Of the millions of words spilled over Middle East policy in the past six months, some of the wisest came this week from Senator Brownback of Kansas in introducing legislation to provide $50 million to aid democracy activists in Iran:

“Allow me to share some facts with you — which you may not be aware of, because so much of our national focus has been on Iraq, rather than on the incredible events going on inside Iran. This is information I’ve received from numerous Iranian Americans with contacts and family inside Iran,” he said.

“The majority of Iran — nearly 70% of its population, are young people under the age of 30. The Islamic Regime is the only reality they’ve ever known. As a result, they rightfully blame the regime for the abhorrent human rights abuses and tyranny that make up their daily lives. Let me say it again — they blame the regime, not America,” Mr. Brownback said.

“To Iranians today, America is a beacon of freedom — the only Western power to stand up to the regime with tough sanctions. Unlike the Europeans, who continue to trade with the regime, America has drawn a line — and the university students, who are protesting by the millions, know this. This is why after Sept. 11 th it was Iranians who held candlelight vigils mourning the tragedy in America,” Mr. Brownback said.

“This is a crucial time. History will judge us by what we do right now. We do not need to make Iran a military target — that is the whole point of this amendment. The Iranian people want to take their country back — and are in the process of doing so. If we try to engage a dying regime, one that stones its people, that gives death sentences for speaking out, that supports and exports terrorism around the world — we will surely prove ourselves the worst possible hypocrites,” the senator said. “We must actively support the democracy dissidents in their push for a referendum — for a whole new government. This is not only the right thing to do — the moral thing to do — it is what is best for America’s security. Iran is projected to have nuclear weapons by 2005. Iran is possibly the largest statesponsor of terrorism in the world. We cannot afford to make a deal with people who will not honor it and cannot bring reform.”

One can quibble about whether Mr. Brownback’s plan to create an independent foundation funded through the State Department is the best tactic to bring about change; our own preference would be to give the task to the Department of Defense. Still, it’s not as if the naysayers in the Senate or at the Department of State are rushing out their own plans to free Iran. The faster the Senate swings behind some version of the Brownback plan, the greater the chances for increased freedom in Iran and increased security for America.

It was only five years ago, after all, that Mr. Brownback and his colleagues passed the Iraq Liberation Act. Astounding things happened as a result. It was an instance of the Congress getting ahead of the executive branch, which, back in 1998, was botching Iraq policy. It’s nice to see Congress is starting to ferment on the Iran issue, too, especially in view of how the Bush administration has neglected the issue. The events of this week make it clear that when freedom does break out, whether it’s in Baghdad or, we hope someday soon, in Tehran, it’s an awesome sight.