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The comparison with Rachel Corrie is interesting. I was too self-absorbed at the time to be very much aware of what was going on in the wider world, so most of what I know about Ms. Corrie's situation comes from what I've read today. My understanding may not be complete.
The key difference I see is that Ms. Corrie was an American citizen getting involved. Certainly I don't think that lessens the significance of her actions, but it does enable a certain faction to portray her as 'spoiled little rich girl sticking her nose where it doesn't belong.'
There's also the fact that the Israel/Palestine situation is much more volatile than the one in Iran.
According to my reading, Neda wasn't particularly for any particular candidate, but was very much for democratic freedom and was invested in the Reformist movement. At the time of her death she was planning to participate in the protest, but had not arrived at the main event itself.
It all comes through media filters, naturally. There's a part of me that thinks that the whole situation would be an even more powerful statement if Neda wasn't politically motivated. Simply being shot as a bystander by the Basij, by sheer virtue of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
There's a part of me that feels a bit dirty making these comments. Goes back to Charlatan's observation.
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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said
- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
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