Has President Obama been forceful enough in his condemnation of Iran's crackdown on protesters?

RMarenco is right. As usual the right wing has got it completely wrong and Fox has become nothing but a bad joke.

So what if I did. It still is TRUE! They need us to show we are behind them and not these old fa*ts who are running Iran like an 10th century serfdom. The Iranian people are oppressed and do have a good sense of what liberty is

If you're going to call someone an idiot you may want to check to make sure you haven't made multiple spelling errors in your post. Are you familiar with contractions such as "you're" and "it's"? I'm just "saying."

Their protest signs are in English because they want them read around the world. English is understood almost world-wide. Farsi isn't.

THINK. The signs are in English because it is the most universally understood language, and Iranians know their message will get out to the world that way.

It is becoming clear that the opposition in Iran understands that without world support, including from the U.S., they are doomed. Otherwise, they would keep their signs in Farsi and other domestic Iranian languages, and would not be Twittering and e-mailing people in the West

Did you really need Fox News to tell you that?

RMarenco - If you're going to call someone an idiot, at least use words that are spelled correctly. I believe you wanted to use "you're" not "your". The inability to spell even simple words undermines anything you may have to say.

Your native language is pig.

That's helpful Jirby. Someone disagrees with you and you call them names. Myself, I feel the military should not be involved. Obama must be measured with his words - as he always is - however, I would like to see him take more of a stance and outline some repercussions for the regime if they continue these human rights violations.

The simple fact is that the Iranian people need to rise up and fight for independence on their own. If it is given to them, they will not appreciate it nearly as much. They need to be seen to do it THEMSELVES. When they do, they will appreciate it so much more because it was something THEY earned and took, and not something that was given to them. How is that hard to understand?

Barak is smart enough to understand that and not degrade what THEY are doing by spouting some words. The world knows how we stand on freedom and free speech. We do not need to go pounding our chests and shouting it to the rest of the world. If it comes to a revolution, then that will be the time to provide funding and weapons to the people of Iran, and it will have to be done discretely so it is seen to be the Iranian people winning their freedom, not something the US and the world gave them. To do anything at this point in time, would only demean and damage what the Iranian people are trying to do. Anyone who thinks otherwise is ignorant and out of touch with reality.

We make our move when it will benefit both the US and the Iranian people not damage what both are trying to do!

"I'm just saying" is a redundant cliche, especially after one just got through making a statement. Who started that already tired catch phrase? I'm just saying.

You sound like a 14 year old child. As usually the GOP has nothing but slogans and catch fraises and fails to understand the complexity of the issue.

That's the best comeback you can come up with? Some grammar ?? Really? You got what I was saying and that was it?.

Wow.. You guys are more pathetic than I thought.

Lets talk about grammar because we probably dont have a good comeback so let us change the subject.

Bill, Bill N., Andrew and Chalaz..try again..

I would like to see him take more of a stance and outline some repercussions for the regime if they continue these human rights violations.

AndrewCincy: Did you ever see the movie Team America? There's a scene in the movie where Hans Blix chews out Kim Jong Ill for not giving him full access to his palace for inspection and Blix says, "you better give me complete access now!" Kim Jong says, "or else what?" Blix says, "Or else we will get very angry with you and we will be forced to write you a letter telling you how angry we are!"

I suppose we could do the same thing - ramp up the rhetoric, get in their face, flex our muscles, and give them an ultimatum if they don't do what we want. We could write them a letter or we could send in troops, or....

Seriously, Obama is handling this correctly for now. Threatening language now would either be seen as laughable or as threatening and it would be exactly what the extreme leaders in Iran want to happen. Obama is not giving it to them.

I love it when the spelling patrol comes out. Never do they have to make any points on the topic at hand, but they can sure make sure to act like gossipy teenage girls, and yes I know I spelled that word wrong!

Holding protest signs in English does not mean you want America to come and take care of your problems. What it does mean is that you want America and the world to know that you are aware of your problems, and want to fix them. I applaud our President for his restraint, and I am praying for the protestors, and hope that they are able to stand firm!

you are an idiot :)

Oh Please.........whimp???? Wow, you need to stop watching the Rabid Right with all the name-calling, hypocrisy, distortions, fear-mongering, etc, etc.

The US tried the "Shah" route and that didn't work out very well for us. When will the idiots in the GOP understand that when you mess with people, sooner or later they get really pissed off and come after you one way or another.

I'd be pissed too if a foreign government installed a puppet government here at home.

Let's take a lesson from history and stop meddling in their business: The GOP should shut-up and take a seat.............

I see the right wing puppy kickers are out in force today. How many wars would you wing nuts like to see us in? Aren't the two we've got going on good enough for you?

Anyone like to bet that had the president initially come out talking tough, the lunatic fringe would have then complained about that?

English is pretty much a universal language so they wanted the World not just the US to bare witness, which we all have.

Case 1

Obama comes out strongly as the GOP wants; Khamenei uses the US as an excuse to kill millions of young people who just want justice and their votes to count. Does the US intervene militarily then or do we not? Are we labeled as fomenters of unrest by the Dictators and get accused of betrayal by the rioters?

When millions are killed while the Dictators accuse the US of meddling or fomenting unrest, will we send in some of our young people to back up our rhetoric and the young courageous youth of Iran?

No good options there....

Case 2

Do what Obama has been doing because the revolution is the revolution of the Iranian people. The US supports there efforts to get justice that is universal.

This is a better position because the Dictators cannot scapegoat and use the US as a reason to kill young people.

For the GOP to have failed to understand this simple issue and Obama’s careful and rather thoughtful position is truly baffling. Acting as if the US never tried interventionism unsuccessfully before is proof The Grand Old Party is too old to remember. They are misleading some of us in the US while they are currently lost in the political wilderness. It is unbelievable.

Mohammad Mosaddeq from his grave: "Thank God Obama is their President...Idiots!"

Do you even know the history of the United States of America and Iran? Do you know anything about the culture of the people, the system of government they operate under? Obama is a STATESMAN... like George H.W. Bush. I can't stand W. but his father was a decent man. He understood (although with a conservative bent) the discretion needed with power. Obama understands the wisdom of respecting a nation's sovereignty and NOT... under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES sabotaging the chance of democracy's success... which is what would happen (followed promptly by a bloodbath int he streets) if we were to try to poke our nose in on this issue.

The Iranian people are GETTING support from all sorts of nations: Great Britain, France, Italy, America, Dubai... We've got people out there supporting proxy connection networks so the Iranians can still access the internet, we've got Fax to Web set up for them in the emergency case that all internet is shut down.

PUH-LEASE... do a little research before you insult MY President when it appears any Presidential policy YOU would support would end up resurrecting the Draft (is a two front war - with Korea knocking - not enough for you?).

