June 19, 2009
Obama: Iran Protestors "Seeking Justice"
President Talks To Harry Smith About Demonstrations, U.S. Involvement
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Play CBS Video Video Obama's Message To Iran CBS News Exclusive: Harry Smith speaks with U.S. President Barack Obama about the current series of massive protests in Iran. Mr. Obama also addresses criticisms over his alleged silence on this issue.
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(CBS)
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Who's Who Iran's Election: Key Players A look at the most important figures in Iran's contested presidential election.
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In-Depth Obama Presidency Photos, major events and key personalities in the Obama administration.
Q: Let's move on to news of the day. The Ayatollah Khamenei gave his - speech today and gave his sermon. He said that the election in Iran was, in fact, legitimate. He said, quote/unquote, "the street - street demonstrations are unacceptable." Do you have a message for those people in the street?
A: I absolutely do. Well, first of all, let's understand that this notion that somehow these hundreds of thousands of people who are pouring into the streets in Iran are somehow responding to the West or the United States. that's an old distraction that I think has been trotted out periodically. And that's just not gonna fly.
What you're seeing in Iran are hundreds of thousands of people who believe their voices were not heard and who are peacefully protesting and - and seeking justice. And the world is watching. And we stand behind those who are seeking justice in a peaceful way. And, you know, already we've seen violence out there. I think I've said this throughout the week. I want to repeat it that we stand with those who would look to peaceful resolution of conflict, and we believe that the voices of people have to be heard, that that's a universal value that the American people stand for and this administration stands for.
And I'm very concerned based on some of the tenor and tone of the statements that have been made that the government of Iran recognize that the world is watching. And how they approach and deal with people who are, through peaceful means, trying to be heard will, I think, send a pretty clear signal to the international community about what Iran is - and is not.
But the last point I want to make on this - this is not an issue of the United States or the West versus Iran. This is an issue of the Iranian people. The fact that they are on the streets under pretty severe duress, at great risk to themselves, is a sign that there's something in that society that wants to open up.
And, you know, we respect Iran's sovereignty. And we respect the fact that ultimately the Iranian people have to make these decisions. But I hope that the world understands that this is not something that has to do with the outside world. This has to do with what's happening in Iran. And, I think ultimately the Iranian people, will obtain justice.
Q: People in this country say you haven't said enough, that you haven't been forceful enough in your support for those people in the street, and which you say?
A: To which I say the last thing that I want to do is to have the United States be a foil for those forces inside Iran who would love nothing better than to make this an argument about the United States. That's what they do. That's what we've already seen. We shouldn't be playing into that. There should be no distractions from the fact that the Iranian people are seeking to let their voices be heard.
Now, what we can do is bear witness and say to the world that the, you know, incredible demonstrations that we've seen is a testimony to, I think what Dr. King called the the arc of the moral universe. It's long but it bends towards justice.
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- President Obama is right!
Both we here in America, as well as the rest of the world over, are taking note of the protesters being beaten in the streets of Iran. And we all know this is wrong and want to see it stop immediately. I believe the people of Iran should have another election, and this time, it should be monitored by both sides, to know it was a fair election.
With all of this said, I say again, President Obama is right not to interfere in Iran or any other country's political affairs. We: (America) would never stand for Iran etc., to interfere with our election process, which has come under question to many of us a number of times lately! And I don't see any other country such as England, France, Italy, even Russia denouncing Iran's actions, but the GOP and American Conservatives are pushing for a fight, saying Pres. Obama should take a harder stance toward Iran's govt. We don't police or run the entire world. And no one has given the US the authority to make another country do anything.
So to the GOP Talk-Heads, such as John McCain, I say "knock it off, and if things had been done John McCain's way, America would be at war right now with Russia over a little place called..... Georgia !
Remember J. McCain said "We should confront it!" when it came to Russia's move into Georgia back around 7 or 8 months ago during the campaign. But that entire situation has now been settled without America's involvement or interference. Thank You ! - Reply to this comment
- Good stuff from CNN:
CNN: What should the United States do?
Zakaria: I would say continue what we have been doing. By reaching out to Iran, publicly and repeatedly, President Obama has made it extremely difficult for the Iranian regime to claim that they are battling an aggressive America bent on attacking Iran. In his inaugural address, his New Year greetings, and his Cairo speech, there is a consistent effort to convey respect and friendship for Iranians. That is why Khamenei reacted so angrily to the New Year greeting. It undermined the image of the Great Satan that he routinely paints in his sermons. In his Friday sermon, Khamenei said that the United States, Israel, and especially the United Kingdom were behind the street protests, an accusation that will surely sound ridiculous to most Iranians. The fact that Obama has been cautious in his reaction makes it all the harder for Khamenei and Ahmadinejad to wrap themselves in a nationalist flag.
CNN: But shouldn't we be more vocal in our support for the Iranian protesters?
Zakaria: I think a good historic analogy is President George H.W. Bush's cautious response to the cracks in the Soviet empire in 1989. Then, many neo-conservatives were livid with Bush for not loudly supporting those trying to topple the communist regimes in Eastern Europe. But Bush's concern was that the situation was fragile. Those regimes could easily crack down on the protestors and the Soviet Union could send in tanks. Handing the communists reasons to react forcefully would help no one, least of all the protesters. Bush's basic approach was correct and has been vindicated by history. - Reply to this comment
- Good stuff from CNN:
CNN: What should the United States do?
Zakaria: I would say continue what we have been doing. By reaching out to Iran, publicly and repeatedly, President Obama has made it extremely difficult for the Iranian regime to claim that they are battling an aggressive America bent on attacking Iran. In his inaugural address, his New Year greetings, and his Cairo speech, there is a consistent effort to convey respect and friendship for Iranians. That is why Khamenei reacted so angrily to the New Year greeting. It undermined the image of the Great Satan that he routinely paints in his sermons. In his Friday sermon, Khamenei said that the United States, Israel, and especially the United Kingdom were behind the street protests, an accusation that will surely sound ridiculous to most Iranians. The fact that Obama has been cautious in his reaction makes it all the harder for Khamenei and Ahmadinejad to wrap themselves in a nationalist flag.
CNN: But shouldn't we be more vocal in our support for the Iranian protesters?
Zakaria: I think a good historic analogy is President George H.W. Bush's cautious response to the cracks in the Soviet empire in 1989. Then, many neo-conservatives were livid with Bush for not loudly supporting those trying to topple the communist regimes in Eastern Europe. But Bush's concern was that the situation was fragile. Those regimes could easily crack down on the protestors and the Soviet Union could send in tanks. Handing the communists reasons to react forcefully would help no one, least of all the protesters. Bush's basic approach was correct and has been vindicated by history. - Reply to this comment
- "I copied and pasted "by stuart2021 June 19, 2009 7:27 PM PDT" and since I have done that, his whole FREAKIN' post has disappeared!!!"
Hmmmm, I just got thinking about that. I wonder if it disappeared because he got banned? : ) - Reply to this comment
- by stuart2021 June 19, 2009 7:27 PM PDT
by erasmus111 June 20, 2009 9:32 AM PDT
Great post!
Ok, something needs to be done about this website! It SUCKS!
I copied and pasted "by stuart2021 June 19, 2009 7:27 PM PDT" and since I have done that, his whole FREAKIN' post has disappeared!!! - Reply to this comment
- by stuart2021 June 19, 2009 7:27 PM PDT
Great post! - Reply to this comment
- The Repiglican Agenda- for Father Boss Hog Limbaughs Fathers Day.
All Repig Sheeple , led by Cheney, Gingrich and the Fix News Shy--t Stirrers,. At precisely 12;00 noon Sunday 'ALL' sheeple Repig's look to the South and Bend way over , "I said way over, grab ankles and say a prayer to Beelzebub , as usual and thank him for creating Boss Hog. - Reply to this comment
- Liberals, you should watch closely what happens in Iran when citizens have been disarmed by their government. This stuff is not taught in your liberal schools or colleges. This could end up being your best ?live? history lesson on what Thomas Jefferson instructed us to be prepared for in America and why so many guns have been sold lately. Remember...our liberal media will only show you the light stuff. WAKE UP AMERICA!
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- Hey Repig's!! I heard that some Aborigine in Australia does not like Karl Rove! Are you Neo-Con Repig's ready to wipe them off the face of the earth. Remember Repig's, " Any War is a Good War!!!
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- Now that you Repig's have almost ruined America, who do you want as your next Hero Leader? Boss Hog Limbaugh?
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- Good Morning Repigicans.!! Who do you want to Bomb and Mangle today?
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- Why is he voting present again on this issue not encouraging the Iranian citizens to fight for freedom, democracy, and capitalism? He's too busy taking it away over here!
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- by skyk-2009 June 20, 2009 4:26 AM PDT
YOU think we should have IMPOSED the will of OUR people on those in Iran. We should have used OUR military to keep a DICTATOR in power because he sided with us? YOU are truly SICK!
They are not only sick, they are stupid and frightened. Whenever they are faced with anything that could result in danger they seem to loose their composure and begin to flail about like a bunch of sissys.
The last thing we need to do is to follow the republican ideas. They are so scared that they want to attack everyone at the slightest harsh rhetoric. - Reply to this comment
- Has anyone noticed the the Radical Right has ONE brain? I'm serious, as you go through these messages, the constant drum beat of hatred toward our President and His Leadership is like ONE person thought up the position and they are ALL just repeating the same thing. Wow! I'd be ashamed to do that... to PROVE what someone in the Bush White House laughed about. "Put a Talking Point out to them and they will just repeat it", He laughed!
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- OBAMA RUNS FROM IRAN!!!
OBAMA RUNS FROM IRAN!!!
I always thought our colors (flag) never runs?however obama proved me wrong!!!
obama reaction : i ran!!!! (IRAN) - Reply to this comment
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- Maybe we should listen to Rush Draft Dodger Drug addict Limbaugh. Or that other Coward D i c k "draft dodger" Cheney.
republicans are so afraid they start so defecate in their pants when dictators threaten.
Don't be so frightened, no attack is imminent.
- Why do you idiots think we should bomb everyone in the world? You all think we should just go to war all the time. What the hell is wrong with all you idiots any more? The vast majority of you have never been in war but you don't mind sending our young into war to die for your mocho BS. You want to take over the world, go over and fight a war yourself. I know how you idiots think. You send us off to fight and talk tough and have these nice slogans like "support the troops" but when we come back you flush us down the toilet like used toilet paper.
- Maybe we should listen to Rush Draft Dodger Drug addict Limbaugh. Or that other Coward D i c k "draft dodger" Cheney.
- It is amazing how low the Fringe Right will go in their attempt to see our New President fail. I know they are desperate but the President and the MILLIONS and MILLIONS of us who like and support him didn't cause that. FAILURE on all fronts caused that and I just wish they could find within them the honor to admit and accept that. It's embarrassing to see these Fringe Players, who renamed French Fries and started a War on LIES, pretend to actually care about our troops and the people of this nation.
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- Maybe you should have thought about that when you spent the past 8 years wishing Bush to fail, and undermining the war like a "Fifth Column".....Now you whine like a little B-ch, for doing the same thing you libs have been doing the past 8 years....what comes around.
Hate to tell you, everyone in America was re-naming fries, not Republicans....it's only after you libs wanted to re-gain power, that you began to undermine the troops and the operation....for your own party's selfish political gain, you exploited America's suffering....Thanks
- Maybe you should have thought about that when you spent the past 8 years wishing Bush to fail, and undermining the war like a "Fifth Column".....Now you whine like a little B-ch, for doing the same thing you libs have been doing the past 8 years....what comes around.
- If McCain were president we would be dropping bombs and bibles on those infidels right now! Obama doesnt do anything.
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- If McCain were President we would be at war with every country on the face of the earth. The draft would be reinstated (except of course for rich republicans like in the past)
We would still have the Bush failed economic policy and the "do nothing" policy.
Palin would be out there whipping the goobers into a hate frenzy.
Yeah, that would be good. Real good.
- If McCain were President we would be at war with every country on the face of the earth. The draft would be reinstated (except of course for rich republicans like in the past)
- All you people that act like Obama is just doing nothing, what do you want hime to do, go to war? Do you want him to be like that criminal bush/chaney and envade? You want him to start world war three?
In my opinion he is doing the right thing. It's not our place to police the world. There is alot that needs to be corrected in the world that bush/chaney ruined. - Reply to this comment
- I hope thusspokezara realizes he made a mistake about Obama's "next eight years." I hope he means four years. Obama is not going to be a two termer president. Hopefully, by 2010, the Republicans will regain the majority in the House and the Senate sending a clear message to the Usurper that the American people do not want his policies of socialism and appeasement.
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- LOL Now YOU are truly a dreamer! Of course he's a two termer... who can't see that, especially when you look at what the Confederate Party has to lead them. The People can see with their OWN eyes what the Right has done to this nation and our position in the world and they can see what is possible with this new President. He doesn't stand in front of Camera's pound his chest and shout "Bring em On" but as the youth in Iran showed, he does inspire people all over the world. We would NOT have seen what we saw in Iran WITHOUT Obama... they, the people of Iran want their OWN OBAMA... Now how can anyone, even a fool like you NOT understand that change? It's easy to see why you and your Party represent less than 25% of American's.. you lack the intelligence to do otherwise.
- I think he may be corrupt enough to pull off just what GWB did in 04 by stealing the election in ?12. Obama supporters are getting fewer by the day. I was a huge supporter during the campaign but do not plan on voting for him again. I plan to work just as hard to get him out of office as I did to get him in. Starting by holding calling parties at my house NOW and informing friends, family, friends of family and anyone else that has rational thinking of just what his policies and lack of backbone mean for this country.
The erosion of American values did not begin with this President but they will erode faster and with more fury than in recent history. Most thought that it was GREAT that he practiced constitutional law, keep in mind that also means he is aware if how to step around it.
- I think he may be corrupt enough to pull off just what GWB did in 04 by stealing the election in ?12. Obama supporters are getting fewer by the day. I was a huge supporter during the campaign but do not plan on voting for him again. I plan to work just as hard to get him out of office as I did to get him in. Starting by holding calling parties at my house NOW and informing friends, family, friends of family and anyone else that has rational thinking of just what his policies and lack of backbone mean for this country.
The erosion of American values did not begin with this President but they will erode faster and with more fury than in recent history. Most thought that it was GREAT that he practiced constitutional law, keep in mind that also means he is aware if how to step around it.
- Well, we could invade them, bringing democracy to them just like we did in Iraq. Only take a couple weeks. And of course, we could sell their oil to pay for the whole thing! If anyone objects just torture them until they give the truth-it always works! Isn't this a great example of what we have learned from our recent (and ongoing) experiences?
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The road ahead in Afghanistan, and the crucial decision Obama faces.
