Talk about silly mistakes:

1.  According to Ardee, only non-whites are bigots—we are supposed to genuflect and kiss white butt, even in internet.  Not in this lifetime, professional abusive troll.

2.  Voting is voting, period.  It’s all the same.  If anyone thinks a third party will ever have a presence in Gringolandia, you are just in time to bid on my last oceanfront lot in Rapid City, SD.  Why do you think the Supremes (minus Diana) made corporations people?  To make sure that there will be no critical mass of elected folks who are not from The One-Party Platform.

And there will be no One Fine Day, Chiochiosan.

Ardee,

I voted Green here in Australia and this time it did make a difference as they were able to share the balance of power for the first time ever. As a result they were able to get some form of carbon tax/trading passed into law. A very week law but more than there ever would have been had they not had that power.

What the anti-voting lot seem to lose sight of is that change has to start somewhere where the political system has been broken. Doing nothing ie not voting at all is never to achieve anything whereas voting for the Greens at least has some small chance of doing so over time.

Please be advised that voting has always been the act of pledging allegiance to the status quo of inequality and submission on the part of the majority to a tiny minority of the White Power Pirates.

I generally avoid the efforts of our resident bigot but this did catch my eye for its common silly mistake.

The comment would be true enough if one was voting for the Duopoly in power but falls flat when folks are attempting to alter the balance of power by inserting a bloc of progressive legislators pledged to avoid the pitfalls of corporate strings in the form of money.

Vote Green and make an actual difference. If we do not seek peaceful means to effect change we make violence inevitable.

kulu, March 1 at 7:50 pm

‘So what does not voting achieve then? ...’

The same as voting.

So what does not voting achieve then?

Incidentally I don’t take kindly to your insults but suppose they’re only to be expected from one that has nothing better to add to his/her assertions and no evidence to support them.

Your post made sense until this parting piece of pap:

“Unfortunately though if people continue to avoid voting for progressive third party candidates and either give their votes to the Democrats (or their equivalents in other countries) as the lesser evil or don’t vote at all then that avenue of bringing about change will continue to be lost.”

Please be advised that voting has always been the act of pledging allegiance to the status quo of inequality and submission on the part of the majority to a tiny minority of the White Power Pirates.

You want to keep doing that?  Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insane—and it’s addictive behav ior designed to put a wall between the addict and reality.

You need to stop posting recycled patriotic pablum and spend some time figuring out your overwhelming need to shoot yourself in the foot—er, interests.

IMax,

If causing misery and destruction in much of the world and promoting the interests (profits) of its military/industrial complex at the expense of the welfare of its own people is following its own interests, then yes you are right, America is following its own interests.

What surprises me is the extent to which the West falls into line with these ultimately self-destructive goals and the the lack of any real resistance by Americans themselves. The Occupy movement, I sincerely hope will grow into a cohesive effort to get rid of the controlling elite in America and elsewhere. Unfortunately though if people continue to avoid voting for progressive third party candidates and either give their votes to the Democrats (or their equivalents in other countries) as the lesser evil or don’t vote at all then that avenue of bringing about change will continue to be lost.

Electricity generation may be the real issue?

http://www.prosefights.org/nmgco/galisteo/galisteo.htm#largescale

Serious electrical energy generation problems may face us all.

http://www.prosefights.org/nmgco/galisteo/galisteo.htm#largescale

Bombing Iran’s nuclear generation of electricity facililies may bring unfortunate consequences? 

http://www.radiojavan.com/mp3s/mp3/Ahmad-Saeedi-Dooset-Daram

bill

http://www.prosefights.org/nmlegal/shorthistory/shorthistory.htm#shorthistory

kulu,

You are absolutely correct in your belief that Israel is percieved by the remainder of the world as the greatest threat to world peace.

It is Israels mad dog veiled diplomacy as identified in ‘The Sampson option’ by Seymour Hersh that causes the rest of the world to bow to Israels innane demands.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Samson_Option_(book)

Don’t let these nonsense spammers tell you otherwise.

A short and sane article on what is REALLY going on in DC about dealing with
Iran’s nuke program…... from an actual,capable journalist.

http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/02/air-force-iran-bombing/

That’s the point of trolling.

a shame:
What was once an interesting discussion has dissolved into a festival of insults and name calling.

oddsox out.

badIs this his/ her way of being sarcastic or what?!——

yes.

By IMax, February 28 at 6:12 pm

Ready or not, like it or not, the usefulness of your worldview it waning, my friend.
=====================================================
Wow! Wow! Wow!

Am I extremely honored that IMax calls me a friend?!

Or is this another proof that IMax does not know the true meanings of certain language words?!

I thought I am an enemy and opponent to IMax, yet he ends his attack on me by calling me a friend. Is this his/ her way of being sarcastic or what?!

kulu—- there isn’t a thing in your comment that isn’t simplistic and untrue.

the US defines it’s own interests and acts in furtherance of same about as wisely
and steadily as the average great power. it chooses to act in the interests of
other countries when it thinks it wise or right.

for decades, people here said that the US was in the grip of Anglophiles and
that it was causing us to get entangled in continental problems to our
detriment…...

there was protest against the China Lobby, which had us in conflict with
Imperial Japan.

Israel is not a nuclear threat and shitheads like to try to paint it as one, but
that’s nonsense…...try Pakistan and India as far more worrisome in past
decades and Pakistan still.

There is no way to paint Iran’s possible possession of nuclear weapons as
anything but a nasty problem for the world.

go give your shit a rest.

and some even said that we had Soviet agents who were causing us to oppose
the the misunderstood National Socialists in favor of the Bolshies,,,,,,(matter of
fact, Pay Buchanan still pushes that line) (Ron Paul ain’t far from it either)

IMax,

Correction to my earlier inquiry.

IMax You don’t perhaps WORK for Mossad do you?

Incidentally I believe Israel, which has NOT signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (Iran has) is the real threat here and certainly not Iran. The USA which seems to act mainly in Israel’s perceived interests and not its own is the other major cause of tension and obstacle to democracy in the region and world-wide.

If these two rogue states (so-called democracies) could be neutered the prospects for a much more peaceful world would go up several notches imo.

Sinbad,

Your hatred and putrid bigotry is shared by many, I know.  But the world can never again return to the 7th Century.  Each day that passes the youth of the world, bit by tiny bit, reject you and your stale and static intolerance.

Ready or not, like it or not, the usefulness of your worldview it waning, my friend.

I started to feel like throwing up to see that the two fanatic Right-wingers, Zionist lovers, hetero and IMax, continue to spew their venom and repeat their petty minded nonsense on this thread almost dominating the space that should be left open for people with commonsense and reason.

