Reaching out to foreign media
This is odd and potentially important because Sanford is one of the real possibles for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, particularly if Obama spending goes haywire.
I wonder if they have looked at solitary men driving tractors in sweltering South Carolina fields -- when I went to see him a few months ago he revealed that -- Gladstone like -- he enjoyed getting out into the great outdoors and re-arranging it. Perhaps that's what he's been doing. We picked up as well that his wife didn't want him to run so maybe he's been sulking.
Meanwhile on Iran, the President has had trouble getting his message out on the local media so has been turning again to us foreigners to charm and cajole.
The outreach to foreign media (which began with the satellite channel Al Arabiya) is now an established part of the Obama strategy, and as the BBC has pointed out, can reap the reward of face time with folks CNN et al cannot reach.
Hello, I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~41~RS~)
Comments
Sign in or register to comment.
Talking to media from outside the US is a very sensible thing to do. He will reach more foreigners that way. Foreigners are an important constituency. Of course they can't vote for him but they can approve or disapprove of his foreign policy. If he can speak to them directly and make his case then he is more likely to win their approval. (Compare and contrast his predecessors implied threats "with us or against us") He will find it easier to pursue his policy agenda with approval than without.
You're all doing very well !!
Complain about this comment
Even before his disapperance, I am not sure Sanford would have been that viable.
I would say Romney who has so effectivly debunked Obama's economic foriegn policies and Gingrich are more likely.
Romney would be doing so much better on the economy and he has been proven right on the Auto bailout. He would have fought the unions instead of giving them sweethear deals.
In regard to the media, Obama has found his boogeyman (Fox) but he is overplaying the card.
Complain about this comment
So, Prsident Obama is a fan of the Great Urdu poets? Well, what a shocker, Justin! No wonder he has been turning to 'foreigners' to get his message accross. I am sure there are thousands of guys out there scratching their heads in amazement: 'What poets? Urdu??? Woodoo?? Must be Woodoo. Some Muslim stuff, anyway. Looser! Sucking to the Muslims! Bush kept us safe from attacks for 8 years! Get Sanford in, he will sort them out!'
Complain about this comment
Note to myself:
'Loser' is not spelt 'Looser'.
Complain about this comment
Obviously, it is too early to tell, but in my opinion Sanford is a long shot for the GOP presidential nomination. The race is between Palin, Huckabee, and Romney. I doubt Gingrich will get very far, he carries too much baggage. Out of control spending, whether justified or not, is going to be Obama's Achilles heel.
Outreach to foreign media may be a good strategy to facilitate foreign policy, particularly when we consider the need to change our image and the reputation we earned the last 8 years, but it is not something most Americans encourage or support. Popularity abroad is often perceived as a sign of weakness and a negative at home.
Complain about this comment
For the record, y'all, I'm in NC, not SC, so Governor Perdue is MY Governor, thank goodness!! Most of us are completely flummoxed by Sanford: 4 young children that he mentions constantly to keep hitting that family values note and he blows off Father's Day? His wife isn't all that disturbed he's gone? Last seen in a black SUV? Out of touch with staff and security? What is the deal? I am afraid he's at a secret meeting somewhere with the big GOP financiers, wheeling and dealing for 2010 and 2012 and none of the slime will stand the light of day.
Complain about this comment
IMO, the endorsement of the press and public opinion in other countries for a candidate for President of the US is usually the kiss of death. Americans are by nature suspicious of all foreign countries and their motives. There's a good reason for it. For the most part, foreign countries have not treated America well. For some reason, foreigners expect American policy to be run on their behalf and to serve their interests, not America's own. America is seen as acting foolishly if it doesn't. Case in point, Israel. Kyoto is another. Obama has been a rare exception. He was popular in the US DESPITE the fact that foreigners liked him. His other assets outweighed that liability.
From what I can tell at this early stage, Newt Gingrich looks like he may try to make a bid for the White House in 2012. What his chances are is impossible to say at this point. A lot depends on how well President Obama's performance goes. A sitting president who is popular in a time when America seems to be prosperous and at peace is almost unbeatable running for a second term. Gingrich is also at a fairly high intellectual level. I'm sure the fact that he shut the government down when he was Speaker of the House will be brought up many times if he runs.
Complain about this comment
#7
"IMO, the endorsement of the press and public opinion in other countries for a candidate for President of the US is usually the kiss of death. Americans are by nature suspicious of all foreign countries and their motives. There's a good reason for it. For the most part, foreign countries have not treated America well. "
Hahahaha, thanks for the laugh. How dare other countries support the American president! The ignorant swines! It's a good thing patriotic Americans like yourself are suspicous of those naughty Europeans and foreigners that are trying to mis-treat America! The US has been so hard done by all those other countries! Making the US banks go bust, starting wars with them in the middle east.... Pesky people.
Complain about this comment
ref #7
A foriegn press endorsement for President can be a major negative. Especially when done in a condescending manner. John Kerry got no benfit from editoirals saying" Americans unless you are stupid you will not relect Bush"
What ever your oppinion dumb politicaly and the DNC probaly was groaning about it.
Complain about this comment
#8 MAII: Newt is another of the rich, old, white guys with tin ears that the GOP let run things for so long that they are practically the only people left in the membership. I'm not entirely certain the party will survive as such, much less field a viable candidate for President in '12. The numbers just aren't there to make up a plurality to win an election.
