It Takes A Big Man
In his Cairo speech, Obama admitted something important. He admitted that in 1953, the United States carried out a terrorist act against the legitimate, and democratically elected government of Iran.
It takes a Big Man to do That. Here’s what he said about Iran:
“Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us.
***In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran’s leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.
It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America’s interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America’s commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation – including Iran – should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.”
Like I said, it takes a big man….
Agreed.
But I find it troubling how Obama spiels and reels very nicely about progress, reconciliation and the need for extensive discussions without using the B-word.
What if the other party wanted to raise the horrific damage done to world peace and USA’s international reputation by the Bush family?
Will Obama use his considerable word-power to change the subject, or will he commit to steering Congress towards hauling Ashcroft, Bush, Cheney (ABC) along with Rumsfeld and Rove to justice?
There is a good reason for President Obama’s slow progress in popularity among Muslims: he is towing a bunch of nasty rotting carcases behind him.
Wouldn’t that be reason enough to face the recent past head-on?
Keith Olbermann and MSNBC were unrelenting during my trip to Texas: these criminals must be brought to trial, which is a lot more than those poor buggers in Guantanamo are getting.
Will that lone voice eventually fade?
Canada has already played its vomitous part last week by giving GWB a standing ovation instead of arresting him at Customs.
He is arguably the biggest contributor to the threat of terrorism in human history.
Let’s recognize that MSNBC is not America.
People there have been through hell during the past 8 years.
They don’t know if 9/11 was just a terrorist attack or if perhaps there may have been other forces involved.
There is deep confusion amongst the people of America.
Obama will not clear up the confusion…he cannot.
He can do only what he is allowed to do.
Only do what he is allowed to do, you say?
By whom?
I don’t think he’s a big man based on your perspective.
Pretty words and fine delivery…. not enough.
He may well become a big man if he shows courage and clarity, which would include facing up to the global damage caused by his predecessor over eight years, and the CIA over half a century.
Naming names. Laying charges. Expressing shame and regret, willingness to compensate.
We are talking about the Pres of USA, the most powerful man on earth.
So once again… who is controlling him in this watershed of global politics?
Those who control the economy, particularly the military side of the economy, exert a controlling influence on all U.S. administrations and have done so for many years. President Eisenhower warned that the power of the military industrial complex (MIC)- would end up threatening American democracy and freedom. He was dead on.
That establishment now wants the nuclear option to be taken off the table. They want Israel reined in. And they want Iran to be appeased. (Obama is doing these things). The establishment wants to be able to continue with lots of little conventional wars and Obama is obliging by giving them their Afghanistan “surge”.
The General Motors bailout is an integral part of the plan. GM has long been a part of the MIC.
Aha.
Thanks.
Perhaps I had the romantic notion of a new broom reaching all the corners.