I cannot agree more, when the unrest first started Iranian leaders IMMEDIATELY blamed it on the US. As it wore on and the US was not spouting the usual rhetoric and inflaming the situation it became apparent to all that this was NOt of the West's (specifically the US) making but was an internal problem within Iran. the recent killing and martyrdom of the young lady has driven that point home so deeply that even the hardliners in Iran have cut way back on the rhetoric against the West (US). Instead of giving Iran a scapegoat to pin the troubles on President Obama's actions ahve forced Iran to deal with it without the scapegoat. This is the type of action that will slowly turn events in the mideast. When the Iranian regime falls (most likely not this time but after a few more "elections" like this one and the people really have enough) the mideast will not beable to blame the West (US) but have to accept the fact that an Islamic regime (just like the Christian ones) cannot last as a government.

Hey all of you cowards who sit behind a desk and spit on everything Obama does. Gear up and come over to Iraq or Afghanistan with us soldiers. Then tell me Obama is a wimp. He is doing fine. Sorry but 2 wars is enough for me. Iran doesn't need the U.S. They are big boys and girls and can fight for themselves.

Being " tought " worked so well for the republicans the past 8 years !!! Those idiots were unable to win the wars they started and handed them down to President Obama who now has to deal with a war he voted, against. Not only that, but the neocons's actions inflammed the whole middle east ! And they dare criticizing a man who can actually think ??
Those anti american cowards, should just shut the hell up !

I want to see who is going to sit here and argue with Anhero and others that are actually serving for us in the Middle East under a lie by our former President and his cronies. (Did I spell that right?)

And unlike a republiclone, I can admit when I am wrong. My bad as my first post was insulting.

Give the world a break! This has nothing to do with Obama nor the English language. This is about a regime who wants to dictate and control its people.  American government should wait this one out and see if the REGIME can dictate a peaceful and righteous outcome. English is a worldwide language and about 2/3 of the world's population has learned it or is learning it.  You seem to know nothing but how to run your mouth in an attempt to discredit the President.  This is the type of attitude that sustains division and mis-understandings for many.

Yep...that is the only reason why they did that so we could read it. Are you kidding...while they are bleeding and fighting the last thing they are thinking of is us. The Neocons need to backoff and get a grip. It's their fight not ours. We are not the world police.

I believe RMarenco, use of your was right . He meant it as possessive not as "you are". You had better check his usage again. He said you were trying to use the wording as if it were yours not you are. So before knocking his punctuation you better check what the usage was.

?

And you are a total idiot. It would be the worst thing an American President to do to get involved. Then the current government would say: "See the opposition is an American puppet." Further since the moron that was our last President already has our troops over extended so we actually couldn't intervene militarily anyway. Didn't think that one out, Did you?

Next time you have a thought just let it go.-Ron White

Let's not forget that chest-pounding, foot-stomping, and sabre-rattling got us absolutely nowhere in the past. We needn't feed the Iranian regime any excuses to further their self-righteous causes.

I believe all of us, whether overtly or in the back of our minds, would like to put a cruise missile on the Iranian government's doorstep, yet, we must be intelligent enough to know that we neither need or can bankroll a war with Iran. That would be a sure bet on moving the opposition over there into the Iranian government's camp.

As the man said, let's see how this will play out over time: patience before knee-jerk, shoot-from-the-hip, reaction. See: starting two wars in the MiddleEast BEFORE perspective and a game plan.

I am sure those saying no to the President's position are Republicans, I can tell because their reaction show's how ignorant they all are, from world politic to civil behavior here at home not being able to work with the Democrat during a hard time like the one we are going through and beside, hard time their stupidity and greed has produce. It would be advisable for all of you No, to sit back shut up and try to think a little. You may find the experience refreshing....

If there is political change in Iran, it has to come from the iranian people. The first thing the current government did was blame American meddling... It is smart of Obama to stay out of it to allow the iranians to determine their own destiny without the taint of the US on their movement.

At some point, I assume that would change but it's up to Iranians to stand up to their own bully.

The same people who are quick to critize Obama lack of support for the Iranian people are the same people who supported blowing them up because they're part of the "axis of evil"

Good point, TKS!

Thanks for your service, ANHERO, and keep up the good work!! We're proud of you.

Hey! I have a novel idea! Obama has set the international tone and has stated clearly what our stance and strategy will be. And polls indicate a huge agreement with that position. Debate that. Disagree with it. Let's talk about it all day long.

But while in a crisis, support Obama's and our country's position. The ONLY thing appearing weak about the position he is taking is the appearance that he doesn't have our support. But, in any event, DO NOT undermine or weaken the strategy with your constant barrage of disrespectful remarks or by second-guessing his every move... its... its as though... you want him to fail... or something.

Pathetic.

Because they are trying to communicate with the english and the australians?, your assumption is unfounded, the majority of the news media with capability for superfast transmission is in english primarily, that does not mean is directed specifically to the US, too much for assumptions.

further, because the protestors may be asking for an intervention from the US, should the president follow through?, so what you are saying is that every time anyone cries for help we should engage regardless of the consequences? so that means that the rest of the world has to think for us and decide for us?

most experts (including prominent Iranians) are saying that is their struggle and that the US should maintain a calm position, of course there is the simplistic warmongers that claim that we should take a "stronger attitude" (implying perhaps that chenney's and bush's wild dream comes true and we invade Iran), but of course the simplistic views of those are like they have been always based on ignorance or the sick desire of patronizing the world and have that feel of being the good guy. until when some people will realize that these type of decisions should not be taken lightly and that although it may appear that a stronger position is in the benefit of democracy, we may sacrifice human beings and democracy itself in the process?

Chalasz et al, let these countries fight their own problems in their own home, in their own way and obtain their freedom from their own efforts.

It is their lives being sacrificed in the final analysis, fighting for what they believe in, thus these folks would not appreciate this country taking over their grass roots efforts imo. They can fight their own battles in their own way, working within their own system, society and culture to win what they want the most, a sort of democracy that they can believe in imo.

There are other middle eastern countries that can apply pressure in the Iran situation if they chose to imo.

It is time to take care of things at home in this country. The pity is that it appears that people in this country are either too beaten down, or too lazy or don't care enough or prefer to just winge, whine and moan about problems here instead of doing something about it, like is done in other countries from the look of things. Perhaps folks here feel they are just too 'sophisticated' to march or visibly protest and instead perfer to tweet or what ever instead. LOL

What about the healthcare issue and the possibility that there will not be a universal public option? What about the forclosures, with so many people losing their homes daily? What about the high consumer interest rates and fees? What about lack of mental health care for the many? What about the homelessness and hunger that is in this country? What about the GOP and some democrats who are holding the needs and wishes of the masses hostage? What about the continued high cost of fuel and other utilities? What about the continued increasing cost of food and other staples with no end in sight? Why is it that many older people end up in poverty after a life of working hard? Why is it that some veterans are living on the streets or lacking the help that they need to get their lives and the lives of their family back together?

