Let your opponents express criticisms and opposing viewpoints
My next word of advice is that we should attach significance to national unity. Whatever we have is because of the unity and solidarity of the people with themselves and with the government officials of the country. You should preserve this unity. No uproar should be created. No harmful duality should be created. The people have different tastes and viewpoints. Very well, we should allow the people to lead a peaceful life together despite their various tastes and viewpoints. Different tastes and viewpoints do not necessarily mean exchanging blows and being in conflict with one another. They can lead a good life next to one another and they can have various opinions. Therefore, no tumult and uproar should be created.
You should not be enraged at opposing viewpoints. If opponents have certain opinions and criticisms, let them express those criticisms and opposing viewpoints. One should not become irritated. After all, these are heavy tasks, but our shortcomings are not few in number. Some people might criticize us because of these shortcomings. Therefore, we should accept – in other words, tolerate – criticism. We should tolerate criticism.
You should go among the people. You should connect with the people without any go-betweens. You should listen to them. This is one of the most important tasks! Although the reports that we receive might be sincere and genuine, they are very different from what we see when we face the people and meet with them directly.
Differences of opinions, behaviors and tastes are a source of strength
The principles of the Revolution are the principles of Islam. They are based on the Constitution and Imam's (r.a.) guidelines and testament. They are based on the general policies of the Islamic Republic.
In the Constitution, it has been specified that these general policies should be formulated. Within this framework, differences of opinion, behavior and taste are not a flaw. Rather, they are a strong point. Within this framework, not only are they not harmful, but they are also beneficial and valuable. This is one issue.
In the arena of such differences, the Islamic Republic does not confront anyone. The Islamic Republic has no problem with those people who act within the framework of principles and who are not after showing violence, compromising the security of society and shattering peace in it - these are some wrongdoings which are committed by spreading lies and rumors.
There are a number of opponents who have certain opinions and who express them in a peaceful way. Therefore, the Islamic Republic will not confront these opponents. The Islamic Republic is after maximum inclusion and minimum exclusion. Everyone should pay attention that this is the method of the Islamic Republic. Those who have different opinions from the official opinions of the Islamic Republic can compare their opinions within this framework. The Islamic Republic has to stand up against those people who confront the principles of the Islamic republic and who are opposed to the security of the people.
