WATCHING THE HUGE CROWDS in Tehran over the weekend, it was easy to imagine that a revolution was under way, but a revolution is not likely.
The angry young Iranians are convinced that Friday’s election was stolen by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The protests are apparently spontaneous demonstrations of that anger and conviction. But no core of revolutionary organization has become apparent. There may be the seed of revolution in Iran, but it has yet to become apparent.
The disappointing outcome of the election, whether legitimate or engineered, poses a big problem for the United States. President Barack Obama had hoped to have a new Iranian government to deal with — one less hostile to the United States. But Ahmadinejad is likely to take his re-election as a sign that people support his nuclear ambitions and his anti-American agenda. Now, it seems, whatever progress can be made in discouraging Iran’s construction of nuclear bombs will have to be made with Ahmadinejad in place.
At the same time, it is in the interests of the United States to send a strong signal of sympathy to the young protesters. These are the Iranians to whom the Obama administration has been reaching out as it tries to do an end run around Ahmadinejad and persuade the people of Iran that the United States is not an enemy, but a potentially useful friend. The size of the anti-Ahmadinejad protests is an indication that those efforts have had some success.
For the United States to turn its back on the young people now could condemn Iran to another generation of rigid theocracy. But challenging the legitimacy of the Ahmadinejad government could have the same effect. An open challenge to Ahmadinejad would make him more of a hero to his supporters and gain him the support of Iranian nationalists who don’t particularly care for him, but don’t want the United States telling them who to elect.
The young people in Tehran are not the only people in the world frustrated and angered by the re-election of Ahmadinejad. But, barring the intervention of the religious authorities who hold the ultimate power in Iran, the protesters are going to have to learn to live with their disappointment — as will the people of the United States.
Patrick S. Kelley
Editorial Page Editor
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Why don't we just ignore the problems in the middle east and proclaim peace like we did in the Clinton years. As they say, ignorance is bliss.
June 16, 2009 at 8:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
20 megaton nominal yield inter-continental ballistic missile.
June 17, 2009 at 4:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Great thinking! Lets Nuke them so we can all enjoy $10 a gallon gas! Lol I swear, reform health care or spend on domestic programs is no good, but when it comes to war the right can whip out that VISA like Harry and Nancy on crack LOL.
June 17, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
ROFLMAO goodoleboy!!! Terrific comment!
June 17, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Good idea seriouslyfolks. It worked before. Why not now?
June 17, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Never seen a war we coudn't afford. Besides, what's Haliburton going to do for income once we have to leave Iraq? I mean without another war in an oil rich country Haliburton will be hurting as bad as downtown Emporia bars following the smoking ban....and with Cheney being out of work and all.....why not lob a few nukes that direction.....it would be good for business.
June 17, 2009 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
How many wars did we enter into in the last century under a Dem ("left") president? WWI, WWII, Korean war, Vietnam war..... Gosh, I've gotta look up when VISA was first available...... looks like it's been awhile...... :)
What would GE do if Obama had not been elected?
http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?...
"Skullduggery"??????
June 17, 2009 at 1:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
no no no
Chaney = WWI, WWII, Korean war, Vietnam war
It was until recently thought that they were started by Bush but apparently the blame has been shifted conveniently to Chaney. I think that Bush still gets the blame for Katrina so he doesn't go home empty handed.
June 17, 2009 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Maybe GE continued to illegally do work with Iran (and hence become Obama's favorite company) to forment unrest with the regime there. Hey, slick move, Obama! Smart thinking! Now that I see the big picture I'm on your side!
Everyone knows that Katrina was caused by runaway Spinal Tap guitar solo's getting carried away and resonating until they built up and affected weather patterns. If only Logjam had been there to counteract the effects. Boston was orbiting another planet at the time in their famous guitar spaceship, and cannot be therefore held accountable in any way.
June 17, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"Everyone knows that Katrina was caused by runaway Spinal Tap guitar solo's getting carried away and resonating until they built up and affected weather patterns."
And who was on tambourine?????????????????????
That's "right"! George W. (the dubya) Bush! Coincidence? I think not!
Hey Mr.Tambourine man my foot!