While the list could go on and on, there are those in Congress who are busy mouthing off on issues overseas in another country, where the masses who are protesting the actions of their own govt are not asking for our help, rather just informing the world of what they (the people) are doing about the conditions in their own country imo.

Why don't these mouthy polititians in this country worry about the conditions of the masses here, who voted them in to represent them and to look out for their needs instead of having verbal diarrhoea meddling in issues and cultures that they may not even understand?

My questions, to these polititians in this country, are simple. 1. What are you doing to change/enhance the lives of the masses in this country for the better?

2. Why aren't you busy running your mouths on behalf of /looking out for the faceless masses in this country and trying to minimize/solve the difficulties that they are going through, instead of from the look and sound of things, just looking out for big biz including the for-profit private health insurance companies and big pharma?

3. Did any of you see any signs by the protestors in Iran saying "Help us" or "we need your input"?

4. Don't you know that charity and responsibility begins at home?

5. Don't you realize that the many, many forclosure signs and millions of people lacking healthcare and/or losing their jobs and swimming in debt into bancruptcy are the masses of this country's way of holding up the "HELP US" sign? Hmmmm

I suppose it is easier to help your neighbour/friends/whomever, than to help your own family/people huh?

Oh well what's new? Seems to be par for the course. LOL

If the American media were to dare broadcast signs in a language other than English, some Americans would try to boycott those outlets broadcasting those signs.

They'd say, "XXX Station is trying to make us learn a foreign language! This is America! Let's boycott XXX."

In my opinion, the situation seems to be leading to possible civil war in Iran. This is not something the US should be involved in. Last time we got involved in someone else's civil war was Viet Nam and we all know how well that worked. I see some saying the people of Iran desire democracy and justice. If that's true, then they need to fight for it just as US colonists did, just as the French did...check world history. There is a civil war in most countries' history. It is internal. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I believe Iran's rulers are looking for any excuse to drag us into war. They are trying everything to get us involved. Look at the latest news -- it has arrested protesters stating they were incited by the BBC and VOA. And let's guess that they were not tortured or had their families threatened to get them to say these things (especially since most statements are verbatim). Must be a reason. Damned if I know what it is.

Clearly, offensive, pointless and really just stupid posturing and aggression are what Republicans admire and repeatedly mistake for actual leadership. It's pathetic.

McCain and his posse, with their wild-eyed, frothing-at-the-mouth, let's- threaten-them-with-the-Marines rhetoric (like the Marines are not already up to their armpits in alligators, thank you very much) have far more in common with Ahmadinejad than they do with President Obama.

What a display! You would think the past eight years, with all of the horrendous strategic and diplomatic blunders, the Republicans would begin to suspect that perhaps there are some flaws in their "philosophy." Instead, if anything, they are more entrenched in theeir narrow, bigoted world view.

RMarenco - I'm glad you've learned to play nice...good for you! Now, please provide some actual facts to back up anything you've said - real facts, not liberal talking points - and I'll be glad to debate them with you. :)

I disagree that a balance has been struck. This is different than the "Bush" years (funny that first you imply your own knowledge by putting other people's down and then imply that our Middle Eastern policy was only disjunk and unguided during the Bush administrations) but only in the since that it is to cautious.

Exactly right. I think Obama is doing the right thing. He will have a measured response and he should not let the stupid Republicans provoke him in to reacting to things before he is ready. He is being briefed as to what is going on and will act accordingly. I like that he does not go off half cocked.

Obama is not a perfect person and neither is his ideas or political view points but saying that to say he is appalled still shows that when dealing with Iran and NK that he is timid and lacks any self confidence in dealing with people who have designs on killing anyone who gets in there way. On the give him respect you where was that at with the fomer admin. you don't just get respect you earn respect and he has not earned it People have a right to voice there opinions and to belittle them for expressing them shows how really dumd they are so I say be as critical to Obama as Obama was to the former admin.

Yay! I agree. I also think that the reason he's not spouting repercussions at Iran is that he wants to get a consensus from other world leaders. Unlike Bush, I think Obama wants multilateral consequences, not go-it-alone cowboy politics.

In Obamas first 150 days he has lost the fight to keep North Korea from getting a nuclear arsenal. In his first 150 days he is losing the effort to keep the Taliban and Al-Queda from overrunning Pakistan and aquiring their nuclear weapons. In his first 150 days he is losing the victory that Bush won in Iraq, which will leave that country to the terrorists. In his first 150 days he is losing the fight to keep Iran from getting nukes. And he will absolutely lose the war in Afghanistan. He is undoubtably the most weak and incompetent President in US history, and our children and grandchildern will be obliterated by nukes that Obama allowed some rogue nation, one of many, to develope.

Agreed, but add Carter to the list....Its a tie.

40 years ago it was the US authorities stifling dissent with bullets. Obama is right in expressing outrage, but not going too far. This is Iran's Tienamin Square. The people will not forget. Iran is changed.

Scott

To blame Obama for letting all these things happen in 150 days when all of these things have been brewing for years is short sighted and even idiotic.

SCOTT-831338... wow... I'm ALMOST speechless.

Almost...

Are you seriously that deluded? You might want to research a couple of your facts before you start spouting... "lost the fight to keep North Korea from getting a nuclear arsenal"... um... wasn't their first nuclear test in 2008?

"losing the effort to keep the Taliban and Al-Queda from overrunning Pakistan and aquiring their nuclear weapons"... last I heard, Pakistan was a starting to win their OWN war against Al Qaeda and the Taliban.

"losing the fight to keep Iran from getting nukes"... and again... SOVEREIGN nation, what the 'ell are we supposed to do - oh, I know... let's start a war on a 3rd front... or better yet, Nuclear Winter! gee, you should run for office yourself.

"And he will absolutely lose the war in Afghanistan" - and the voices told you this when? Did they happen to mention whether the Huskers will make it to a bowl game next year?

"victory that Bush won in Iraq"... ok, this stumps me. I'm officially speechless now (except to ask, have you already bred, or is there still time for us to clean the pool?)

soarl, why not? I bet many people defending Obama blamed Bush for things that were stirring for years (ya know, under Clinton) within his first week in office.

Fixed Noise

Great post and also ON POINT!

