SF Chronicle: Iranian Islamofascism = "Conservative and tradition-bound"

I loved this intro paragraph of a special feature in the SF Chronicle:

In June, Sean Penn and two friends traveled to Tehran. It was Penn's first trip to the country. What he found was a culture in conflict. Although the nation is ruled by a very conservative, tradition-bound government, Penn talked to many younger Iranians who have a strong interest in Western culture and want heir own country to liberalize its policies on individual rights.

(emphasis mine). Gee, sounds like the GOP is in charge in Iran, doesn't it? Indeed, San Franciscans may not be able to discern a difference. As I read Penn's profound observations (cough, cough) from his trip, the absurdity of his comparisons between Iran and the U.S. was breathtaking . . . the entire country does not allow the sale of alcohol; women on the plane were told to put on head-coverings before leaving the plane; no cell phone use; credit cards are against the law . . . but to today's Democrat party, Dubya's America is practically a mullahcracy!!!