Worst yet, that these two lunatic, shortsighted ignoramuses have started to think of themselves as experts on world affairs! Certainly symptoms of how low America has sunk in scale of moral compass!

Hettie:  Got the world on a string, sittin’ on a rainbow, got the string around my finger….

What a world

what a life

By heterochromatic, February 28 at 7:27 am Link to this comment

—-Which sums up in a pistachio shell the reasons why Iran would pursue
nuclear generating plants in order to reserve their oil for export.——

that made little sense. If they can’t export oil, then the best possible use of it
would be to use it to generate electricity.

Typical hetero obfuscation. You, yourself noted that oil is the chief revenue producer of Iran, followed at a great distance by pistachios. Thus saving oil for revenue seems to make electrical generation by nuclear plants an obvious choice.

Of course you neocons, even the ones who refuse to admit that they are such, like you for example, use any subterfuge, any excuse to foster war. It is, after all, so profitable and such a useful tool to subjugate us all.

In the end it is ridiculous to assume the USA has any right whatsoever to tell another nation what it may or may not build. Unless of course one has a picture of Dick Cheney on ones wall. 

I guess you completely agree that the best strategy is to continue to threaten and scare Iran, thus forcing them to give up on nuclear enrichment…..just like your hero, Dick. Far better we shut Israel up .

you seem to have a one-strand mind today, m’dear….something got you strung
out?

Hettie:

I will pass.  All I would catch on this site is suckers.

sorry, moonie, go fish.

Hettie:  Clearly, it “slipped your mind” that Turkey is a NATO member.

And now you toss up dirt to try and cover your blunder.

Elementary mistake, hetster.

—-Which sums up in a pistachio shell the reasons why Iran would pursue
nuclear generating plants in order to reserve their oil for export.——

that made little sense. If they can’t export oil, then the best possible use of it
would be to use it to generate electricity.

of course, the Iranians haven’t REALLY pursued nuclear electrical generating
plants. they’ve only built a total of one, despite their massive commitment to
their nuclear program.

haven’t even started to lay out a second one and couldn’t complete it in a dozen
years,

they have though built all sorts of underground installations for nuclear
refinement and have refined more uranium to 20% than they can use for any
civilian purpose in a dozen years and are refining more and more of it .....

and still not even laying a cornerstone for another power plant.

By heterochromatic, February 27 at 5:06 pm Link to this comment

odd——- the Iranian economy hasn’t been pressed the way that choking off their
oil exports will press it…..oil exports is the bulk of all their trade.

Which sums up in a pistachio shell the reasons why Iran would pursue nuclear generating plants in order to reserve their oil for export.

The way to avoid Gulf War III is to stand down and withdraw forces. 

I notice the more U.S. forces in the mideast, the louder Israel’s belicose rhetoric gets.

oddsox, - “what I’m wondering is what we’ll see going forward.”

-

That’s the question everywhere.  It’s unknowable, really.  So many variables.  So many players.

Is the current Egyptian government as determined to obstruct Iran as Mubarak was?  Jordan seems as determined as ever.  So too with Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.  All likely closely involved in current attacks on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The United Nations remains unanimous and fairly strong on issues of non-proliferation as far as Iran is concerned, however, there are always those in every country who work against stated policy.  It’s certain that crucial items and monies will still seep into Iran.  Too many variables.

Russia, China, Germany, Britain, France, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Austria, Greece, Spain, Poland, Georgia, India, South Korea and South Africa, so far, have remained together and heavily involved in isolating Iranian banking.

According to several scientists, diplomats, and many in the global intelligence community there are more than a few Middle Eastern nations who quietly hope, some say they are privately lobbying, the United States to act forcefully before the Israelis feel compelled to act.  For years it’s been Gulf states which have displayed the most profound fears of Iranian intentions.

It would be impossible to properly “source” all I write.  I can only point toward information which is available to others.  Many have found the following useful.  I would be willing to provide a great deal more for anyone interested.

Realisms and Their Predictions
Nuclear Proliferation Dynamics in Protracted Conflict Regions
A Grand Bargain with Iran

So many variables and a great many players.

odd- Russia would only buy it to resell it, They sure
don’t need it.

India (as well as South Korea) are going to continue
the purchases but they’re not going to be paying for
it in hard currency (already the case in SKorea).
Instead they’re going to be requiring Iran to either
maintain the proceeds in local currency in local
accounts or pay for it by requiring Iran to buy
SKorean and Indian goods, second-rate consumer goods
from SK and likely rice and foodstuffs from India.

and China IS going to buy it, but they are going to
insist that Iran provide a steep discount and accept
payment again in consumer goods or yen.

nary a hard currency customer in the bunch and severe
strain on the Iranian economy coming.

last couple of months sales have already decreased
and oil is already piling up in Iranian tankers…

as the EU sales cut off, Iran’s gold is going to be
somebody else’s gold in short order. their est
$100billion won’t last 2 years.

hetero’, you believe that can be done such that Iran won’t find a market for their oil? 
China? 
Russia? 
India?
Turkey?

kulu,

-

I say again; only amongst Americans will we see a discussion regarding American arms sales to Taiwan with no mention of China or Taiwan.  It’s simply not on the minds of those commenting here.  The topic of Iran proves no different.  It’s quite incredible to witness.

If you believe you know best, if you believe those nations closest to Iran don’t merit your ear on the subject, no mention in a conversation, you will be as dismissive and arrogant as is the reputation of Americans when it comes to global affairs.

Americans, God love em.

odd——- the Iranian economy hasn’t been pressed the way that choking off their
oil exports will press it…..oil exports is the bulk of all their trade.

hetero’, the Iranian leadership and economy have already been pressured and it’s people already know “that the regime is willing to lead the country to destruction in favor of its vile ideology.”

What you describe is the status quo—what I’m wondering is what we’ll see going forward.

It’s certain the Israelis aren’t showing all their cards—they may hold a weaker hand than they pretend. 
Much that we don’t know, which makes for a fascinating discussion & much speculation.
Too bad the stakes are so high, and the liklihood of loss and suffering so great.

the game plan is to keep ratcheting up the pressure on the Iranian economy and
increase the international isolation of Iran until the Iranian regime sees that the
cost of the nuclear weapons program is far too much to continue it OR if the
regime continues, to convince the Iranian people that that the regime is willing to
lead the country to destruction in favor of its vile ideology.

Still holding to my earlier prediction:
No overt attack on Iran by Israel in 2012.
(and certainly not by the US)
But the more I read, the more I’m convinced the Israelis WANT the world to believe they will strike.