Complain about this comment
Here is what is going on. Obama is trying hard not to interfer with what is going on in Iran because he knows and has been informed that such interference could spell disaster for the reform movement. Unfortunately, there are elements with in the Republican party that want him to get more involved so that they can bring about their vision of "regime change". Unfortunately, that won't work because if the US does get involved, the people of Iran will see the reformers as US stooges. And that will only lead to strengthening of the current Regime. Yet they insist on the President interfer. I am seriously beginning to wonder whether they actually want a continued state of hostility.
Complain about this comment
#12
Your right, but you can keep hitting people over the head with that and they still don't seem to get it.
Complain about this comment
Everyone saying Americans view foreign popularity as a negative is behind the times. The youth vote has chosen Obama and his politics, and said no to the old-fashioned dog-eat-dog policies of last century. They are going to be the ones calling the shots for the next several years. But the insular conservatives of the past were not completely toxic - by insisting their children be raised with traditional family values, they created a lively generation that is interested in the outside world and cares about helping those less fortunate than themselves.
Complain about this comment
Its a pity we can not just build a wall around the USA and seal them up to stew in their own juices. The Israelies and Soviets both used walls as a solution. Then we all walk away and try and forget them and nobody would care who is running the place. Yes I know its a fantasy but some of us can also "have a dream".
Complain about this comment
A few things you need to learn in order to help you better understand this complex country.
1. As every person who serves in an overseas copasity for a president must be confirmed by Congress and can't just simply be appointed by a president and swarn in the next day or week as can be done in the UK, it will obviously take much longer for a president to fill out all their overseas cabinit posts than a prime minister. Now. Am I making excuses for Obama's lack of filling out his important posts by now? Of course not! I'm merely asking you to have a little patience when awaiting the day when all of them will be filled. So far a lack of occupyed posts hasn't impacted the administration or the world in a negative way, so relax. It'll get done.
2. The gay comunity's lamentations in your previous entry are totally right. The only country that treats its gay comunity worse than the United States is Iran. Not something to be proud of in my book.
3. As I've said before. Yes the British Broadcasting Corperation is the most revered and respected news organization in the world hands down and yes there is no disputing this, nevertheless, this fact does not diminish the abilities of other news broadcasters! Be honest now. Do you really believe that CNN can't, if it tryed, orange "face time" with Obama and whomever he wanted to talk to? I have a feeling that for now at least, that Obama can talk to anyone he wants to talk to, and I believe any news organization would go out of their way to insure that a meeting occurs.
The BBC's shere day-to-day capabilities and actions say it all. You don't need to brag on its behalf as well.
Complain about this comment
"The outreach to foreign media . . . is now an established part of the Obama strategy, and as the BBC has pointed out, can reap the reward of face time with folks CNN et al cannot reach."
Sounds pretty obvious don't ya think? It doesn't take the BBC to point it out - not everyone is the dullard Justin appears to think we are.
#7. MarcusAureliusII: "Newt Gingrich looks like he may try to make a bid for the White House in 2012. What his chances are is impossible to say at this point."
From his many appearances on Fox, I'd say his chances are little more than nil.
"I'm sure the fact that he shut the government down when he was Speaker of the House will be brought up many times if he runs."
Along with such quotes as, in reference to Jackie Ginrich, his first wife, "She isn't young enough or pretty enough to be the President's wife" and "I don't want him to be president and I don't think he should be" by his second wife, Marianne Ginrich. Being twice divorced (so far) won't appeal to the Christian vote either. Would America want such a person to led them?
Complain about this comment
#16
"Would America want such a person to led them?"
One word:
Bush
Complain about this comment
Justin:
It is good thing to reach out to Foreign Media Outlets to
get out the message of the Administration....
~Dennis Junior~
Complain about this comment
American political candidates know instinctively that the foreign press and foreign endorsement is a poison pill for them during the campaign season because it paints them as less than fully committed and patriotic to the US. Obama was smart about not giving any interviews to the foreign press during the campaign. Justin Webb himself said he couldn't get near him. No foreign press interviews whatsoever. While Obama's speech in Berlin last summer may have gone down well with Europeans (I wonder if they even listened to what he actually said) it was widely criticized in the US. It was clearly a mistake but not a fatal one.
Complain about this comment
CBS's behaviour on the Obama statement is troubling.
Who would have the hubris to omit such important verbiage, from the lips of the President, at a moment like this? What good does it do for him to say the right thing(if somewhat tardy in doing it), if the media won't report it? Geez-Louise!
The full statement as reported in the WSJ, is thoughtful and balanced, and makes its point clearly. It also places the mess in the laps of the Iranian leadership, where it belongs. The phrase 'Hang them out to dry' comes to mind.
No one, from any quarter here, seems to suggest the US do anything with its military in this situation. We have, in the past, seemed to give assurances to oppressed people in the streets that we had no ability to fulfil, such as in Hungary in 1958, with tragic result.
I think a better model is the one Reagan followed, which resulted in the citizenry of Berlin taking the Wall down themselves, piece by piece.
There is a chunk of it installed on the property of the Reagan Ranch--literally a piece of history: Sort of like displaying the scalp of the old Soviet regime.
What if the young people of Tehran could pull off something similar?
Complain about this comment
19. At 5:04pm on 23 Jun 2009, MarcusAureliusII wrote:
American political candidates know instinctively that the foreign press and foreign endorsement is a poison pill for them during the campaign season because it paints them as less than fully committed and patriotic to the US. Obama was smart about not giving any interviews to the foreign press during the campaign. Justin Webb himself said he couldn't get near him. No foreign press interviews whatsoever. While Obama's speech in Berlin last summer may have gone down well with Europeans (I wonder if they even listened to what he actually said) it was widely criticized in the US. It was clearly a mistake but not a fatal one. "
SO he didn't give a foriegn press interview (not actually true he spoke to foreign reporters all the time, they were the one's asking the intelligent questions)so as not to alienate people like marcus.
But he did fly to Berlin and deliver a key speech, whihc one would have thought would have had an even worse effect.
Brilliant analysis.
"Tired and emotional" again marcus
Complain about this comment
20, OldSouth,
What if the young people of Tehran could pull off something similar?
That's the key right there. Unless the existing regime can create some
kind of traumatic event to focus blame on outsiders, demographics will
do them in.
Complain about this comment
For some insight into the current situation in Iran, please go to "Obama's Iran Dilemma," entries #425 and #444.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
testing
Complain about this comment
Marcus.
Yeah,I bet the founding fathers were suspicious all right when they saw the natives jumping up and down on the beach shouting "hooray! at last,we've been discovered!"
Complain about this comment
Simple Simon;
I suggest you review Justin Webb's blog entry on the subject of Obama shunning the foreign press including BBC during the campaign. It should refresh your memory of the facts as they were, not as you wish they were. I found it intersting that the speech Obama gave in Berlin seemed more like a softly worded but clear message of warning to the Europeans that they'd better start carrying their share of the weight. It's a message they didn't want to hear and seemed to ignore. They are still ignoring it. As I recall, Obama also visited Israel on that trip to re-assure Isrealis that an Obama Presidency would remain loyal to Israel. Perhaps he didn't want his election to result in a siege mentality there that could have precipitated a war between them and Iran.
Complain about this comment
@20(OldSouth): I tend to agree that O's statement was about what it needed to be.
Frankly, the fact that the Congress (both parties) started foaming at the mouth to DO MORE is just a measure of their irresponsibility. It's easy to scream DO SOMETHING if you don't have to participate in the doing. If those folks would focus on their three main responsibilities (the budget (as in BALANCED for a change), the tax code, and the law, they'd have plenty to do.
My largest question over the weekend was why the Iranian government was actually leaving YouTube, Twitter, and other access points available for outbound traffic. Tactically pretty stupid, I thought. This morning it became known that back in '08 the Iranian gov signed a contract with a provider (based in Europe, I believe, but I could be wrong) to do deep inspection on that kind of traffic. Now the folks who have been sending those messages and images to the rest of us may be candidates for the midnight knock on the door, followed by the frogmarch to wherever the mullahs keep their "re-education" facilities, followed by the inevitable.
Hope I'm wrong, though.
Complain about this comment
the problem with this approach (i.e. turning to foreign media for coverage) is that Americans (the voters who elect the US president) don't watch for example Al-Jazeera. It's therefore important for any president to keep local media happy
Complain about this comment
Strange doings in Iran. Ibrahim Yazdi, a right-hand man to Ayatollah Khomeni, and a priminent figure in the 1979 revolution, was arrested and then released. For some reason he is being called a "reformer," when way back when he was instrumental in imposing stict Islamic rule. He has close ties with the U.S., was a physician in Houston, has an Americna wife and several children.
Complain about this comment
#35, Ms. Marbles, this is exactly why this appears to me to be
an internal power struggle. Apparently, the Supreme Leader holds
enough power at a high level that he feels free to intimidate the
opposition.
The people on the street are pawns. I'm hoping that this doesn't result
in an incident like "Bloody Sunday" in the Russian revolution of 1905.
Complain about this comment
P-Greece
Some PBS stations now broadcast a 30 minute news program weeknights called "World Focus" which often uses among many sources al Jazerra reports in part or in full. On some PBS stations it has replaced BBC World News.
http://worldfocus.org/
Usually I get 1/2 hour BBC, 1/2 hour World Focus, and 1 hour PBS news every weeknight. I also get other reports from other networks during the day. CNN has had good coverage of events in Iran recently.
Complain about this comment
Re 19:
Marcus I'll have you know that the Times of London actually endorsed Obama last year. This was surprising since the rest of Rupert Murdoch's media empire endorsed McCain and went out of their way to paint Obama as a muslim, who was not born in the United States; which would have made him inelligible to run for the presidency.
Complain about this comment
This is the first time I have been on in a while because I was on vacation, but I have to say that the violence by the Iranian government on the protesters in Iran after the election is deplorable and only further delegitimizes the gov. I think it is now clear to all of us that the Iranian government's claim to representative government has been as fraudulent as the election results. The imprisonment of journalists and protesters, closing of media bureaus, and denial media access is equally deplorable; I would like to thank all of those in Iran who have been twittering, blogging, and Youtubing for keeping the rest of the world, including myself, informed. And now, the members of the Iranian soccer team who wore green have been punished. I believe that Pres. Obama is doing the right thing by being cautious because the fight for legitimate representation must be made by the courageous people of Iran. The use of international media can be a powerful tool, but when even Al-Jazeera has been banned from operating inside Iran, the internet becomes the only medium available for communication between Iran and the outside world.
Complain about this comment
32. At 7:14pm on 23 Jun 2009, MarcusAureliusII wrote:
Simple Simon;
I suggest you review Justin Webb's blog entry on the subject of Obama shunning the foreign press including BBC during the campaign. It should refresh your memory of the facts as they were, not as you wish they were."
I suggest you put down your bottle and look at him answering reporters' questions. As I say the intelligent ones came from the foreign PC
"I found it intersting that the speech Obama gave in Berlin seemed more like a softly worded but clear message of warning to the Europeans that they'd better start carrying their share of the weight."
Which he gave in Berlin, which is in Europe isn't it?
Rather undercuts your whole arguement.