Scott, would that be the same North Korea that's been trying for years to get nuclear weapons, and which we continually appeased with money after every instance of their saber-rattling? Then add a few more presidents to the list of presidents who didn't stop that. And explain which tactics should be used to invade a country we know very little about, and whose citizens are bombarded daily with pro-North Korea propaganda while not being allowed to communicate to the outside world. Nothing beats a home-turf advantage, especially if the enemy knows nothing about the area, and the population is utterly controlled and kept ignorant.

Would those be the same Al Qaeda and Taliban we should have been focusing on instead of going to war with a country whose leader we put in power, and which is still draining our resources? A war under completely fabricated premises? Would that also be the same Pakistan that recently invaded the Swat valley--the Taliban's stronghold in Pakistan?

I'd consider a president who starts a war of choice, declares "mission accomplished", then having to continue to fight in the country he invaded until he leaves office for another President to handle as weak and incompetent... especially when it's in a country with no ties to 9/11 but which ended up being a battleground against the very same Taliban and Al Qaeda he was supposed to have defeated in Afghanistan! The same enemies which grew more powerful and which now threatens Pakistan.

As to Iran, what would you say we do? Beat our chests and foam at the mouth, giving Iran's gov't all the propaganda ammunition they need to back up their claim that we're behind the revolution, thereby hamstringing the revolution? Should we bomb Iran like McCain sang about, killing thousands of Iranians just to free them? Should we invade the same Iran we were in opposition with during the Iran/Iraq war, when we gave support to Saddam? The same country whose population was told by its media and leaders was harmed and killed by weapons and poison gas we supplied to Saddam? The same country Bush called part of the "Axis of Evil," words which the Iranian media and leaders loved to mention to its people at every turn?

You do know Mousavi is calling for a general strike, especially in oil refineries and mines, I hope. That happened last time during the revolution against the Shah. We propped up the Shah by exporting oil and resources to offset the loss of production the strike caused, but the Shah was still greatly weakened. We're not supporting the Ayatollah. We don't have to give him anything. If there's a strike and production stops, we don't have to lift a finger. We will therefore give the most aid by standing aside.

Rev, Yes that is the North Korea that has been trying to get nukes for years, including when they broke the 'treaty' Clinton and the Dems signed with them. That would be the North Korea that Bush forced to the negotiating table, that agreed to get rid of their program under Bush, that started dismantling their program under Bush, that blew up their nuclear cooling tower under Bush, and that invited the UN in to oversee it all, all under Bush. That would be the same North Korea that as soon as Obama became president, disavowed the 6-party talks, threw the UN out, restarted their nuke program, detonated a nuclear bomb, is shooting long range missles toward us now, and has even imprisoned 2 American journalists to boot. Yeah, that North Korea. And what should we do about it? I guess you would have us just sit back and let them develope them and blow us up with them? We should put nuclear armed warships on their coasts and let them know we are going to destroy them if they don't allow in UN inspectors to make sure they don't have a nuke program or weapons. As for Pakistan, if you think that the weak Pakistani army and government are going to defeat the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, you must be smoking crack or something. Leave it to the Dems to outsource our security to an unreliable army that can't even protect their own country, much less ours. Say what you want about Iraq, on the day Obama took office, the country was peaceful and had been for months. Victory was at hand, and all that Obama had to do was keep up what Bush had accomplished. But he couldn't even do that. Violence is spiraling, and more American soldiers are dying now that Obama and his failing 'timeline' strategy are in place. Obama will be the first president in history to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. And Iran? Total capitulation, appeasement and aquiesence to the most despised regime in the world. What a failure of leadership.

"As for Pakistan, if you think that the weak Pakistani army and government are going to defeat the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, you must be smoking crack or something."

Scott, you already smoked all the crack. We didn't get any.

Man, you must've been thirsty after all that crack, 'Cause the kool-aid's all gone, too.

I'm not a "right-wing zealot" but I consider Obama's foreign policies weak. Shoot, I consider myself to be a libertarian (a moderate one) and a deist. Oh, and I already consider him to be arrogant.

I don't think we should help them until they ask, but I don't think ANY country that publicly speaks out against what is happening is meddling.

If your neighbor was beating the crap out of his wife, and you had the suspicion that he might kill her eventually, and the beating's were escalating both in severity and frequency, how long could you stay silent? (May not be the best analogy, but it get's my point across).

imv77, this is the third time Obama has spoke out, how many times do you want him to do it? Do you want him to get a loop tape that just keeps playing the same thing over and over. God get real.

Verno,

I agree he has spoken out but I personally think that what the house did was more news worthy than his little speeches... And I said we should take action unless asked for help. There is nothing wrong with speaking out against something that you find is wrong. Obama could be more assertive. But I agree, at least he's said something.

This thread is for opinions, that is mine, please don't attack me for them.

I agree with your sentiments. However, I disagree with your continued use of inflammatory insults (zealots, bible thumpers, etc.)

I'm pretty sure that anyone who really wants to join in with the protesting in Iran can figure out how to do so, especially many of those politicians in DC who think Obama should be doing more.

If ANYONE can get into Iran and support the protesting, it certainly would be any one of our Congressmen or Congresswomen.

I say, if you can get a visa and have the $$$ and you feel passionate about it, then go!

Imv77 - using your "neighbor beating wife" analogy, maybe he should dial 911!

Imv wrote:

I'm not a "right-wing zealot" but I consider Obama's foreign policies weak. Shoot, I consider myself to be a libertarian (a moderate one) and a deist. Oh, and I already consider him to be arrogant.

You may consider yourself a libertarian, but libertarians wouldn't. The libertarian position is not to get entangled in foreign affairs that don't directly effect us.

I don't think we should help them until they ask, but I don't think ANY country that publicly speaks out against what is happening is meddling.

It doesn't matter what you think; it matters what Iranians think. And Iranians remember very well that the US overthrew their democracy in 1953. Obama has to walk a fine line to keep from empowering the regime by giving credibility to their lie that these demonstrations are in any way orchestrated by the US.

If your neighbor was beating the crap out of his wife, and you had the suspicion that he might kill her eventually, and the beating's were escalating both in severity and frequency, how long could you stay silent? (May not be the best analogy, but it get's my point across).

You're right, its a horrible analogy that succeeds in getting across your point that you think interference is both justified and will be effective. But it has no application to the present situation, which is far more complicated than your hypothetical situation.

You don't mean "UN Peacekeepers", do you? To what end? They don't actually DO anything. They stand around in their blue hats and WATCH. (when they aren't committing horrors of their own- rape, etc). Would there be a purpose for them to fullfil? A particular use for them?

Well put Jack!

I'm a conservative, but I agree with how Obama is handling Iran.

Smackmathew wrote: I'm a conservative, but I agree with how Obama is handling Iran.

