The Wrong Way
I have another political rant that I want to share, this time concerning the recent events in Iran.
The demonstrations and upheaval over the recent election farce is of course of huge importance on the geopolitical scene. The fact that the demonstrations are happening at all puts a stake in the facade the religious regime there has been purporting for decades (that the people, in general, support the current situation). Any thinking person of course supports a fair election and a democratic society with personal freedoms, so that's obvious. And Iran doesn't have that, that's obvious too. But, it's complicated, so the pundits and legislators that are currently criticizing the Obama administration for their handling of the situation really need to shut the hell up and get a grip on reality.
There have been many criticizers, among them Bill Bennett, and Senator Lindsey Graham (R, S.C), who spout pretty much the same dribble - that the U.S. needs to make a stronger general statement and that the President is squandering a "chance" in Iran. Nonsense. First, if you think the U.S. ISN'T trying to aid protesters and change that regime then you are seriously naive, but that doesn't mean we have to do it in an over the top overt fashion. Second, there are many ways openly supporting these protesters could galvanize support in the OTHER direction (it's happened before). Third, the historical, cultural, and political situation is a lot more involved than just throwing support one way or the other on this one - overt or otherwise.
I won't go into great detail, but suffice to say what Bennett and Graham are saying is stupid - and if I recall correctly, it's also a criticism of the President which means you are a "hate America first" unpatriotic eagle sodomizing bastard too (or where did all that sentiment these same two had a year or so back go?).
The Obama administration has certainly made mistakes in some areas, and there is room for criticism for sure, but on this one, and foreign policy in general, they seem to be walking the balance pretty damn well in my book.