" It's a message they didn't want to hear and seemed to ignore. They are still ignoring it. As I recall, Obama also visited Israel on that trip to re-assure Isrealis that an Obama Presidency would remain loyal to Israel."
So now he visits two foregn countries. Why are you weakening your own case?
"Tired and emotional again?
Ombama shuns foreign press by taking a foreign trip. Yes that would throw them off the track, how cunning.
Lilliput logic.
Intersting your phrase the US "loyal" to Israel. Many think the US is in hock to Israel. Usually the less powerful country is loyal to the powerful country
Ergo you think the US is dominated by Israel, interesting. Let us hope Israel never has to punish you for disloyalty.
Don't worry about Iran, it certainly is not worrying about the US.
Complain about this comment
37. At 8:41pm on 23 Jun 2009, MarcusAureliusII wrote:
http://worldfocus.org/
Usually I get 1/2 hour BBC, 1/2 hour World Focus, and 1 hour PBS news every weeknight. I also get other reports from other networks during the day. CNN has had good coverage of events in Iran recently."
What a pity you do not bother to look at any of them.
Complain about this comment
36, guns.
"this is exactly why this appears to me to be an internal power struggle. Apparently, the Supreme Leader holds enough power at a high level that he feels free to intimidate the opposition.
Additonally, there may be a little background noise.. It is possible that the government may fear Yazdi is in cohoots with us, or Yazdi may actually be in cahoots with us.
Complain about this comment
36, guns.
"The people on the street are pawns. I'm hoping that this doesn't result in an incident like "Bloody Sunday" in the Russian revolution of 1905.
A note on Tehran University students.
Just as adolescents here rebel against their parents, in Iran they rebel against the government. (In fact, rebeling against the government, any government, is a national sport, though most people are not so open about it.) But we have to remember that they are kids without much worldliness. Someone is using them. They are not the leaders.
I had occasion to spend time time with university students years ago. They had gotten awards of some kind, and in recognition were sent on vacation and part of the treat was to have a native English speaker with them so they could practice their English (I was that person). Like all the Tehran University students they ranted on about politics. "We will destroy this." "We will destroy that." I had heard this tiresome rubbish before, so had my questions all laid out. "OK, you will destroy this and you will destroy that." "What are you planning to build in its place?" Dead silence with a lot of quick thinking to cover themselves. Then followed a spate of trite rhetoric, the "rights of the people," blah, blah, blah.
The students don't have the experience to lead effectively. People with political ambitions, not necessarily altruistic, are orchestrating them. Just because young, idealistic faces are in the forefront does not mean that what they are supporting has merit. All I hear are the old, conservative, political names. Some of Rafsanjani's relatives have been picked up by the police. Is he behind it? Is he in league with others? Is the West involved? Maybe in time we will know.
Complain about this comment
36, guns.
One of the reasons Ahmadinejad would have support is that serious government shakeups (or coups d'etat) disrupt the economy. So private businessmen, of which there are many, many more in Iran than there are here, will want to maintain the status quo. They may not like the government in power, but they have learned how to get around it (another popular sport in Iran). These business people would not welcome disruption.
Complain about this comment
A few comments:
Sanford is somewhat popular among the voters. He does go against the legislative status quo, which is why a number of legislators are upset at him. However, his stimulus fight has earned him a lot less support among many quarters. (He did get the support of many on the right wing, though.) This incident raises a number of questions- unlike Bush, who had the White House Communications Office with him on vacation, Sanford was completely out of touch with the State Government, to say nothing of his wife. (That's the strangest part.) Finally, Sanford may have called from Atlanta last time, but that's a ways away from the Appalachian Trail...
-Obama states that the US isn't interfering in Iran. However, a number of reports for the past few years have shown the US's funding of opposition groups and separatists in Iran. Some would argue that the US may even have been connected to the recent terrorist acts against the Iranian government over the past year or so. Finally, according to the US Military, persons entitled to hazardous duty pay include US military personnel in Iran. As the US has no embassy there and no bases there, it's hard to see any way we can have troops there. (That said, the Iranians are going after the BBC simply for reporting the news in a semi-fair manner. (See below for why I say "semi-fair".) I'm sure the UK Government isn't funding the BBC to cause or widen the revolution. (They'd do it through other means...))
-However,, in much of the coverage of Iran, a lot of things are being ignored. The US is calling on Iran to allow the protesters to peacefully demonstrate, while at the same time ignoring, condoning, or encouraging the attacks on peaceful protesters in Georgia. (It should be noted that the US condemned the Georgian protesters when they threw rocks and bottles, but did not do the same for the Iranians.) Further, the media and government allege fraud in the Iranian election based on various discrepancies, but is perfectly willing to ignore the discrepancies in the last election in Mexico.
Complain about this comment
Mods. Either there is a glitch in my computer or one in your program. When I make a comment and hit send (on this thread only) I come up with an error message. Earlier I kept putting in the same comment again and again, thinking it hadn't gone through, only to find later that all had registered. (You wisely did not print the repeats.) Is anyone else having this problem?
Complain about this comment
45, Orville.
Judging from our media and Obama's attitude, it would seem the U.S. wants the Iranian regime to topple, or at least the top guys replaced with others more friendly (and manageable) to the West. Apparently our Middle East policy has not changed.
Complain about this comment
45:
The voter discrepancies in the last election in Mexico and the subsequent protests by the leftists weren't ignored at all. The difference is that it would be disastrous for the US if the Mexican government collapsed. Some of yall are down playing the significance of what is happening in Iran and trying to play the game of moral equivalency, but yall are walking right into the hands of the Ayatollah. We may very well be witnessing either the next Tiananmen Square or Velvet Revolution Iranian style.
