We're good. You're evil.

That's the message we're giving the man on the street in Iran. If I were that man, would I believe that assertion? These might be some of my thoughts.

You say that my country is not really a democracy; I have very little say, if any, in how my country is run. Well, in 2000 a handful of judges decided who your next president would be, rather than waiting until all the votes were counted. How often is an incumbent unseated in your country? Did I have more freedom when the Shah, who was put in by America, was in power?

You say that we should not have the capability of making nuclear weapons. Why do Israel, Pakistan and India have that ability? What country has actually used nuclear weapons? What measures are being taken to ensure that Russia's weapons do not fall into the hands of terrorists? What country will be detonating a 700 ton bomb in June?

You say that my country is ruled by religious leaders. Is your decision to require abstinence in countries before you will grant them funds to fight AIDS a scientific or religious decision? How often have our leaders claimed that they have spoken with God?

You claim to be a country of laws, not of men. Why is there a US prison in Cuba? Why were so many of these prisoners not caught on a battlefield but turned in to get a bounty? Why are they being held for so long without a hearing? Why have you shipped suspected terrorists to countries where torture is allowed? Why did you not allow Dubai to invest in your ports after it had met all the legal requirements?

You want us to obey international conventions. What country defied the UN when it invaded Iraq? What country has invaded soveriegn countries in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East in order to bring them 'freedom'?

You're good? I'm evil? Should I believe that?