Rock the vote - global

Another souvenir received: my Persian identity card complete with black scarfed head shot and my birthdate listed in the year 1352 by the Iranian calendar.
Intimidating in it's official Islamic Republic red government jacket and stamp - and yet liberating, giving me the right to vote, to get a driver's license, to own property, to start a business, and even run for Parliament in Iran (if I was so inclined and could master the art of diplomacy in Farsi).

The identity card provides my citizen number, a list of my family members (currently limited to Hamid with space for more babies than I can imagine producing in a single lifetime), and a card to record any issues I vote on.

Now I am American and Persian. No small feat considering the current state of affairs.

While we were visiting the Iranian Consulate we submitted the papers necessary to acquire my Persian passport. If that is issued, then and only then will I be allowed to enter the country again.
There are no more visas for American tourists, at least not right now, which is too bad really - I hear Iran is gorgeous this time of year.