Complain about this comment
47
I'm sorry, but you have mistaken US policies toward Iran as being US policy toward the whole of the middle east and we both know that that is just not the case. And, I also have be getting the error message when I log on, so it must be the BBC website. I get the same error message when I click on the link to this topical post at the bottom of the page.
Complain about this comment
49, Bienvenue.
"I'm sorry, but you have mistaken US policies toward Iran as being US policy toward the whole of the middle east and we both know that that is just not the case."
It is the case. Align yourselves with us, or we will force you to align yourselves with us. We are going after the nationalistic countries one by one, hence thw wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The only two holdouts are Iran and Syria. Iran might look easier because it is not an Arab nation, only has borders with one Arab nation, and is less likely to get Arab support.
Complain about this comment
47
Please understand, the US can not afford to get actively involved in the Iranian crisis for a couple of reasons, which are interelated. 1:) Getting involved would damage the credibility of the reform movement in Iran and 2:) US involvement would only embolden the Iranian regime and inspire them to give even more aid to Hamas and the Mujahadine.
Complain about this comment
"Usually I get 1/2 hour BBC, 1/2 hour World Focus, and 1 hour PBS news every weeknight."
And yet the door matt gets it wrong so much. proving that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it think.
Complain about this comment
51, American.
"1:) Getting involved would damage the credibility of the reform movement in Iran and 2:) US involvement would only embolden the Iranian regime and inspire them to give even more aid to Hamas and the Mujahadine."
How about getting involved covertly? Though now that I think about it, this is unworkable since we put these jokers in power in 1979 and they know our methods.
Complain about this comment
Iran isn't about the good guys versus the bad guys. It's about the bad guys versus the bad guys. It's about a power struggle between a corrupt politician, the wealthiest man in Iran Hashemi Rafsanjani aganst a group of insane religious fanatics, the Ayatollahs headed by Ayatollah Khoumenei. Ahmadinejad and Moussavi are merely surrogates, symbols of these powers and the population at large is merely a pawn. The various militias, the military, the police are among the tools they are fighting with. From the perspective of the outside world, it hardly matters who wins, either way the bad guys will win. All we can do is watch from the sidelines. It also doesn't matter what leaders like President Obama say or don't say. Nobody in Iran who matters is listening. Anything said is only to make us feel good, not with the expectation that it will have an effect.
It's interesting and telling that the world was outraged at a handful of terrorists captured in battle and sent to GITMO or other prisons to be sharply interrogated and sometimes tortured for their knowledge (there were a few cases of mistaken identity but outside of that none of them were boy scouts) while there is no comparable outrage by the world at what is clearly a systematic display of state terrorism against an entire population by the government of Iran. Where are the demands to bring Khoumenei, Ahmadinejad, and their henchmen to the Hague to face a tribunal for crimes against humanity? I haven't heard it mentioned even once. All this goes to prove once again that the entire litany of so called international law and the indignation of those who claim human rights violators should be prosecuted is a pile of manure. What that is really about is using a political club to bash those with political views they find repugnant (usually America, Israel, etc.) and then putting it away in a drawer to be forgotten until the next political opportunity to take it out arises. Pure unadulterated hypocricy and not to be taken seriously by anyone who is thoughtful about how the world really works. To hell with morality, in the real world survival is all that counts.
Complain about this comment
51
You are absolutely right.
Because of the complicated history between the US and Iran, Obama could not afford to react to what is going on in Iran in the same way that Germany, the UK, and France have. However much the Ayatollah and Pres. A want to make this out to be American meddling, the reality is that the protests are more the work of Iranians who believe that the election was stolen and must be annulled. The Iranian clerical leadership has now even acknowledged the irregularities, but will not do much about it other than watch the Ayatollah blame the west and crack-down on the people of Iran. I think this is a sobering moment, one that will reveal the true nature of the Iranian leadership to the world and to the Iranian people. Obama came into the presidency promising change and continues to offer it to Iran no matter who wins this battle for the soul of Iran; however, we and the Iranian people must not forget that the Ayatollah and Pres. A continue to reject this offer.
Complain about this comment
"Sanford may have called from Atlanta last time, but that's a ways away from the Appalachian Trail..."
Actually the Appalachian trail starts just north of Atlanta about an hour from downtown.
Complain about this comment
54. At 03:10am on 24 Jun 2009, MarcusAureliusII wrote:
"Iran isn't about the good guys versus the bad guys. It's about the bad guys versus the bad guys."
+
and now get your head around bush's axis of evil presidential propaganda spiel similarities
(OBL must be the hide-and-seek world champion)
Axis of Evil Comedy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6t1s8MMvFE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCF-B1Iz9zs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrE4SNYiNEw
Complain about this comment
Respect to the millitant posse
Complain about this comment
Here's a thought for the foreign media to ponder
The British National Party are by definition racist
So can they be sued or arrested for being racist
Complain about this comment
While CNN is good on concentrating on one subject like Iran during the past 10 days or so, it seems unable to cover more than one issue at a time. Consequently they miss informing the nation of the horrendous refugee system in Pakistan in any depth and give short shift to Burma until something happens to make it "breaking news" at a time when there is little going on locally.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
#15. NoRashDecisions: "The only country that treats its gay comunity worse than the United States is Iran."
Even granting that the US is behind some other nations in that respect (and which is a States Rights issue), I don't think so. No-one is lashed, beheaded or strung up on cranes by the government. The State Department lists the ten worst offenders (in alphabetical order) as Egypt, Gambia, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lithuania, Nigeria and Uganda. Other sites show, in order of precedence (starting with the worst) Uganda, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Cameroon, Poland, Nepal and India.