June 17, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
open_eyes,
Speaking of Obama, did you see the breaking news on CNN of what he did today???? I couldn't believe it! A fly was bothering him so he killed it. It was truly amazing. I cannot wait until 60 Minutes does an investigative special on how he accomplished that feat of agility and strength.
Who cares about Obama breaking a law that he co-sponsored and firing an IG that was investigating an Obama fundraiser, we don't have time for that.
Obama could urinate on goodoleboy and biscuitboys head and tell them it was raining and they would believe it. Something tell's me they'd prefer the urine though.
June 17, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
There is a big difference between a war of obvious necessity such as the World Wars, and that of the Korean War (I concede this one) and the Vietnam War (LBJ and Nixon more than anything so I give it a draw).
Gulf war
Afghanistan War (Operation Enduring Freedom)
Iraq War
All are right wing wars.
As far as your article, sure there are dissenters, there always are. But to think that the billions of people on this planet and their activities are not having an effect on the environment is not logical. I go out and pollute my land, cut down trees it takes many years to replenish, thinking that we are not affecting our environment is akin to an ostridge sticking its head in the sand, one day it will come back to bite us and the cost will be astronomical compared to what they could have had we had the foresight (think the financial meltdown).
June 17, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Turning the rain to gold ........................ another miracle? You be the judge.
June 17, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Bush depletes the ozone.
June 17, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
oh and cancer
June 17, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
well, he doesn't deplete cancer ...................................... you know what I mean
June 17, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Wow under_score, how very childish. Insightful comments there! I have said many times here I do not agree with Obama on a lot of things. Immigration for one, I could go on but what is the point. Independent is a word that must have escaped you in grade school.
June 17, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
seriously,
sarcasm is humerous at times, mindless spamming adding nothing to what is supposed to be a discussion is another.
June 17, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
Speaking of Katrina, did you guys ever get that email that showed a picture of Bush fishing in the streets (canals) of New Orleans right after Katrina hit?? The nerve of that guy! I think that's why he blew up the levy.
June 17, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
Al Gore, is the greatest inventor since Da Vinci. He invented the internet AND man-made global warming. He didn't make any money off of his first invention but he's correcting that mistake on the latter.
June 17, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
josiebar;
"That would do the job! Makes such a big mess that we might be spending the rest of our lives putting Iran back together."
I never said a word about putting it back together.
June 17, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
Regarding the editorial.
1. When did Patrick Kelley become such an authority on Iran? You can tell he really has his finger on the pulse of the Iranian nation.
2. Hopefully after Obama has a chance to sit down and dialogue with Ahmedenijad he will come to see the light. If not, we may have to have Hillary Clinton issue another stern warning, and they can just ask N. Korea about what all that entails!
June 17, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
goodoleboy......It's not disagreeing with Obama on some points that is important.....disagreeing with him on what time of day it is and even his right to exist is the only thing of importance here.
As far as under_score goes.....It seems to me he might be speaking from experience with his golden shower comments. Just wondering?
June 17, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Reguarding the ignorance of under_score
1 Since when do you have to be an authority on a subject to write an opinion piece? Are you political scientist? If not guess you better shut up then eh?
2. Because Team America is solely responsible for everything in the world right? Japan, China and Former Soviet republic should are just a buinch of cowards too for letting it happen under their noses! We can barely take care of ourselves at the moment yet we should be out solving everyone's problems. Great logic indeed!
June 17, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
My guess is Patrick Kelly became an expert on Iran the same time as the rest of us. I haven't seen any of us being interviewed on any of the propoganda channels as to our expertise on anything...except maybe shooting off at the mouth. And I am including myself in that comment so under_score you won't have to rush to do it for me.
June 17, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
Since when do you have to be a political scientist to have and opinion on an opinion piece? I didn't like the article. When he writes opinions he makes it sound like he is an authority on the matter and that what he writes is fact but offers little to nothing of substance to support his findings.
I find that shooting off at the mouth, or fingers as it were, keeps these message boards much more interesting.
June 17, 2009 at 3:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Take me for instance me, I am an authority on Logjam, no one can question that. The problem is that with an op ed piece like we have here it's just ......... well ............. you know ............ it's kinda ......... eehhh
June 17, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"Since when do you have to be a political scientist to have and opinion on an opinion piece? I didn't like the article. When he writes opinions he makes it sound like he is an authority on the matter and that what he writes is fact but offers little to nothing of substance to support his findings.
