Victory for Tim Ballard and Operation Underground Railroad: A Step Toward Justice
By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and someone who has seen firsthand the damage caused by corruption and deceit in both religious and political institutions, I know what it means to fight against false accusations. Recently, a Utah judge dismissed one of the lawsuits against Tim Ballard and Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), a significant victory for Ballard and his mission to combat human trafficking.
This dismissal not only restores faith in the justice system but also highlights the lengths to which detractors will go to undermine those who stand against evil. Ballard’s work with OUR has been instrumental in rescuing countless children from the grips of modern slavery, a cause that should unite people from all backgrounds. Instead, it has made him a target for those with ulterior motives.
False Allegations: A Tactic of the Enemy
Throughout history, those who stand for truth and righteousness have faced relentless attacks. As a former CAIR executive and socialist, I witnessed how accusations, often baseless, are used as weapons to silence and discredit individuals. These tactics are not new—they are a hallmark of a society drifting from moral and spiritual foundations.
Tim Ballard’s mission through OUR has always been clear: to save children from the horrors of trafficking. Yet, some have sought to tarnish his reputation through legal and public smear campaigns. The recent dismissal of one lawsuit underscores the importance of critically evaluating accusations and not allowing justice to be swayed by public opinion or political agendas.
The Bigger Picture: Standing Against Modern-Day Slavery
Human trafficking is one of the most pressing moral crises of our time. According to the International Labour Organization, nearly 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021, with millions of children among them. Organizations like OUR play a crucial role in combating this epidemic, often working in dangerous and politically sensitive environments.
As someone who has lived through the tumult of Iranian revolution, witnessed state-sponsored oppression, and suffered the personal losses inflicted by tyranny, I am acutely aware of the importance of individuals and organizations who are willing to fight for the vulnerable. Ballard and OUR embody that fight, making the attacks against them not just personal affronts but also attempts to derail a broader movement of justice.
The Role of Faith in the Fight Against Evil
My journey from Islam to Christianity taught me that true freedom comes through Christ. It is this Christian worldview that inspires individuals like Tim Ballard to dedicate their lives to serving others. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Freemason, I see the values of service, charity, and integrity at the heart of Ballard’s mission.
The dismissal of this lawsuit is more than a legal victory; it is a reaffirmation of the power of truth. When justice prevails, it reminds us that even in a world rife with deception, righteousness can and will triumph.
Moving Forward: Supporting the Mission
Let this dismissal serve as a rallying cry for those who support the fight against human trafficking. Ballard and OUR have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, and it is incumbent upon all of us—regardless of faith, background, or political affiliation—to stand with them.
As an Iranian-American Christian conservative, I urge others to look beyond the headlines and focus on the real enemy: the global network of traffickers and exploiters who prey on the most vulnerable. Ballard’s work is a reminder that, with courage and faith, we can make a difference in the world.
Citations
- International Labour Organization, Global Estimates of Modern Slavery 2021. Retrieved from https://www.ilo.org/global/publications/books/WCMS_854733/lang--en/index.htm
- Fox News. “Judge Dismisses One of the Lawsuits Against Tim Ballard, OUR Founder.” November 2024. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com
- Operation Underground Railroad. “Mission and Impact.” Retrieved from https://www.ourrescue.org
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
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