While not as advanced in its attitudes as many European countries, notwithstanding the bigots of the religious communities, the United States is generally remarkably tolerant. How otherwise would you explain the number of States which permit civil partnerships? A far cry from twenty years ago or even forty, the date of the Stonewall riots.
Complain about this comment
Another question for the foreign media to ponder is
Do Governments and Corporations have insider/business links and official and/or unofficial blacklists (all over the world)
Complain about this comment
IMO the possibility Sanford had of winning the nomination was the same as the likelihood he has a convincing explanation for being AWOL, anything is possible.
As with Sanford, CBS will need a convincing explanation for either providing cover for Obama through omission or editing his comments becuase they disagreed with with him. I'm guessing it will be the fault of the new intern.
Complain about this comment
In response to several posts:
I can understand Sanford hiking to clear his head and relx, I do it to. but he has to have a way of being reached.
Why bring Mexico into this, the difference was Calderon won and Oprador was a sore loser who was back by dictator Hugo. The man did not even speak English. A good thing for Mexico and everyone else that kook lost. FYI Bush is fluent in Spanish.
In regard to Iran they blamed the U.S when Obama said nothing. If covert action could eliminate Khameni it should be done.
Complain about this comment
Ref 54. MarcusAureliusII
"It's interesting and telling that the world was outraged at a handful of terrorists captured in battle and sent to GITMO or other prisons to be sharply interrogated and sometimes tortured for their knowledge (there were a few cases of mistaken identity but outside of that none of them were boy scouts) while there is no comparable outrage by the world at what is clearly a systematic display of state terrorism against an entire population by the government of Iran."
Well, there has been a bit of outrage about what's going on in Iran. Personally, I'm at least as outraged about Iran's crackdown as I am about GITMO. It's a pity we've burned our bridges with Iran over the years, so we're now unable to influence the situation... Still, we could always resort to bombing them. Eh? With nuclear warheads? Eh? Eh?
Ref 66. MagicKirin
"FYI Bush is fluent in Spanish."
You'd think he would have tried to master English instead...
Complain about this comment
# 66
"FYI Bush is fluent in Spanish."
Well -it's nice to know he's fluent in one language at least...
Complain about this comment
What a dilemma for Mr Sanford, to run for republican nomination 2012,with that crushibng work load & beholding to all.Or to go hiking when he feels like and drive his tractor,the only question he should be asking him self is, should I stick with the John Deere or get a new Massy...
Complain about this comment
Allmymarbles,
24to30.Have you a new and very rude word that you can not stop saying to the mods?.If so pray tell, what it is & dont keep all the fun to your self.Six referreds in one go!even MA has not done that.
Very impressed from Wales...
Complain about this comment
66. At 10:54am on 24 Jun 2009, MagicKirin wrote:
In response to several posts:
.
FYI Bush is fluent in Spanish."
So when he made a fool of himself in Spain and admitted he did not speak Spanish fluently, he was lying?
Keep up!
"In regard to Iran they blamed the U.S when Obama said nothing. If covert action could eliminate Khameni it should be done."
Right after Avigdor Liberman is imprisoned.
Complain about this comment
63. At 05:58am on 24 Jun 2009, David_Cunard wrote:
#15. NoRashDecisions: "The only country that treats its gay comunity worse than the United States is Iran."
Even granting that the US is behind some other nations in that respect (and which is a States Rights issue), I don't think so. No-one is lashed, beheaded or strung up on cranes by the government. The State Department lists the ten worst offenders (in alphabetical order) as Egypt, Gambia, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lithuania, Nigeria and Uganda. Other sites show, in order of precedence (starting with the worst) Uganda, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Cameroon, Poland, Nepal and India.
You need to be carefull about this. Simply having nice laws does not mean they are enforced. Homosexuals are harassed in the US and are still beaten and sometimes even killed in the UK, Australia (gay bashing used to be a right of passage recently for some military cadets)etc.
Recently a couple of men beat a gay barman to death in a London park. It was later claimed they deliberately went on a gay hunt, practically as a sport (with the clear inference they had done this before).
Laws are lovely, but its the enfocement that counts.
Complain about this comment
70, ukwales.
"24to30.Have you a new and very rude word that you can not stop saying to the mods?.If so pray tell, what it is & dont keep all the fun to your self.Six referreds in one go!even MA has not done that."
It is impressive, isn't it? I hate to tell you that no rude words were used (though I am often tempted), and the referrals are not what they appear to be. I mde an entry, and when I hit "send," I got an error message. Thinking that my comment was not posted, I entered it again, and again, each time getting the same error message. When I checked back I saw that all the comments had gone through. The mods, acting wisely for a change, did not print the repititions.
I have disappointed you. My apologies.
Complain about this comment
63, David.
#15. NoRashDecisions: "The only country that treats its gay comunity worse than the United States is Iran."
"Even granting that the US is behind some other nations in that respect (and which is a States Rights issue), I don't think so. No-one is lashed, beheaded or strung up on cranes by the government."
There are, of course, homosexuals in Iran. The only reaction, among those people I knew, was laughter. They thought it was terribly funny. Insofaras I know, no one took action against them. When I was in Saudi Arabia I was told that when someone was found to be homosexual he was ridden through town backwards on a donkey. I don't know if they still do this.
In any case, we are talking about cultural differences. Many religious organizations here consider homosexuality a sin. It's kind of chancey imposing our morality on others.