You're not alone. Here's .

Geez... what will he do without your 1 vote? Obama is a pragmatist. The main reason for the absence of peace in the region is the US's blind support for Israel. I'm amazed that you refer to the settlements as if you're building on your won land. BTW, can't you see that he's willing to talk to Iran to save your a$$.

I think that you have that all wrong Bob. Give him time, he will do well by Israel, you'll see. Both side have to give and take, and I know, that Israel has been doing most of the giving. He will help the two sides come to an agreement, he just cant do everything at once.

"but now he refuses to talk with israel because of settlements being built on the west bank and does not acknowledge the terror being dropped on us each day and death it brings" Why don't you move to Israel and vote for an Israeli? You live in America and vote in the American election. Why should you care about another country when casting your vote? Are you Israeli or American? Make up your mind.

To be fair, two wrongs don't make a right. The Palestinians should not be using violence. However, the Israelis have broken many promises to stop building new settlements. And then they have the nerve to build their protective wall on the PALESTINIAN lands! If they wanted the wall they should have built it on unarguably Israeli land.

I don't believe for one moment that you voted for President Obama. Bob D. you are on here all the time and I haven't seen that statement before.

And your information is incorrect plus it has nothing to do with what is happening in Iran right now.

I'm Jewish, and I voted for McCain. Very few of us did, although he was clearly the Judeophile, whereas Obama surrounded himself with antisemites. (There is a name for guys like Rahm---Kapos.)

Why Jews vote liberal is a mystery to me. They get backstabbed every time.

Israel is being very unreasonable and I support Obama in pushing back on them. It's obvious Israel is doing nothing but a territorial "grab" before the lines start to be drawn for a two-state solution. Israel is wrong on this issue and should honor the agreements they've made.

Unfortunatly he does not really "stand" for anything, just what ever it took to get elected. How many shifts have there been based on opinion shift and reality checks. You are not the only one just figuring this out. Sorry. The only real puppets are the ones that he got to vote for him.

Many Americans who voted for Barack "one term" Obama feel the same way.

The only remotely 'get tough' stance President Obama has taken so far has been against Israel, our strongest ally in the middle east.

He's too busy kissing and hugging the saudis who would stab America in the back at the first opportunity - remember their response when we asked them to help us by regulating oil prices.

Everyone knows the palestinians don't want land. They want Israel to be a very large uninhabited crater in the ground, and President Obama is willing to let it happen.

Obama refuses to talk to Israel? Nonsense. Are you claiming the Embassy has been closed?

Isreal is less of an ally and more like a codependent spoiled man child.  Will someone please source this claim that Obama refuses to talk to Isreal?  I don't think this is accurate

When was the last time an Isreali was killed by a rocket from Gaza? I wish that you fools would stop spouting lies and misinformation all day long. Everyone knows that it's the Palestinians who are dying from rocket, tank,and aircraft attacks. The Isreali "settlers" don't belong on that land and should be forcibly removed. It's just a Jewish attempt at a land grab.Jewish lies do not the truth make!!!!!

A puppet of Iran? Are you insane... And not approving of the policies of the israeli government does not make one anti Jewish...

That said, the Israelis are completely violating the human rights of the palestinians - I'd be pretty pissed to if the country that took my taxes just bulldosed my house to put up a house for someone else... and the "daily terror" raining down on israel is nothing compared to the HUGE loss of life and Distruction of property that happened in Gaza City Most recently. The Israelis should be ashamed of themselves for that completely, one-sided conflict - they should be prosecuted for war crimes (White Phosphorus is illegal)

"[T]he terror being dropped on us each day and death it brings"

You live in Israel? If not, then what terror(ism) is being done to you? And I agree with Pres. Obama, as long as Israel is going to do illegal things like build new settlements, or commit war crimes in Gaza, why should he, or any civilized world leader, sit down and talk to the terrorist Netenyahu, when he is as bad, or worse, as he uses a State Army, as the Islamic terrorists that bomb Israel? Israel long ago lost the moral high ground. Pres. Obama is trying to get back the US' lost moral high ground, and he cannot do that by looking the other way when an ally does bad things.

hogwash. Israel can start focussing on making peace anytime now by displaying a rigorous obedience to the law. trying to make peace instead of looking for excuses to go to war. This is about Iran and Obama, not about Israel. Your interest might well be oriented to this country, not another.

Bob wrote: I am jewish, i voted for obama but now he refuses to talk with israel

Prove it. Post a link to a quote of him refusing to talk with Israel. That's simply ridiculous. Why would he stop talking to a country that's collecting a billion dollars a year in welfare from us?

because of settlements being built on the west bank and does not acknowledge the terror being dropped on us each day and death it brings,

Obama acknowledges the suffering of Israelis and of Palestinians. You presumably demand that he only acknowledge the suffering of one side.

but he is still willing to talk to Irans murderous leaders,

That's what statesmen do. At the height of the cold war, there was always a direct communication link between the White House and the Kremlin. We're also still talking to the Chinese (remember Tiananmen Square?), as we should. Refusing to talk solves nothing.

so you want a third war?

Well actually probably a fourth war. First you have to complete Bush's attacks on the axis of evil (war with Korea, Iraq and Iran). Afghanistan wasn't something he really wanted. He only had to go there because it was where the only person that's attacked us was skulking in caves. Of course, the army of 16 that attacked us then were only armed with razor blades, hardly a WMD. Of course, he never did find Bin Ladin, but he did manage to restore the country's standing as the leading exporter of drugs. The Taliban were rude enough to not allow such a fine global business opportunity. Way to go Georgie, finally reconstruction that's profitable (a GOP requirement).

Hmm, maybe actually a fifth war. Wasn't the 'war on drugs' his thing early on also (i.e. Mexico, central america, et.al.)? Hey, how's that going.

Ahh, now I remember, it was the 'war on terror' that he wanted to propogate (the military going everywhere terror exists in the world).

Or wait, wasn't it the war between good and evil. That was his duty as a born-again Christian, right? He just couldn't figure out how to place the military on all those alternate dimensions that he believed God and Satan exist on and fight over.

Was there anything in Bush's presidency that wasn't about starting wars?

I think he wanted to play war in space too....

" But, there jus' wuddin' nobody to play with out there. Just some dumb ol' Russians. And they ain't no fun to play with anymore anyway. " - GWB

exactly

ditto

Checks and Balances....Checks and Balances.

One party rule = tyranny

Checks and balances is one thing. Stubbornness, roadblocking, and obstruction are another. I see the 3rd party Libertarians as being more true to historical Republicans now. I'd rather have Dems & Libertarians doing the checking and balancing. I don't know what the Repubs in Congress are. I wouldn't call them a good example of loyal opposition anymore.

You mean like the democrats during the Bush years? It doesn't matter WHO the president is, people on the other side of the political spectrum will try to make things difficult.

I'm a libertarian, and I don't think that either party should be eliminated. Just add a more prominent third party. (Personally as a libertarian the current government putting their hands in everybody business makes me very queasy)

You call it roadblocks & stubborness because it is what you hear Democrats say on TV - They are doing what they think is right (remember it is still a free country; though how much longer could be questionable) - somehow when Democrats do the same thing it is not stubborness or roadblocks - If the Democrats had listened to Bush & not been stubborn about Freddie & Fannie & everyone owning a home we would not be in this mess - Especially Dodd & Frank

I'm all for a second party. Since the GOP doesn't represent enough people to be one anymore, let's start another. How about calling us the Moderates.
Fiscally conservative but compassionate, individually responsible, hard working, independent thinkers, diplomatic, flexible, responsive, practical, humble, and no one believing their on a mission from God, no one believing that "you're either with me or your against me" and no one believing that all the right answers to solve everyone's problems are just blazingly obvious.

You have stats that show that the republican party doesn't represent enough people anymore?

"You're either with me or against me" sounds like the argument used on BOTH sides.

Let's just pull all of our troops back into the US, protect our own borders, and argue amongst ourselves. This country doesn't have the will to win anything anymore, and it endangers our children when they go overseas in uniform.

The Republican Shrinkage Problem

The new Washington Post/ABC news poll has all sorts of intriguing numbers in it but when you are looking for clues as to where the two parties stand politically there is only one number to remember: 21.

That's the percent of people in the Post/ABC survey who identified themselves as Republicans, down from 25 percent in a late March poll and at the lowest ebb in this poll since the fall of 1983(!).

In that same poll, 35 percent self-identified as Democrats and 38 percent called them Independents.

How about the Centrist Party.

We grab all the moderates from ALL parties. Conservative or Progressive, it doesn't matter. If you have some conservative views and some progressive views, even better. We just want moderates. We want people who are willing to truly and reasonably look at an issue from ALL sides including your own, who are willing to compromise to achieve what is right, what is necessary and what is fair for the people of this country, for this country, and nobody else. That, my friends, is smack dab in the middle.

We, the Moderates, will our voices to be heard again. For too long, our voices have been drowned out by the few. The extremes of our political views.

We, the Moderates, are the majority. We, being the majority, are the ones who are most affected by the decisions made or not made because of the extremes of our respective parties. Why do we, the majority, allow this to happen?

With a moderate Centrist party as a third party the majorities voice would be heard and we would finally have the ability to really put this country back on course and keep it there. The way we should be. Together. Right on down the middle of the road toward Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Sounds crazy. But it could work.

We better do something to bring people back together. In the middle. If we allow the extremes to keep dividing us over petty issues, we won't need to worry about Iran, North Korea, or any other country destroying us. We'll do it ourselves. Even on this site, Newsvine, I've seen a deterioration in peoples treatment, attitude and words towards others with differing opinions or beliefs. I'm even guilty of it myself sometimes. It sucks. We all need to be, if not more accepting, at least more tolerant. Third party or not we have to work together to keep America the great country it is. Otherwise, we run the risk of losing it all.

And that makes the sacrifices of everyone before us and to this day, for naught.

But that's just my opinion.....I could be wrong.

Ivanhoe74/2012

Bush and the DEMOCRATIC controlled house....

Democratic controlled for 2 years, and Now I have a question for you and I would like an answer.

Please give me an example of a single economic policy implemented after January 2007 until Jan 20, 2009 that effectuated the economic meltdown.

I was merely trying to point out that it wasn't JUST Bush, and NO I didn't like Bush, and NO I'm not a Republican!

It was Bush and the oppositionists toady

Let me guess..A REAL President like Cheney?..err..I mean Bush? Get over yourself. Dont be mad cause so far this president seems to be in the limelight for most of the right reason while your imbecil right-wing leaders had almost 8 complete years of failure. I guess you would have been happy with that twitt of Palin and her Foreign policy experience of being able to see Russia from her state in the white house right? Please, get out of your trailer and live a little. Im sure if the President was meddleing a bit more in Iran you and your Republiclone friends would still say he is arrogant and thinks he is above everyone else and to stop having our goverment try to run everyone else. You should move to Iran.

Wake up Maggie ! Same old tired Republican talking points? C'mon gal, think for your self for once !

Talking points? LOL Stop watching Keith, Matthews and Maddow and YOU think for yourself for once. No worries here...enjoy Obama's presidency while it lasts, come 2012, bye bye.

Do me a favor and root for the jests, the pansies or the jills, as a hardcore Dolphins fan myself, I'm ashamed to see such bs come out from the keyboard of a "fins" fan.

Maggie, keep watching FOX news. Where were your complaints the past 8 years? Did you like your President better when he was on vacation the first 9 months of his term and then sat there and read a book while planes were crashing into buildings. Who looked like a deer in headlights then I ask you? When he was told Mr. President we are under attack, he sat there eyes wide open biting his lower lip. He seemed to bite his lower lip a lot that first year.

come 2012, bye bye

Oh great - another Mayan end of the world prediction.

Maggie, no one is listening to the talking points anymore. There are too many important issues in the world to listen to a bunch of bs right wing talking points.

It has nothing to do with Iran. If you want to go to war go on over to Iran and show what big cojones you have.

Yeah, last time we voted for a celebrity was Reagan and that didn't turn out too well for our National Debt or the Contras. I guess Iran made out pretty good with illegal weapons sales.

I'm sure I have bigger cojones than you, AND I AM A WOMAN! While you left wing, tree hugging, socialists are busy drinking Obama's Kool-Aid, REAL men and women are fighting overseas and placing country first to fight for OUR freedom and others around the world. That is something that you left wing nuts will never understand. Diplomacy...LMAO You are cowards.

You are right. "There are too many important issues in the world". Why don't you tell YOUR president to stop with the magazine interviews and photo shoots and tell him TO GET TO WORK!

Maggie,

Are you screaming at your monitor while you type that? Be sure to wipe the spittle off.

How many more troops would you commit across the globe? We don't have an unlimited amount of young men and women to send off and fight for all this freedom. We are already committed to two wars. Maybe you'd like to reenact the draft so we can invade another couple of sovereign nations because they aren't behaving.

So lke around the block said Join the Army and go fight. We dont want to hear about other soldiers fighting, you go fight. That's the problem with Republicans, they want the poor to go fight for them while they bask themselves in Capatilism. I am a Democrat and I served in 2 wars, now you go serve and stop shaking your sheated sabre.

looks like a deer caught in the headlights without his teleprompter

Oh no!! Not the teleprompter again! When will Rush come up with a new petty sarcasm??

America voted for a "president" not a "celebrity

Did you, now?

Amen, Maggie!

The truth is hard to swallow, isn't it? Can't you come up with anything new besides blaming Rush Limbaugh for everything? I'm a fiscal conservative/social liberal so I don't think I would be Rush's cup of tea.

I judge by what I see and make my own decisions. You know, in plain English, I make up my own mind. There are no "super delegates" or the like choosing for me. LOL

It doesn't take a rocket scientist or a Rhodes Scholar to realize that when Obama is asked a question that he is not prepared for or he is not reading his teleprompter, he rambles, and rambles, rambles. LOL Stupid is as stupid does. His responses are sooooooo longwinded his sheep are too stupid too realize he didn't answer the question.

I am proud to say I voted for McCain. I drink Pepsi not Kool-Aid.

Maggie, you sound like you listen to a lot of right-wing radio, probably Glenn Beck! Maggie, I actually like a president who is not afraid to talk to the people, and who actually can talk. Remember Bush had to made to address the people and even then he couldn't read the teleprompter. I want a president to tell me what is going on, unlike the snakes and crooks we had the last 8 years. You people forget that PRESIDENT Obama inherited a mess, and your beloved leader could not wait to turn it over. His own military did not want to be seen standing next to the a-hole. I love having an intelligent, president who can read, write and spell, before sending us to war! By the way what country are you fighting for?

Maggie, you are mistaking hesitations to choose the right word for rambling, or stuttering. Most intelligent people halt when talking as to make sure they select the right words. But you wouldn't understand that.

Maggie, I think BO uses the teleprompter because he wants to make sure he gets the words right to get his points across. This may look strange because of the incoherent remarks Bush often made.

My boss had a Bushisms calendar and we laughed over things like "misunderestimated" and "Is our children learning?", but sometimes we would read what Bush had said and ask each other what the heck he was trying to say.

I always said that if Dubya was assasinated, it would probably be by a frustrated translator!

It's a welcome change to have an articulate President with good grammar and comprehensible statements. And if he wants to use a teleprompter to be that way, more power to him!

Why does O need to grow a pair? I suspect you have more than enough for all the "wimp liberal lefties" all by yourself.

BTW, your man McCain was on with Bob Schieffer, and admitted that to date, Obama "did everything he promised except bring the parties together". McCain was saddened by the lack of more Republican involvement. His plaudit was shocking, and refreshing. McC also indicated there wan't "much more" that Obama could do" in Iran, after he got beyond the the GOP sound-byte posturing he did in the beginning of the program. You might want to look at the ENTIRE program.

I'm beginning to get respect back for McCain. It's TOUGH to have to live down chosing Palin...

Maggie, You're an idiot

How is Obama a coward - If I recall, he authorized the sniper fire to rescue the american captive from the Somali Pirates. What did GW do? He sat on his hands while Special Forces has Bin Laden in their sites and did not give those patriots the order to engage and capture the enemy...

I respect Military service. But just because one serves, it doesn't mean they understand the nuances to dealing with other countries. And people who aren't in the Military are no so cluesless that they can't put themselves in the shoes of a soldier. Supporting the troops does not me giving them more ammo and clapping while they go after the enemy... it's about making sure they're used when appropriate and they they aren't needlessly put in harms way for extended periods of time... IMHO, GW didn't give a @!$%# about the troops.

And finally, just because Obama goes on news programs and gives interviews doesn't mean he's a fame whore - he's bringing his agenda to the people. I don't think I've ever seen a president that I've felt more engaged with or who has simply got more done in such a short period of time. Not in my lifetime anyway.

The "tough" talk of the right wing put us for the last 30 years were we are, in the toilet.

And regarding wimp liberal lefties... I wonder if you served the country right wing coward.

Oh boy! He authorized a sniper! Yup, that shows real guts!

What has he gotten done besides spending more money we don't have and converting private to government?

Why he passed that momentous tobacco bill thingy...

You know, so it will cost you more to smoke while you are sitting around jobless, waiting to get nuked, starving to death due to high food prices caused by the inflated dollar.

You know, super important stuff.

I liked McCain too, though I was worried about his age. However, my dilemna was solved after I started listening to Palin. There's no way I wanted her as president of even my PTO. The problem with the Repub party was that they couldn't put forward a leading candidate who was better than Obama or Hillary (and that's scary). Sad thing is it seems they still can't. They can't even decide what a Republican is (or isn't) right now.

I think the GOP chose her, not McCain.

She scared the crap out of me too. They needed to go moderate not so right. But I think both parties went to far away from the middle. I would have rather had Hillary than Obama (OMG I can't believe I just said that)....

So then are you saying it is the US's place to do the brute force? There are many other countries in this world. It doesn't always have to be the US, that is one reason we are hated in most places.

Chasalz, I believe I'm probably considerably older than you and I lived in the Middle East. I've seen the conflict go on since the 50s. And I can understand from both sides, which I don't feel that you do. So, I'd like for you to walk a little the the sandals of a Palestinian.

How would you feel if you were living on land that had been your father's and his father's before him for untold generations and suddenly told to get out. The you found that you were being kicked off that land because the Germans had been bad to the Jews! Wouldn't you say to yourself, "Why are they taking my land? I had nothing to do with it. Take German land." And then you were told that the Jews were getting your land because it says in the bible that it's Jewish land. Wouldn't you say, "But I don't read the bible. I read the Quran." And then you're forced into the least fertile parts of the area like cattle and never given an opportunity to get out. And almost 50 years later, you and your children are still in this miserable situation. How would you feel?

To bring it closer to home, what if the UN suddenly decided to give all America back to Native Americans. If you couldn't prove that you were at least 1/4 Native Americans, you'd be relocated to the Mohave desert. After all, America has only had us 'foreigners' here for 500 years or so. That should be a stronger claim than the Jews had for land they hadn't occupied for almost 2000 years.

So, would you say, "Hey, it's okay." Or would you fight? So that's where the Palestinian anger is coming from.

But, on a sadder note, when I was in the Middle East we had a houseboy (36 years old, this 'boy') who was from Gaza. He and I liked to talk to each other. He told me one evening that he'd lived in a small village in what was made Israel with both Arabs and Jews. He said, "We were friends. We went to each other's weddings and funerals and all the children played together. Then the soldiers came and made all the Arabs leave. Everyone was weeping -- even our Jewish friends." He paused and sighed sadly. Then he said, "If the people can get along, why can't the leaders?" 50 years later, Ali's question still hasn't been answered.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!

God I hope you're being sarcastic!

Thanks, I needed a good laugh. Love good sarcasm.

I recommend you try glasses, a hearing aid, a read up on your history.

Bob D. I echo your sentiment. Obama is an embarassment to this country. How many fools fell prey to his rhetoric during the election and voted for this guy. We can thank the media for the outcome. IMPEACH THE MEDIA! Obama is more concerned with his vacation plans with the Clintons and Caroline Kennedy at Martha's Vineyard. You think he cares about North Korea or Iran? If it were Bush or a Republican president, the media would be having a field day. Millions of Americans without work. An economy that goes deeper down hill every day. Foreclosures, unemployment, etc., etc., etc. - have fun at Martha's Vineyard Obama!

Bob D: Boy you really miss your cowboy president with his limited vocabulary and ever present smirk on his face don't you? LMAO

Bob D, that's because he's a muslim...

Anyone who thinks the President is too soft on Iran over this issue seriously can not comprehend how idiotic that is...

What is Obama going to do? Invade Iran and send us into another massive war over it? Seriously people.. start thinking before you post... Wagging a finger or tough words equal what? You think Bush coming out to call them an "AXIS OF EVIL" is going to do anything more constructive?

This headline is a joke... I would have ignored the whole thing and let the Irainians deal with their own affairs... Hell even if Obama comes out and tells the opposition that he backs them, you are still in that grey spot of what exactly are you backing them with....

It's all BS... So unless you fools want to saddle up and go to war with Iran, I suggest you really just shut up :O

I think Maggie (above) is the embarrasment to the country. Just look at her pathetic, untrue comments as she makes things up and spins them her own way. Its embarrassing that people are so gullible and unable to think big picture, just their little narrow-minded fantasy world. Tell us all- what should Obama do? Go ahead, we are waiting for your brilliant answer.

Maggie, if I were a Republican I would really think twice before criticizing Obama regarding vacation. Your boy Bush spent more than a year of his presidency on vacation, including the entire time New Orleans was under water during Katrina.

I love it! The libnuts used to criticize the right for dwelling in the past. Hey, mspaul, get with the program. Bush is no longer president. Stop living in the past! TODAY, we have a high unemployment rate, foreclosures left and right and a doomed economy. Why don't you criticize your boy for taking a vacation? By the way, you know what I love about this country? Its Constitution gives me the right to freedom of speech, ergo, I can criticize whomever I want, including libnuts like you!

Criticize all you want. It just makes you sound more and more fanatical.

Obama is an embarassment to this country.

Well Maggie, Obama (that'd be PRESIDENT Obama!) is NOT an embarassment to me!

Opinions are like votes... you only get one. So quit speaking for America, will ya!!

Fanatical? Hmmmm that is what I call those who follow Obama.

This article (as well as what the thread should be about) is about OBAMA NOT BUSH.

Good God! Can we finally move the F on?!

If you feel so strongly about Iran, why don't you help them? There are a few Americans that are leaving for Iran this weekend. Show your courage, BOB.

But Imv77, yes this article is about Obama, but the righties keep wanting to say we are in a depression, unemployment is high, we are in debt all due to Obama which is BS, this all started under Bush and it will not stop very soon. But they, like you, like to say Bush is gone. Yes he is gone, but his results linger very large.

Obama an embarassment?!?! I have friends all over the world and they laughed at Bush. They laughed at the USA for electing him not once, but twice. The US suffered more loss of 'face' in the Dubya years than at any other time in our history.

Believe me, the international community loves Obama because he's intelligent, articulate, thinking and not Bush!

I was complaining about the "lefties"....

Yes Maggie, you do have freedom of speech, because you are an american. Freedoms such as our's are what the Iranians are fighting for, but it is their fight, not ours. We can support them and wish them strength and progress and insure that their message reachs the whole world so they are not dying for nothing....but it is not our place to fight the battle for them. If you want to fight a battle for someone so badly, fight for those right here in america who can't fight for themselves. But I tell you what....spout off all you want. Not only is it your right, but if it makes you feel better, more power to you.

Put a clock on that freedom of speech thingie, it won't last for long. Already many americans are afraid to speak out. tic toc

I agree with Harley; freedom of speech will be gone soon enough. Dare not speak out against the Messiah or face the rath of the glassy-eyed "Hope'rs". Personal attacks are their specialty.

Wish I had a time machine to bring back a viable third party cuz Democracy is dead. (see Thomas Jefferson)

You people must stop listening to talk radio and Foxfools and go out and smell the pollution, you are an idiot.

newmom,

We already have a viable third party...we call them Republicans.

No this isn't about Bush... I used him as an example and for example purposes only to make a point on how pointless tough talk isn't anything but finger wagging... In fact tough talk usually gets you into more trouble and problems than it was worth... As the "Axis of Evil" comment did... There is no need to throw fuel on the fire or to state the obvious that is understood without saying....

So unless you plan to go in and invade Iran and arm these people I suggest you seriously think before you speak on the subject... Words mean nothing when comming from outside sources... Mostly because those words are more likely to be completely ignorant of the issues the Iranian people have... This probably isn't just about the election people... Remember the the elected leader in Iran actually has little to no power at all....

Obama did the right thing here... And we need not listen to hawks looking to start a war or fight over Iran's own political issues and elections... Obama is not an Iranian and has no say in the matter... And neither do you people.. Our opinions matter not..

On the freedom of speech thing.. You are not likely to ever lose that under Obama.. If that isn't the dumbest thing I have heard in my life I don't know what else was that could even remotely compete with that statement.... You can talk all you want... However, it doesn't stop you from making an ass out of yourself or making you look any less stupid when you make ridiculous and ill educated comments for the purpose of fueling a flame war....

Yeah even Trolls have freedom of speech... It's just funny that trolls don't realize that what they say is largely ignored as irrelevant drivel... If a troll actually took the time to make an intelligent response they might actually achieve some credibility....

You may have the freedom to say what you want but you don't have the freedom to say what other people should listen and not ignore what you have to say.... This is where you mistaken people telling you to shut up as an attempt to take your freedom of speech away when in fact it's merely a figure of speech to ask you to think before you speak on subject matters you clearly have no knowledge of...If you choose to ignore that and continue to act like a moron or troll the more power to ya... But it is more likely to result in more people ignoring your posts... Its a form of advice and its up to you to either listen or ignore it... Nobody here is trying to tie you to a tree and gag you in order to take your freedom of speech away kids...

Basically, many of you really have no idea what the proper response would be without weighing the consequences first or what exactly that intails or the impact it would actually have...

In this case you could wag your finger at Iran till it fell off and have literally no effect on the situation... And it is not your right to step in and meddle in the Iranian Peoples affairs or elections... So Obama has this right.... This is a none issue article..