I find that shooting off at the mouth, or fingers as it were, keeps these message boards much more interesting.
"
If you don't like it then ignore it, or better yet counter it with some examples of your claims, shooting off your mouth with no substance makes you no better than those you critique.
June 18, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
" When he writes opinions he makes it sound like he is an authority on the matter..."
under_score, that's called "voice" not authority. It's one of the features of good writing, and most editors, unlike those who merely "shoot off at the mouth," have the ability to create it. You should try practicing developing "voice" sometime. And while you're at it, please recognize that editors produce opinions for the editorial page. Op-ed = opinion-editorials. If you disagree with the editor's position, all you have to do is write an editorial -- please include voice -- and mail it to the Gazette.
June 18, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I must have a great voice then.
Seriously R. Folks
They took away the comment part of the story about the gentlemen that hits people with stuff('allegedly"). I am glad to see that Gwen is back. I was starting to think that my "voice" broke her brain or sonsin'.
June 18, 2009 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
under_score (anonymous) says...
create,
When I write something with "voice" should I also make it apparent to even the most casual observer that I really have no clue what I'm talking about?
I think using the word "opinion" for this piece is perhaps a bit too strong. Mild observation would fit better.
I'm well aware what the op-ed page is for. I'm not and never would criticize him for having an opinion but I will criticize him for having a stupid opinion.
Thanks for the writing lesson though.
June 18, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I don't think I can go along with the Vietnam War being a draw between LBJ and Nixon. Your post was about going to war. Nixon was not in power when we entered Vietnam, but he was in power when we exited. Nixon actually campaigned on the policy of turning over more of the fighting to the South Vietnamese and bringing US troops home. (If that sounds familiar, just replace "South Vietnamese" with "Iraqis".....) I find it hard to equate the two to the point of a draw. Unless you count that he tried to win it while we were still in it. Well then I guess I will give Bush & Obama a draw on Iraq........ and an excellent example of how everything Obama does is viewed completely differently. Much like the above mentioned firing. Same thing Bush did and we got non-stop coverage and "demonization" for 2 weeks at least. Hardly anyone hears about this. And he was investigating a Dem. Of COURSE they were "unhappy" with his performance. I'll bet had Johnson been a Repub they would have been pleased as peas. But the same thing happens both ways, it is the press treatment of it (or non-treatment) that gets me.
How about ABC refusing to take paid time to run alternatives to Obama's health care plans?
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/warner-t...
It used to be that the press was a "watchdog". Their JOB was to be critical, to sniff out anything and everything, to keep those in power in check under threat of exposure. They were the "4th Estate". GOP or Dem, it didn't matter - mess up and the press would crucify you. Good system. But a bygone era. The 4th Estate is being absorbed into the government now as their own mouthpiece. Sure, we have some out there still critical, like Fox, but the rest of the press has done a great job of demonizing them.
Well, you all just go ahead and do and believe exactly what you're told. Don't question it, and anything that disagrees either make sure it is ignored or branded as biased. Be good little sheeple now. Maybe they're running subliminal messages on some stations.... hmmmm......
I thought it was Cheney on the tambourine. Maybe he was running the mixing console. I'm not sure, it was late, dark, smokey, and I'd had a few drinks - so much that I actually for about 2 minutes believed someone when they told me Palin didn't know Africa was a continent. I'm embarrassed to say I was actually that out of it for a few moments - LOL. Oh well, we all get duped once in awhile :).
All I know is it was Chamberlain playing the fiddle while Europe burned :). Hope we don't do too much fiddlin' now......
June 18, 2009 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Funny I don't remember reading anything about Nixon ending the war as soon as possible upon attaining office; there was no exit plan. Getting out of Vietnam ASAP was not a campaign slogan. There is a huge disparity there, but call it what you will.