Complain about this comment
63, David, further.
It is not uncommon in those countries where women are not available, due to strict sexual customs, that men will seek out young boys, sometimes taking them by force. This is not exactly homosexuality, but more like the sexual practices found in prisons.
Complain about this comment
Simon21:
You make it sound like such attacks against gays are as frequent in the US as the lynchings of by gone days. I don't know about you, but I hear nothing of the sort happing in my neck of the woods. Sure, it happens, but I can't even remember the last time something of that sort happened in my town, parish, state, or region. I think maybe the person who needs to be careful about making generalizations is you, respectfully.
Complain about this comment
74, David, further.
An Iranian man I knew came to America for the first time and had little notion of the West. He tried to learn by as much as he could visiting all sorts of places, including taverns, even though he didn't drink. As he was leaving a tavern a man approached him for sexual favors. He looked at him perplexed and said, "Why do you ask me? I am a man, not a boy."
Complain about this comment
Ng
"Still, we could always resort to bombing them (Iran). Eh? With nuclear warheads? Eh? Eh?"
It could come to that. BBC has already selected its American nuclear weapon of choice for attacking Iran's underground facilities in an article on their web site about a year or two ago and I've picked mine. The problem now is that the equipment, materials, and weapons or components themselves may have been spread around the coutry. What to do if that's the case?
Complain about this comment
74, David, another story.
I knew a man from Delhi who was captured as a boy and raped by three men. He couldn't defend himself, but he memorized their faces. Over the years he found one, and killed him. He found another, and killed him. Last I heard he was still waiting for the third.
Complain about this comment
70, ukwales.
This should please you. I have been referred, this time for cause (their cause, not mine). I told a story (true) about an Indian man who took revenge for being raped as a boy. It was apparently too shocking for the tender natues of our moderators.
Complain about this comment
Ref 80 allmymarbles,
It is not with out reason that the BBC is referd to in a disparaging tone as, Aunt or Aunty BEEB.From time to time gets her bustle in a hustle,so its not you its them...
I was invited to the vicars for tea,
sat next to the Dutchess of Lee.
Her rumblings abdominal were quite phenomenal
and ever one thought it was me...
Complain about this comment
uke, you're making me wail
Tempo! Tempo!
Publish your address and I'll send you a metronome
Meanwhile learn to tap your foot, do something to learn how to count time.
Sheesh.
Complain about this comment
82, staphylococcus aureus.
There once was a wannabe Roman
Who thought in this guise to look human.
He swung tree to tree,
With maniacal glee
And screechinglty cried "Ecco homo."
Complain about this comment
83, typo correction.
The last words should read "Ecce homo."
Complain about this comment
Sandford is toast, melba toast at that!
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Greetings from the USSA (United States of Socialist Amerika). our President BHO certaintly set the stage for providing moral leadership in supporting the Iranians who are demonstrating for a brighter future for their land. Once again he has shown his leadership, just like in bailout of his political buddies, the chicago machine has finally got control of the unions and treasury.
Who really cares if they have nukes, only a madman would launch one against the USSA or israel. N.Korea is the threat, not Iran.
Complain about this comment
14. At 4:00pm on 23 Jun 2009, verycynicalskeptic wrote:
Its a pity we can not just build a wall around the USA and seal them up to stew in their own juices. The Israelies and Soviets both used walls as a solution. Then we all walk away and try and forget them and nobody would care who is running the place. Yes I know its a fantasy but some of us can also "have a dream".
Then don't bother to grace our shores, either for medical treatment or education or wealth. Stay in your slimy little backwater corner of the EUSSR.
Complain about this comment
Well, Sanford had his news conference earlier. A few of my thoughts:
-Sanford's affair was wrong. HOWEVER, his affair should be only his family's business.
-HOWEVER, two major factors complicate the above. First, he was absent from the state, and nobody would have known where he was if something big had happened. Second, it's rumored that he used a state car to travel to Atlanta. (It's nowhere near the Blago/Spitzer/Palin level of wrongdoing.)
-It's interesting to note that, of the politicians who are attacking Sanford the most over his absence, the two biggest voices are the (Republican) Lieutenant Governor and a (Republican) State Senator. (Dems are getting their digs in, but not as much as those.)
-Worth noting: Both SC and Alaska have Republicans running both the Governor's Mansion and the state House. Both have Governors and Legislatures in conflict. In Washington, Obama and the Democratic Congress often conflict (to a lesser extent than in AK and SC). Perhaps Justin can cover this?
And, yes, Mexico did have irregularities similar to Iran. One big difference: Iran had a greater margin of victory.
http://www.gregpalast.com/florida-con-salsa/
Oh, while fewer protesters have died in Georgia than Iran, more protesters have died in Peru...
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/ac97ef80-5232-11de-b986-00144feabdc0.html
Complain about this comment
Gov Sanford shoul step down, becuase his being a republician he most likely ran on law and order and family values. if you can not live up to your values, then get out. The republician party should push him out. We expect democrats to cheat, lie and dishonor themselves, but the party faithful expects more from our elected officials. Honor matters, so does your word. it is not just something that can be rationalized away. In the end, if you betray your core values, then you have betrayed your honor. a man without honor is a man without a soul, and who can trust a zombie.
Complain about this comment
90.
I do like your bit about honour matters, so does you word, etc.Does this mean that because your governments broke all the treaties it signed with the Indians they were all zombies? Well,I guess the Indians have always thought that.You wouldn't be trying to curry favour with them now,would you?
Complain about this comment
Well, well, well, "Meanwhile on Iran, the President has had trouble getting his message out on the local media so has been turning again to us foreigners to charm and cajole."
Ooh I don't like the sound of that at all. Neo-con, American style fascists (keep em stupid, sell em the American Dream when it's survival of the fittest, train them to say 'have a nice day' so they believe it, don't show the poor cities on tv or in film, don't show them the modern world outside the US, let the corporations and the weapons manufacturing rule the economic & foreign policy), keep the news channels owned by corporations i.e NBC/GE) are the basic historical thread running throughout the US. If this country can't modernise itself in respect of educating its general population truthfully then, at this point, the country will be left behind in the world. It's actually economic warfare out there now and an ignorant population is rooted in its past, not geared towards moving into the future.
Complain about this comment
90, Amerika.
I don't understand the double standard. Plenty of husbands (and wives) cheat. Should a cheating husband be thrown out his job as an accoutant because he had an affair? No, of course not. Then why should an elelcted official? And when these erring officials are caught they go through this mea culpa crap and then resign. Why don't they simply say, "Yes, I was an unfaithful husband, but that has to do with my personal life and nothing to do with my function as governor (or president, or whatever)." Thise wimply apoligies are embarrassing and insincere. We could use a little more dignity and a lot less hypocracy. And as for their characterless wives stnding by them - well, that is just too much.
Complain about this comment
the mark ass confusion
goes on and on
the mark ass troubles
goes on and on
It started off so innocent
when someone threw a bun,
but all the other kids decided
they should join the fun.
The teachers even used some words
were not supposed to mention.
And thats how all the kids and teachers
wound up in detention.
Complain about this comment
It is not a double standard. As an elected official, if he presents him or her self as a defender of family values and law and order and then cheats on his spouse he/she is a fraud and should be thrown out of office. a cheating husband or wife has done great harm to their family, especially thir children. Teach your children of family values, personal responsibility and honour rather then two faces, or don't get married. Honor is not something that can be compromised or rationalized away and still exist. It is not that way in europe, but call some of us old fashioned and out of touch here in USA, but i prefer honor duty and country over expedience, policial correctness and the other most used excuse it really was not my fault.
Complain about this comment
ref 95 Amerika-first.
I agree with your post,if you are not honest,you are not anything.Forgive me but I did not quite grasp the line "it is not that way in Europe".
Do you mean we are honorable or dis-honorable?I am sorry to be slow with your meaning.
Complain about this comment
Speaking of foreign media in the US for which BBC qualifies, tonight instead of reporting the news on BBC World TV on PBS, BBC chose instead to waste its entire half hour program with a tribute to Michael Jackson. Of the three nightly news programs I watch, BBC World News is the one I rely on least. Thank goodness for World Focus and the PBS Nightly News report. At least the best two out of three were not mesmerized but instead reported the news as usual. BBC looked more like a supermarket checkout stand tabloid again tonight than a responsible TV journalist. Jim Lehrer did mention that Jackson had died and there was a small segment about him at the end of its one hour report.
Complain about this comment
96. At 9:59pm on 25 Jun 2009, ukwales wrote:
ref 95 Amerika-first.
I agree with your post,if you are not honest,you are not anything.Forgive me but I did not quite grasp the line "it is not that way in Europe".
Do you mean we are honorable or dis-honorable?I am sorry to be slow with your meaning.
To 96. Their is different view in Europe about dallience while in office. We may be rather puritancial on this subject. The USA has sufferred enough in the past 50 years about politicians not living up to their words and vow to the voters. When you run on family values and law/order, then live your private life in those terms. We expect better from our elected officials, whether democrats or republicians it really does not matter. live up to your word or get out. Honor, duty and country is not easy to live up to, but in the end there is no gray area. Either you honor your vow and live up to your oath or you don't.
Complain about this comment
Ref 98.America first.
Thanks for taking time,
No you are not puritanical,its no different over here,To cheat on your loved one,first you become a liar.People in politics from all lands seem rather good at lying ,after all they do get a lot of practise.Rightly or wrongly over here we do not hold politicians in high esteem & give them a rough ride,some times they totaly deserve it,If not,it keeps them on their toes.
Complain about this comment
Sanford has made himself an irrelevant historical footnote. Next subject...
Every U.S. president ends up talking to foreign media, since the "When the U.S. sneezes, the world catches a cold" axiom requires even those unable to vote for the U.S. president still be allowed to be informed and ask questions where our policies are concerned.
...at least I would hope allies and friends would want to be well informed and interested participants...
Complain about this comment
98.
A country built on deceit will die by deceit.
Complain about this comment
America reaching out to foreign media is one thing, but its recent track record of directly challenging - dictating to - foreign leaders is arrogant and ill-conceived. How can you conciliate when you dictate? Telling Hondurans to respect the rule of law. Telling Iranian leaders to stop their aggression on their own people.
This is how American politicians - including Obama - seem to see the world: do as we say, not as we do. If only they could present a case for what they are saying. For example, America 30, 40 years ago was aggressively subduing protests across the nation, killing students at Kent State and attacking them openly in Chicago.
Sounds a lot like present day Iran. So why not remind the world of the harsh lessons America has learned, give the world context to see that America has serious flaws, but is learning, which is the way of the world. "We made mistakes in the past, in the treatment of our own people, and we sincerely hope other countries may learn from our mistakes" something of that nature is entirely appropriate.
If context can't be presented, if you can't admit your own mistakes in order to try to help others, then please, sincerely, shut up America. You're not helping.
Complain about this comment
"Sanford is one of the real possibles for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012"
Mr. Webb, remind me never to take you with me to the race track.
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS