W on 2005 Iranian election
Posted by Clyde Middleton
on Jun 21 2009 Filed under Politics.
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As I’ve read some comments here and around the web two themes have troubled me: Praising Obama for his “strong stance” on the current situation, and condemnation of Bush for his “antics” as president.
I usually bite my tongue, instead allowing folks to dig their own holes. Researching another topic, however, I came across a 2005 article concerning comments on the then-upcoming Iranian presidential election that I believe are valid to read in light of the current situation – both to the events on the ground in Iran and President Obama’s reaction to them.
In our podcast immediately prior to the election, we discussed the candidates on the ballot, pointing out that several folks had applied to be candidates but were refused by the Guardian Council. Note that President Obama has said nothing on this topic. In 2005, President Bush said:
President Bush yesterday denounced Tehran’s theocracy for manipulating the vote by eliminating candidates and ignoring the “basic requirements” of democracy. Whatever the election’s outcome, power will continue to be held by “an unelected few” who are out of step with political changes sweeping the rest of the region, Bush said in a statement released by the White House.
Does Iran have a democracy? President Obama said this in Cairo (about democracy – not about Iran):
I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.
…
There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments – provided they govern with respect for all their people.This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
How nuanced. How “well this, but then that.” How unclear.
Preident Bush said this in 2005:
“Today, Iran is ruled by men who suppress liberty at home and spread terror across the world,” Bush said. “Power is in the hands of an unelected few who have retained power through an electoral process that ignores the basic requirements of democracy. The June 17th presidential elections are sadly consistent with this oppressive record.”
Concerning the Iranian people and their search for freedom, Obama said this:
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President Bush said this:
Addressing the Iranian people, Bush added: “As you stand for your own liberty, the people of America stand with you.”
“Across the Middle East, hopeful change is taking place. People are claiming their liberty. And as a tide of freedom sweeps this region, it will also come eventually to Iran,” Bush predicted.
To those folks that praise Obama and condemn Bush, the message is clear: Get your facts straight or shut up.
Have a nice day.
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Short URL: http://libertypundits.net/?p=4716
“To those folks that praise Obama and condemn Bush, the message is clear: Get your facts straight or shut up.”
Gee, Clyde, you shouldn’t sugar coat it so much!
Did I ever tell you that I like your style?
God bless America!
Smile. Sometimes somethings just have to be said.
Obama’s silence seems to come when the voice of a leader is most needed. Is it any surprise that Iran and North Korea are showing their collective a**es to us recently. They understand that this administration is weak and lacks the resolve to stand up for our principles. For some maniacal reason Obama seems to think all of the worlds ills will be solved through diplomacy. Unfortunately no one told Iran or N. Korea. His limp wristed approach is likely to get us bombed back to the stone age. I really hope the next four years pass without incident. I am just not so optimistic anymore.
“To those folks that praise Obama and condemn Bush, the message is clear: Get your facts straight or shut up.”
So, what are the facts about what President Bush’s words in 2005 actually achieved? Boy, that speech really helped stop the swing to Amadinejad…not!
Just sayin’…
It’s called leadership, Jay. It’s called addressing a situation by calling it for what it is, Jay. It’s called not allowing a power or moral vacuum to be created, Jay. It’s called being a man, Jay.
I don’t know you, but I absolutely guaranty that you have never dealt with a true adversary in other than a curled up position.
Just sayin’
On second thought, Jay, what did it accomplish? Precisely what you see on the streets in Iran today. President Bush told the citizens it was freedom to go after – and now they are.
Precisely in the same manner President Reagan told the people under USSR control that it was OK. “Tear down this wall.” Remember? Oh, yeah, you wouldn’t because the wall actually came down under George the Elder.
Just sayin’