Good grief all I hear is the press and the press that from you, are they showing favoritism towards Obama, undoubtedly so but the honeymoon will end if he does not do his job. Was it so long ago that anyone against Bush for invading Iraq or questioning some his decisions in the "War on Terror" were branded as unpatriotic and slandered as anti American. It goes both ways, I remember journalists speaking up then and getting skewered, instead of following the herd. Things are cyclical, Bush used to have a 90% approval and an almost unquestioned agenda to, his honeymoon ended when he did not take care of business all the same. There was a debate last night on Lou Dobbs about this very topic and both right and left admitted that the press was too fond of Obama at the moment but that the public and press would quickly turn on him if he fails to perform, and at 5 months in it's pretty hard to decry him as a failure, most sensible people on the right and left on the air and in print at least agree on that. Funny I don't remember reading anything about Nixon ending the war as soon as possible upon attaining office; there was no exit plan. Getting out of Vietnam ASAP was not a campaign slogan. There is a huge disparity there, but call it what you will.
June 18, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyfWgO...
June 18, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
From Wikipedia, as well as other sources:
"Nixon told Michigan Republican congressman Donald Riegle that the war would be over within six months of his assumption of office.
As this six month deadline approached, in May 1969, Henry Kissinger asked a group of Quakers to give the administration six more months. "Give us six months, and if we haven't ended the war by then, you can come back and tear down the White House fence."
(National Journal Online) http://www.nationaljournal.com/inaugu...
"But in 1968, he secured his party's nomination for president and pledged to end the Vietnam War..."
From a list of top 10 campaign slogans of all time ("I Like Ike" was #1) Nixon came in #5 with "Who will end the war in Vietnam? Nixon's the One!" (sometimes shortened to just "Nixon's the One!")
http://www.zimbio.com/Political+Ads/a...
Whether or not it was executed well, or if he even had a plan at all and it was merely a campaign slogan, is another matter - but he DID campaign on the promise to end the Vietnam war - and quickly. And he DID (eventually) get us out.
June 18, 2009 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
"Undoubtedly so" (regarding press favoritism). At least its admitted. But I don't think we're coming at it from the same angle. There's a difference between dissenting views "getting skewered" by others (the admin & politicians, mostly) - and the press itself picking its favorite and avoiding news in one slant while focusing on others. I remember seeing plenty of dissenting views against going to Iraq - yes, they were branded "unpatriotic", etc..... but they were voiced and aired. (And I saw it on FOX, also - I remember Hannity saying to a liberal guest arguing against that if they didn't find WMD's he would eat his hat - which I have yet to see him digest - LOL). It isn't like the press turned a blind eye towards it all. I also remember once it started (and Bush's approval ratings were STILL sky-high) - there were complaints that much of the media was going among Iraqi's refusing to talk to or interview anyone who was glad the US was there - only those who wanted the US out and/or had lost people during the battles. And you try to tell me the press was being even-handed even back then? Now if you had told me the press all (willingly, of their own accord) ONLY put forth "good" articles about the war, and suppressed anything "bad" (remember all the dissenting views on WMD's?) - then we would be in agreement. Right now, it appears that Fox is (nearly) the only one that dares air dissenting views.
So...... if we were wrong before..... meaning if more people should have stood up and listened to all the dissenters...... then maybe more people should pay attention to those now, such as Fox? Why was it wrong to SUPPRESS dissension then, but wrong to dissent now? Do you see the angle I'm trying to come from now? You'd think those that are angry about being branded "unpatriotic" before would be on the bandwagon now against being branded "unObama"........ I think I've decided that for me, 2009 I've labeled the Year of Hypocrisy. Not that it is anything new, it has just reached new heights (kindof like our deficit)...... :)
June 18, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
If it was ok to liken Bush to Hitler ( lord knows I still can't figure that one out) - then, based on the above video from seriouslyfolks...... is it ok if I liken Obama to Kung Fu Panda? For catching the fly? Cool if he had used chopsticks! Or was that during "The Karate Kid"?
(Please don't brand me a racist just because the a panda is half white and half black - not my intent at all - never even thought of that till now....)
June 18, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I just watched Kung Fu Panda last night on HBO so it was fresh in my mind........
June 18, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sV3_L...
June 18, 2009 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wKo_Y...
June 18, 2009 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
and ..............
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd_K6Y...
Just because come on the 80s were AWESOME! Am I right?
June 18, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Of COURSE the 80's were awesome! That's when BOSTON released "Third Stage"!!!!! Third-greatest album of all time! (Only surpassed by Boston's first 2 albums).....
June 18, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )