahu alaihi wa-sallam. Yet, you call for their destruction. America is a country of religious freedom, but it was founded by People of the Book, and yet you call for our destruction...

I am confident that you, the American people, will play an instrumental role in the establishment of justice and spirituality throughout the world. The promises of the Almighty and His prophets will certainly be realized, Justice and Truth will prevail and all nations will live a true life in a climate replete with love, compassion and fraternity.

Finally, one thing you have said that makes absolute sense. We will play an instrumental role. We will secure Iraq, we will fight terrorism and evil with liberty and justice for all.

Hada Hafez Doktoor Ahmadinejad

T. Mitchell

Future Presidential Candidate of America