The US needs to distance itself from an Israeli attack. 
We’ve advised Israel to hold off (the admonishment also plays into Isreal’s game plan) & make it clear to all that if Iran is attacked overtly and pre-emptively, we had no hand in it.

But what then? 
What’s the end game here?
It can’t be to allow Iran time to build their nukes.
So there must be something else. 
What could it be if not support for a new Iranian Spring and revolution from within?

moonie, gimme a break here. I certainly know that Turkey is in NATO.

I also know that Turkey flat out refused to have any damn thing to do with the
Iraq invasion and is NOT fundamentally aligned with the west but is, since the
elevation of Davutoglu to Foreign Minister, committed to attracting friends,
markets and influence in the Middle East to counter the rejection of Turkey’s EU
membership bid.

If you knew as much as you think you know, you would understand that Turkey
OPPOSED the intervention in Libya until it became overwhelmingly clear that it was
the desire of the Arab league states that it happen.

Russia’s govt is worried about a war against Iran, but also opposed to iran
acquiring nuclear weapons.

http://www.uskowioniran.com/2012/02/russia-opposes-nuclear-weapons-
for-iran.html

“Russia Opposes Nuclear Weapons for Iran – Putin
Russian leader Vladimir Putin said today that Russia opposes Iran developing
nuclear-weapons capability.

“We’re not interested in Iran becoming a nuclear power,” Putin said. “It would
lead to greater risks to international stability.” [Bloomberg, 26 February].

Putin’s statement followed recent Kremlin declarations on the subject. On 15
February, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the progess made by
Iran’s nuclear program is “more alarming for Russia than for many other
countries.” [Bloomberg].

Hettie:

Once more you show us you don’t know what you are talking about:  you don’t even know who the NATO member countries are!

Turkey is a member country and as such participated in the destruction of Libya.  Some said it was a personal thing against Gadafi.  I don’t think so—it was sucking up to The West to try to become a member of the EU—despite the recent decision of France to declare it a crime to deny the Armenian Holocaust. Turkey hopes to replace Greece once Greece is finally forced out of the EU.

There is still intense enmity against Turkey throughout Greece—especially on those islands such as Samos, Lesbos and Chios which are closest to Turkey, as many folks of Armenian origin live there.

On the other hand, I found the Turkish people much friendlier than the Greeks when I was there.

IMax You don’t perhaps for Mossad do you?

Natural gas, New Mexico Tech, Iran, WW3 possibility, liberal arts ‘educated’ and our stolen $22,036 have coalesced.

“Russia is worried about the growing threat of a strike on Iran,” Putin said. “If it happens, the consequences will be truly catastrophic. Their real scale is impossible to imagine.”

Putin: Iran nuclear issue must be settled peacefully

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/27/world/europe/russia-iran-putin/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

We commented

IMax—-“It’s only in the United States which I see this phenomena.  This deep
belief that the U.S. runs the globe.  It does not.”—-

you’re dealing with people who have bought that bit of US propaganda and are
suffering some self-flagellating form of buyer’s remorse.

of course, any American who lived through the Bush administration and ISN’T
pissed off, is a fool.

Its all about you IMAX it has been right from the start… Your views, your opinions,
your self narcism, and your ignorance… and worst of all your untreatable
personality disorder, that causes unending pain to all those around you….and
worst of all you blame them… keep on talking soon you will alienate everyone.

Your views could never have a better spokesman, than yourself don’t you agree..?

You just can’t get it….

Patsy,,, even you should not be “slurrious” enough to try to say that Iran is
democratic.

putting lipstick on a pus-wart suits not even your persona.

Oops, typo.

‘You are’ considered a “friendly” to China until you’re no longer “friendly” (Philippines/Vietnam) to China.

It’s only in the United States which I see this phenomena.  This deep belief that the U.S. runs the globe.  It does not.

moonie——- Meanwhile, however The Usual Suspects (Gringolandia, the UK,
France, Italy and Turkey) are organizating an invasion of Syria.
———

since when is Turkey on that menu of Usual?

you’re trying stuff Turkey where it doesn’t fit.

gerard, - “One thing you have to say for IMax:  (S)he sure can stir up a ruddy muckus. So far, (S)he’s got just about everybody mad at” her.

-

Yes, yes, I know.  As long as you don’t feel a need to discuss Iran when the subject is Iran you’ll engage any troll that happens your way.  As long as you’re not challenged to understand something of China and Taiwan when the subject is China/U.S./Taiwan.

What, gerard?  What is it that prevents you from discussing Iran when the subject is Iran?  At least tell us that much.

vector56, - “For the last time; THE ARAB LEAGUE IS NO MORE REAL THEN THE JUSTICE LEAGUE!”

-

I believe you’re taking the entire globe out of context.

Examples: U.S. administrations have attempted for decades to bring about a solution to Palestinian/Arab/Israel issues.  If the U.S. is able to exert the types of puppet-like control you envision those issues would have been solved in the 1950’s, yes?  Your narrative, shared by others, also completely ignores (belittles) the issues and global influences of China, Russia, Britain and France - the U.N. Security Council. All very powerful in their own ways and spheres of influence.

If I understand you correctly you’re here saying, in Chomskyesque  fashion, how the U.S. should stay out of others business but should either topple or refuse to deal with dictators? - Correct me if I misunderstand.

I’ve listened to Chomsky very closely for decades.  In the end he argues that the U.S. is wrong to support dictators which choose to run alongside (or even under, as you would put it) U.S. interests but, the U.S. should allow voice and support to dictators which choose to run counter to U.S. interests.  In other words; it is morally wrong for the United States to act in it’s own best interest.  It’s certainly not as if others on the planet are doing the same.  It’s wrong, Chomsky argues, to exclude (not have relations with) those whom the U.S. determine (Cuba/Venezuela/Syria/Iran) to be acting against U.S. interests.  And, again, it’s not as if others are doing the same.

Consider: The U.S. does not choose the King of Saudi Arabia any more than it chooses the Ayatollah of the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Both can be argued an enemy to, or at least at odds with, the United States on a great many issues.  And your considered a “friendly” to China until you’re no longer “friendly” (Philippines/Vietnam) to China.

It’s only in the United States which I see this phenomena.  This deep belief that the U.S. runs the globe.  It does not.

Irans neighbors:

Russia - Is actively building a nuclear power plant in Iran.  Iran is their neighbor and if nuclear material from that place finds its way into a bomb then I expect Russia will curtail it.

Wants it handled diplomatically and the U.S. fleet to go home.

Afghanistan - The second the Americans leave maybe sooner now that some dumb fuck lit a Koran on fire, the wrong book at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Wants it handled diplomatically and the U.S. fleet and occupying Soldiers to go home.

Pakistan - Has a couple nukes already F.U. Israel and U.S. money is becomming no good given the hundreds of innocents the U.S. has killed.  No such commotion over the Paki nukes unlike the ones Iran doesn’t have.

Wants it handled diplomatically and the U.S. fleet to go home and oh ya quit flying drones over our airspace and killing our people, assholes.

Turkey - Doesn’t want Iranian nukes but will not allow any attack on Iran to be based from its soil.

Wants it handled diplomatically and the U.S. fleet to go home, the U.S. will have to pay more for its bases and make up for the oil it doesn’t recieve from Iran any more.

Syria - Iran can do no wrong.

Wants it handled diplomatically and the U.S. fleet to go home and have its ‘al qaeda’ operatives out of its country.

Saudi Arabia and the oil sheikdoms - They don’t want Iran to exist with or without nukes.  Iran is democratic, they are not.
Just backwards middle age feudal states.

F’em.

One thing you have to say for IMax:  He sure can stir up a ruddy muckus. So far, he’s got just about everybody mad at him.
  I will now put on my holier-than-thou hair shirt and make one more New Year’s resolution, to wit:.............  trolls.

No IMAX you don’t get to cross examine me. That’s a typical shill trick, to try and
twist things, along with using personal attacks, and trying to pit people against
each other. That is just what you do.

It seems you have appointed yourself as the spokesperson for the entire middle
east, as well as Iran’s neighbors.

You are not.

The only topic on this blog should be you and your views, isn’t that right?

“the Arab League (those most effected by events in Syria) so to keep all eyes on your reason for being here to begin with.  To vent your perceptions of the United States.”

IMax;

For the last time; THE ARAB LEAGUE IS NO MORE REAL THEN THE JUSTICE LEAGUE!

They are puppet government where the people do not vote. Countless Arabs on the street have given their lives to overthrow these “thug” we keep in power.

vector56,

How many countries are involved in petitioning the United Nations over Syria?  I can tell you the answer isn’t one (1).

It seems to me you’re ignoring, for example, the Arab League (those most effected by events in Syria) so to keep all eyes on your reason for being here to begin with.  To vent your perceptions of the United States.

Only in the United States do people believe the world is run by the United States.

Ian Taylor, head of the world’s biggest oil trading house Vitol, told Reuters this week prices could spike as high as $150 a barrel if Iran’s arch-enemy Israel launched a strike at its nuclear facilities - an option Israel has declined to rule out.

“I used to think this would never happen,” Taylor said, “but everyone you speak to says the Israelis will have a go at striking at Iranian nuclear sites.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/26/us-oil-recession-idUSTRE81P0JA20120226

During the turbulent 1960s at the height of the conflict between the Black Panther party and the US government there were those in the FBI who charged that the Panthers were Communist being secretly funded by the USSR!

Then (as now) being pulled over for DWB (Driving While Black) was the norm. Back then the Panther deployed bands of young Black Law students who would approach Black citizens pulled over by the Cops and inform them of there rights under the Law. Remember, this was the 60s; White Cops did not take to kindly to “Afro-wearing” young Black educated punks imposing themselves in their space! Many of these young people were gunned down by the Police in cold blood.

The Panthers like most “red blooded” Americans where second amendment nuts; they cherished their right to bear arms. As this went on for awhile, many of the Panthers would show up when citizens were pulled over for DWB armed. I remember seeing with my own eyes (on TV) “rolling gun battles between the Panthers and the Police! Some Cops where killed, but many, many more Black Panthers where snuffed out captured (tortured) and later assassinated in their homes by the FBI and Cops.

Now, consider this; what if the USSR and China had went to the UN Security counsel and asked permission to arm the Rebel group in America (Black Panthers) and send in Russian and Chinese “trainers ” to allow the Panthers a fighting chance? What if the UN allowed them to set up a “buffer zone” say in Cleavland or impose a “no-fly” zone over Detroit?

You see, this is what we have done in Libya, and are about to do in Syria. As bloody as both conflicts are/were they are still just as internal to those countries as the shoot outs between the Black Panthers and the Police were to America. During the riots we call out our military (National Guard) many times, in many cities to put down our own people.

prisnersdilema,

I’m sorry but I can’t seem to wrap my tiny brain around how you’re able to turn my request to talk about how Iran’s closest neighbors feel about Iran as a nuclear weapons state into my desire to choose a mob.

I have a question for you.  Why is there such vehement resistance here to discussing Iran and her closest neighbors?  Do you believe it has anything to do with “American” arrogance?  “American” ignorance?  Or is it more rooted in apathy?  Perhaps fear/xenophobia?  If we’re not here to discuss Iran, well, this seems as pertinent a question as anything being discussed here so far.

Why is Iran never the topic here when the subject is Iran?

gerard, - “Could it be that this concentration of effort is due to the fact that most or all of us are U.S. citizens who are trying to get our country out of its “dominionism” phase and back into reality—”

-

Yes, that is possible.  It could also be that most or all here are U.S. citizens who care very little about China or Sudan or Kosovo so they rarely, if ever, comment on those subjects when those subjects are placed before them. - The latest item here regarding Uganda saw only one comment and that was on the weighty subject of republicans in, you guessed it, the United States. - This may explain why, when subjects like China or Sudan, or Kosovo or Poland or Iran become an issue on these pages, the only subject actually being discussed is the UNITED STATES!!

For informational purposes:

The latest story here regarding Uganda saw not one comment regarding Uganda.  That’s right, not even one.  Compare that to an item in the last month written by Chris Hedges which, the last time I checked, received nearly one-thousand entries. - I’ll leave it to everyone here to guess the topic of discussion.

There was an item run here last year regarding a vote in South Sudan, with 99.57 percent in favor, of seceding from the North.  Comments: 0

An item ran here on TruthDig regarding a landmark China-Taiwan Summit a while back.  Anyone care to venture a guess on how many commented on the event?

An item ran here two years ago regarding U.S. Arms sales to Taiwan.  I see that you did comment at the time, gerard.  You commented on how some Americans (the 1%/MIC/THEM) “are only giving lip-service to human kindness.” - I noted that you didn’t actually have anything to say about the Taiwanese people.  You only concerned yourself, I dare say you only really saw, one half of the equation.  Would you be able to answer one question on the subject today?  Why did Taiwan request the sale? - If your answer has anything to do with U.S./Israel, as un-lady-like as it is, I think I’ll spit.

Dear Imax—Quoting you:
1.“Here on TruthDig over the last few months I’ve seen dozens of stories covering Sudan, China, and Kosovo go nearly completely ignored.” Could be that nobody (with the possible exception of you) know enough about Sudan, China and Kosovo to sound off?
2.“It’s impossible to discuss Iran, for example, without discussing China and Russia in equal measure to the United States.” If China and Russia had comparable military power (bases, fleets, surveillance, ability to exploit, ability to start wars by extending worldwide influence on others, the center of gravity of discussions would change as according to the various national responsibilities?
3.  “The discussions here are almost entirely about the United States.” Could it be that this concentration of effort is due to the fact that most or all of us are U.S. citizens who are trying to get our country out of its “dominionism” phase and back into reality—that is, one among many, no better, no worse, just more dangerous because of U.S. government’s desire to dominate, and its willingness and ability to kill, maim and destroy in order to get whatever it wants—which puts us all in grave danger, by the way?  And I do mean grave! You’re a Bible student so you know: “The wages of sin is death” and (of all crazy ideas) “Blessed are the meak, for they shall inherit the earth.”  Etc. Etc.

IMax, trying to elevate the discussion to what others outside the United States
think about this state of affairs, is not an elevation at all. But rather, a sinking
down, to mob rule.

Generally those mobs are funded by the CIA, and then abandoned once we have
replaced the old dictator we funded, with the new dictator we funded.

One might as well consider, what the Afghan people seem to think of us right
now, you might have seen the riots. If we are asked to leave Afghanistan, then that
will present a serious set back to our military plans in Iran, forcing us to fly from a
province of the former USSR. Putin has already indicated that would be a serious
problem.

But then maybe the Afghan people and or Putin/(Russia), do not fit into your
definition of countries outside of the United States we should listen too. Sorry for
not following your plan.

Your problem is you tune out the mobs you don’t like in favor of the mobs you do
like. But that’s always a problem for Mob rule.  Which mob do you trust, ours or
there’s. 

In any event, you seem to be choosing our mob. Good luck with that.

Vector56,

“Chomsky went on to say that “the people in the street, in the Middle East” want Iran to protect itself from the West” and to act as a buffer against Israel.”

Chomsky did not just say it, he provided the references in typical thorough Chomsky fashion.

vector56,

Chomsky: To suggest that every neighboring state to Iran is a play-toy or puppet to the United States is weak, myopic, hugely arrogant and so tremendously ill-informed that Chomsky leaves me terrifically embarrassed.

It is precisely the above thinking that so infuriates so many people in the Middle East.  Chomsky’s narratives leaves people in the Middle with zero dignity or pride.

prisnersdilema, - “My guess is that approval is very important to you, in some way.”

-

A desire to elevate the discussion past ‘all things United States’ with a discussion of what others outside of the United States may think or want is a desire for approval? 

That seems so very odd.

It is the supreme warmonger among nations, the USA (and its partner, Israel) who are provoking war with Iran. To me this is obvious if for no other reason than the US has done this many, many times before and Iran, to my knowledge has not.

Ahmadinejad may make some provocative and foolish statements from time to time but no less so than US leaders, particularly some of those GOP presidential candidates - real madmen.

To get a knowledgeable commentary on the so-called attempts of Iran to create nuclear weapons listen to Seymour Hersh being interviewed on Democracy Now on November 21.

5 reasons why Iran can be America’s friend.

http://poorrichards-blog.blogspot.com/2012/02/five-reasons-why-iran-can-be-americas.html

vector56, February 26 at 5:06 am:

‘IMax: You have repeated the above question many times; hoping that repetition would somehow legitimate your implication.’

You’re not going to get a justification of his assertions because that might lead to a discussion of the facts, which is not his purpose.  In Big Lie technique, an unsupported assertion is not justified but simply repeated again and again.

One thing to remember I Max is that dictatorships are not popularity contests….

It doesn’t matter, to them what public opinion in other countries is. 

They also could care less about what we think, or feel about them. Popularity
contests are just that, as ephemeral as a random mote of dust, caught in a
sunbeam, and soon to fade from view.

Today they hate you, tomorrow they love you, and sometimes even for the same
reasons…..If the average person kept a log of how they felt moment to moment
each day, at days end they might be convinced of their own madness. That is the
nature of of most people.

My guess is that approval is very important to you, in some way. And that your
views reflect that. 

So don’t try and make up your mind, it’s simply not possible for you to decide
anything beyond this moment, without approval.

“I was hoping someone here would share some insight into why every neighbor to Iran is terrified of the Islamic Republic of Iran becoming a nuclear weapons power.”

IMax:

You have repeated the above question many times; hoping that repetition would somehow legitimate your implication.

Once more; Noam Chomsky’s answer to your question is that these so-called “neighbor” of Iran most if not all are Dictatorships! With the exception of the Apartheid state of Israel, the other US puppet government installed in the Middle East naturally will do the bidding of their masters. Chomsky went on to say that “the people in the street, in the Middle East” want Iran to protect itself from the West” and to act as a buffer against Israel.

gerard, - “The difference between us is that you think the criticism is undeserved, whereas many of us have the very depressing knowledge that it is not only deserved, but inevitable…”

-

The real difference between your and my views of the world is that I believe the U.S, does deserve much criticism.  Just not every criticism for every event the world over.

Here on TruthDig over the last few months I’ve seen dozens of stories covering Sudan, China, and Kosovo go nearly completely ignored.  While domestic issues, the same issues again, and again, and again go on for weeks.  Issues covering India and Poland fair no better.  On those rare occasions when global issues are discussed, it’s almost always in terms of how the U.S. will be effected or, most commonly, how the U.S. is likely the cause of all problems and suffering.  It’s impossible to discuss Iran, for example, without discussing China and Russia in equal measure to the United States.  I have never seen this happen here.  Not even once.

In the end, at least on this site, nearly no one discusses real global issues concerning global actors.  The discussions here are almost entirely about the United States. 

I was hoping someone here would share some insight into why every neighbor to Iran is terrified of the Islamic Republic of Iran becoming a nuclear weapons power.

By Migs, February 25 at 4:53 pm

Simple question: Can anyone tell me why it’s unacceptable for Iran to nuclear weapons when it’s okay for the USA to have them?
===================================================
The simple answer is that the USA political-military establishment thinks of itself as the only legitimate bully God has created and ordained.

By way of further elaboration, the USA is morally corrupt as it believes in the crooked notion of so-called American exceptionalism. A morally deviant entity can only become arrogant to the point that arrogance is seen as the ultimate virtue and the epitome of the so-called democracy; the fact that American democracy is no more no less than what all the dirty money can buy not withstanding!!! 

In brief, the USA split vision and ugly hypocrisy are the result of the sickness of both the heart and the soul!

migs,
please no smart questions. but now that you asked, i may i give you
reasons for that: there are about one thousand and one, but i’ll give you
just three: god bless america, the greatness of america, and bachman,
of course.

sciencehighway,
actually, there had been a lot of political will since first zionist congress in basle 1897 in all christian lands of europe to destroy
palestine and its people.
actually, i assert—and facts support the assertion—- ashkenazim could have never robbed palestinians of their land if it wasn’t for
very strong political, religious, and military help ashkenazim received from all european fascist and communist lands.
and, of course, in christian world—but not communist after, say early fifties—-there was and there is today strong political will that
israel receives best arms they have and even financial help.
===
i am not sure that israel has n-weapons. there may be n-weapons in israel but i suggest they have been put there by US and
controlled by US.
this scenario makes more sense than israel having wmd and full control of them.
i do not think that US was that stupid to allow israel to make the bombs. i think US had placed them there for own purposes.
if need arose, US planners may have figured that it would be much easier and safer to strike with wmd an enemy in asia from asia
than either from europe or US.
and the rumors that israel has wmd may serve as an effective bugbear in deterring an attack against it.
in addition, second nuclear war appears unthinkable, over-destructive, and may lead to a much wider nuclear war.
so, for israel, it makes no sense to have them. this evaluation is valid also for iran in case it develops wmd.
but with politicians and clerics, one can never be sure that they are not that stupid!

Simple question: Can anyone tell me why it’s unacceptable for Iran to nuclear weapons when it’s okay for the USA to have them?

Balkas,

Since you’ve taken the trouble of responding reasonably (and, as you say, slowly) I shall reply. First of all, I am indeed an historian. Were I to reveal my name you would find that I have written numerous books, articles and television documentaries over the years on topics including the 1960s Space Race and the history of the nuclear age. (Regarding this specific topic I was the producer/writer/director of the PBS documentary “Dr. Teller’s Very Large Bomb”; Googling that should lead you to my other credits.) I don’t claim to be an expert (whatever that is) but this is my full-time work and has been for several decades. That’s simply a fact.

Secondly, I was not and am not attempting to justify or rationalize Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons. My intent (and please forgive me if I was unclear) was merely to explain how (and to some degree, why) this situation evolved. Your position on Israel’s current policies, perhaps even its very existence, is clear from your many posts; Mine is not, nor should it be. In my work I attempt to deal with things as they are, not as I might wish them to be, although I will concede that there are many, many aspects of that country’s history and current policies that I believe to be short-sighted and deeply troubling, and I don’t think I’m alone in that. If you knew me (or my work) you would know that I am anything but an apologist for Israel or anyone else.

As for your final point, I would be more than happy to deny that I am a “sephardo-ashkenazic cultist who is protecting israel” if I had even the slightest idea what that means.

Yours in eventual peace,
Michael

Electricity generation fuel sources problem may be serious bothin the US and Iran.

New Mexico natural gas production is declining.

http://www.prosefights.org/nmgco/galisteo/galisteo.htm#half

Natural gas for electricity production?

According to the Republicans (and the Israeli government), Gulf War III is the ONLY option!

Memo to NeoCONs: Iran is NOT Iraq or Afghanistan!

sciencehighway,
i seldom get personal. i type very slowly, thus i try to economize with words and avoid wasting them on an individual’s real or imagined faults. i
got more important ideas to put down on paper than to waste my and readers’ time with reading personal praise or blame. it goes without saying
that i want people to hear our—oops, my ideas. but i haven’t ever demand people, accept them or else, as you assert that i do.
in fact, i at times aver that nearly everything i posit belongs to ages and sages and not to me.

however, i had to point out the fact that, in that said post, you were mostly or totally rationalizing, generalizing or not so subtly justifying
possession of wmd.
i found no single factual statement in that post.
it seems that now you want me to agree with israeli ‘needs’ of and your wants for nuclear weapons.
you want all that and my agreement. well, you are not going to get it.
in addition, it is you who have fired the first shot when you introduced yourself as a historian and attacked all or nearly all commenters on this
site.
why the intro as an historian? do you think i did not properly evaluate it? as: see, i am historian, and thus more knowledgable, fair just, right than
you are!

and for your info, i, or rather what we/i say, get’s attacked on this site by far less than on any other. in fact, i am so ‘obnoxious’ that lot of sites
prevent me from commenting.
and you have not denied that you are a sephardo-ashkenazic cultist who is protecting israel. thanks, bozhidar b.

Postscript to D.R. Zing and any other rational posters:

And so it comes full circle. The latest post by Balkas perfectly typifies my concerns about the civility of this site. 

And to Mr. Balkas: I’ve read many of your posts on this site. It’s clear to me that you believe what you believe and will brook no counter-argument, even from those of us who make our living striving to objectively document these very issues. As I have no interest in exchanging insults I will not engage with you. However, (and in deference to the more reasoned Socratic exchange which D.R. Zing has suggested can and should take place here), I would like to submit for your eventual consideration the possibility that not everyone who fails to share your beliefs is a troll.

IMax:  You clearly stated your most urgent and only mission here:  “I’m tired of every subject on every part of the globe being all about the U.S. and Israel.” Many of us are also “tired of”—more likely “worried about”—the frequency (and the unfortunate validity) of criticisms of the U.S., which is our main focus, the lop-sided relationship with Israel being secondary to most of us, I suppose.
  The difference between us is that you think the criticism is undeserved, whereas many of us have the very depressing knowledge that it is not only deserved, but inevitable in view of the increase in world-dominating behavior of the U.S. during the last 50 years or more—the egotistical “manifest destiny” idea.(To paraphrase: “America uber alles!)
  We are depressed because we see from results world-wide how destructive and disastrous that world-dominating behavior has been—one war on the heels of another, leading directly to another (plus profits accrued in the form of arms sales to others and acquiring of others’ resources via premption, slave labor and political graft). We are sadddened by the evidence that others do not like us—or worse.
  We want a world in which children can grow up without fear and hatred. We want the U.S. to be admired,  not feared.  We think the U.S. can do better—in fact, is obligated to do better because of our unique advantages of 200+ years of living under a more or less democratic Constitution, etc.

“It is reasonable to assume that (covert operations) and their effectiveness, will continue.”
—ER

Yes.
It’s very unlike the Israelis to telegraph their intent to attack as they have been the past few months.
Usually, the MO is like the attack on Syria in September 2007:  a quick strike and not necessarily with advance notice to allies like the US.
My bet is that there will be no overt act anytime soon.

Diplomacy and sanctions won’t work in the end.
But coupled w/sabotage, they might buy time.

The Iranian people know what kind of leadership they have and are not happy.
The strategy may be to set the stage for revolt from within.

sciencehighway,
is overgeneralizing “israel’s need” to obtain A- and/or N-weapons.
but his entire post of feb 25 at 8:07 am is loaded with overgeneralizations, rationalizations.
that post appears as locus clasicus for ashekanazic [or even sephardic, trolling] point of view.
of course, ashkenazim, after stealing palestina from indigenous pop and then colonizing it with
sephardic/mizrahic peoples with mosheic cult, had very good REASON to obtain N-weapons.
however, not the cause.
and it now endangers entire world because it has WMD. and, of course, so does russia, china, pak’n, UK, france,
india, and US.
one wrong or mistaken missile shot or any accident/incident could cause thousands of nuclear-armed missiles to
hit the skies and end all life on this planet.
and this is an ergodic event; i.e., having a zero chance of not happening in infinity of time.
so be aware of the latest troll. please don’t feed that illness! or it will pass onto you! thanks, bozhidar b., planet
moon

vector56, - “In 200 years, Iran has never attacked anyone for any reason!”

-

Well, that’s not correct by any stretch and I’m tired of every subject on every part of the globe being all about the U.S. and Israel.

My point is that most if not all the undemocratic “puppet” governments you site can do little but agree with what we want. Their very existence would not be so if it were not for our merciless global killing machine.

What we are watching is a CIA high-jacking of the “Arab Spring” to knock off our old enemies.

The US has backed out of and Cancelled more nuclear treaties with Russia than I can remember. At no point did anyone suggest that we should be attacked for it?  In 200 years, Iran has never attacked anyone for any reason! Can you say the same for the US and Israel? 

I mean, “come on!” even to a “two dimensional” guy like you what is playing out here must seem pathetic?

News Flash:

“the evil Iran threatens to attack us back, if we attack them first”!

Hello again, D.R. Zing,

I certainly understand the point you’re making re. the Israeli bomb, though as a historian I find it difficult to isolate the current situation from the reality that when Israel began their nuclear research the events of the Second World War were sharp and living memories for a majority of the world’s population, and there was little political will to suggest that the fledgling nation shouldn’t be able to possess whatever stick it felt it needed to protect itself in a very belligerent neighborhood. (Remember too that many if not most of the Los Alamos scientists had either fled Nazi Germany or had family there.) One can argue whether the actions of more recent administrations have honored or continue to justify that grandfathered-in situation, but the subject will remain a political third rail for many years to come -
or until somebody does something truly stupid. (One must also observe that every country that has developed or otherwise acquired nuclear weapons, including the United States, has done so under the real or perceived threat from a similarly or soon-to-be similarly armed adversary.) 

I concur with your second point as well, though I doubt it would get much play in a run-up to armed conflict. Wars create hot zones, both accidentally and, as seen in recent Gulf conflicts, through the use of poisonous munitions such as Depleted Uranium shells. There doesn’t appear to be much political will to discuss this either.

Finally, thank you for your kind words about our own work, as well as a different perspective on the noisy slugfests one encounters on this site. I don’t really have any interest in engaging directly with some of the more enthusiastic posters (I have a lifelong allergy to rudeness) but you’ve certainly given me food for thought. I couldn’t agree more with your final comment.

I have seen polls claiming that a majority of Arabs and other Middle-Eastern peoples favor the idea of Iran building nuclear weapons.

At present, of the nuclear powers, the majority have a history of recent violent aggression against Muslims: the United States, Israel, Britain, France, Russia, and India.  An Iranian nuclear capability, however minimal, might be seen as a deterrent against further aggression and possible nuclear attack by these powers.

vector56, - “You do realize that most of the countries you have named above (Jordan,Oman, Saudi Arabia) don’t allow their people to VOTE!”

-

Thank you.  I do realize that, however, I’m left unsure of your point.  People in these nations have no opinion?  We should be unwilling to listen or discuss their issue?  The governments of Turkey or Uzbekistan have no sense of any effects in the region if Iran were to become a nuclear weapon state?

What is your point?

By Malcolm2, February 24 at 9:40 pm

Your seeming sarcasm and lack of actually speaking to the topic does this discussion, and your own repute, no good whatsoever.

The irony of the worlds largest stockpiler of nuclear weapons telling other nations that they cannot have one remains just that, ironic. Speaking to that irony is not the same as supporting another nation joining the nuclear fraternity.

Please give a bit more thought to your comments.

Hello sciencehighway,

Thank you for the explanation. 

Yes. Well, this is an interesting topic, the whole Iran vs. Israel
nuclear issue. 

A salient point made here recently by a columnist was the absolute
silence about Israel’s nuclear arsenal. It does seem more than a
bit odd that with all the brouhaha about Iran’s nuclear aspirations
and intentions, there is little discussion in the American
television news media about Israel’s nuclear weapons or the fact
that Israel is not a signatory of the nuclear non-proliferation
treaty. It seems like in a responsible democracy citizens should
hear all the relevant details of a story before they go signing off
on bombing another country, sanctioning the bombing of another
country, or simply advocating economic sanctions.

We live in strange times. 

Another topic, which is bouncing around the scientific community but
with little resonance in the pundocracy, is the utter and total radioactive
mess it will make if anyone bombs Iran. There’s enriched uranium there,
according to news reports. Bombing will create a radioactive fallout the
likes of which has rarely, if ever, been experienced. It seems like that
might be a matter of concern for Iraq, Afghanistan, India, China, and all
other countries in the region—depending on which way the wind is blowing.

As for the posters on TruthDig, I find the back and forth exhilarating.
There are some brilliant people posting here, and I feel privileged to
take part in the discussions. That’s not to say I sometimes don’t make
an ass of myself. I do.  And sometimes I, too, get a little indignant
if not downright peeved.

Still. Overall, there are many great ideas exchanged here. I hope you will
continue posting and I hope the posters here will recognize the great work
you do as a writer, director and producer and realize we’re all batting for
the same team. 

Warm regards,

D.R. Zing

There is a good chance that the Government’s public pronouncements on the imminent attack on Iran has nothing to do with Iran’s nuclear program, but rather their natural resources or strategic location. Just another excuse for war that will pacify and misdirect some of the more rabid within our society (both democrat and republican).

As far as I know, Iran has not attacked another country in over 100 years.

And I’m not saying that I want them to have nuclear weapons, but what they hell. They have the same right to crazy stupidity as out leaders and corporate elite.

By the way, what did we do against North Korea after they went about obtaining nuclear weapons?

Still considering voting for a democrat? Something has to change or it will remain the same. Start voting third party.

Agreed, Ardee.  It puzzles me no end that so many see nothing amiss in our objecting to Iran having what we and many others have.  It’s a mystery to me why no one in any influential position sees any hypocrisy or double standard in our having nuclear weapons, torture, and preventive detention and killing without trial while we condemn others for having or wanting to have the same.  Why shouldn’t Iran have nuclear weapons?  It may be dangerous for us if they have them, but isn’t it dangerous for them that we have them?  What’s the difference?  What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.  It will be fun for all when everyone has killer drones and goes about sending them to demolish their perceived enemies and anyone who happens to be nearby.  Just think how the ordinary neighborhood disputes about dogs, weeds, children, and parking spaces will be able to escalate.

Hi D.R. Zing,

“Angry Pajamas” is a generic term coined by the great Toronto Star columnist Heather Mallick in reference to a certain kind of internet poster. It seemed an appropriate description for the angry, abusive and all too often bitterly disappointed diatribes one reads in the comment columns on TD. Socratic back-and-forth notwithstanding, I must admit that after all these years and with more at stake than ever, I find the internecine venom spewed by my colleagues on the left (which seems especially nasty on this site), while frequently understandable, to be more than a little vexing.

That said, you’re absolutely correct, and I apologize to any who were offended by the coarseness of my pre-emptive strike. In the future I’ll try to be a bit more circumspect. Thanks for your comments about the real point of my post.

By vector56, February 24 at 5:52 pm

IMax:

You do realize that most of the countries you have named above (Jordan,Oman, Saudi Arabia) don’t allow their people to VOTE!
Afghanistan is still run by a corrupt puppet we installed. But, I assume little details like a lack of “Democracy” doesn’t bother guys like you when it comes to making a point?
===================================================
Thanks vector56 for you pointed yet polite response to the other Zionist troll on these threads!

May I add that IMax, in his petty-mindedness, cannot even distinguish between the much hated puppet regimes in the countries he mentioned and the overwhelming majority people in the streets.

In fact, this slow learner, IMax, has raised the same twisted question some time ago on one of these TD threads, and it was non other than myself who answered him the way you did above.

In fact, I can say for certainty that 95% of the street in all Arab-Muslim countries are happy and delighted that finally one country in the Middle East had the guts and courage to go nuclear, if not for anything but to curb through deterrent the terrorism and colonialism of Zionist Israel. I am originally a Sunni Muslim from sad Jordan, and nothing pleases me like seeing Shi’i Iran doing the right thing that the larger Sunni world should have done decades ago. And whereas the regimes in the above mentioned countries have sold out on the plight of their Palestinian brethren in favor of covert evil Israeli protection and whores, only non-Arab Shi’i Iran continue to stand firm on supporting the Palestinians, hence the crude and rabid enmity Israel has towards revolutionary Iran.

“anyone here knows anything of how the Jordanian people feel about Iran becoming a nuclear weapon state.  Anyone familiar with attitudes on the subject in the capitals of Afghanistan or Oman, Saudi Arabia or Turkey?  Those closest to Iran.”

IMax:

You do realize that most of the countries you have named above (Jordan,Oman, Saudi Arabia) don’t allow their people to VOTE!
Afghanistan is still run by a corrupt puppet we installed. But, I assume little details like a lack of “Democracy” doesn’t bother guys like you when it comes to making a point?

Hi sciencehighway,

I don’t see anything that you wrote to hate or go nuts about. Your argument
sounds reasonable and only those of us with crystal balls will be able to
tell if your evaluation of the past will prove true in the future. 

It does seem a little coarse that you cast your “Angry Pajamas” dispersion
at the very start of your post. I’m not sure why Angry Pajamas in your
lexicon is a proper noun or even what it is. But that’s okay. In my book,
Turd is a proper noun when modifying Thomas Friedman. So, I guess we can
tolerate a little nomenclatural eccentricity here and there. 

Keep up the good work. 

All the best.

D.R. Zing

As a rule I detest posting on this site, mostly because I don’t wish to be in the company of the shrill chorus of Angry Pajamas that seem to inhabit TD like no other.

That said, as an old fart author and filmmaker with more than one article and/or documentary on nuclear proliferation under my belt, let me add my two cents…

Those of us who’ve been around for a while have heard this bleating before, going all the way back to 1949, when the world threatened to end over the dire prospect of the Soviet Union acquiring the bomb. (They did, it didn’t.) Joint Chiefs General Curtis LeMay (founder of SAC) had a warplan in place that would have wiped every Soviet city off the map over the course of an afternoon. He called it his “Sunday Punch”. No less a war hero than General Jimmy Doolittle proposed giving the Soviets two years to clean up their act, then wipe them out if they refused to cooperate. It was only through the wise decisions of Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy that we, and not cockroaches, are now having this discussion. But the drumming never ceased. China in 1964, Israel and South Africa in the 70s, and of course more recently India, Pakistan, North Korea and now Iran. The fact is that in a nuclear-armed world a lot of powers want these toys, and not for nothing, every time a middling power acquires the means to the bomb their neighbors take them a lot more seriously. That’s the true, and only, power of nukes, and it’s certainly understandable that Iran, under constant threat for years now, would want that security. As history shows, no nation that’s acquired this technology has been quite crazy enough to actually use it, save one. As Richard Rhodes (“The Making of The Atomic Bomb”, and a key contributor to our PBS documentary “Dr. Teller’s Very Large Bomb”) so wisely expressed it in that film, “Nuclear weapons have been obsolete since their very first use.”

If we can all manage to keep our heads (and if the RNC can avoid colluding on a strike against Iran in order to jump fuel prices and give their guy a shot - the real nightmare scenario) I suspect we’ll live through this one too.

Okay haters, go nuts. I can take it.

Eugene Robinson.  Pulitzer Prize for commentary coverage of U.S. elections. 

A show of hands from all who believe Mr. Robinson is schooled or practiced in diplomacy, military tactics, fission, fusion, IAEA investigations, geo-strategic relationships or the types of debates going on inside Iran today.

-

I was wondering if anyone here knows anything of how the Jordanian people feel about Iran becoming a nuclear weapon state.  Anyone familiar with attitudes on the subject in the capitals of Afghanastan or Oman, Saudi Arabia or Turkey?  Those closest to Iran. 

Anyone have any insights deeper than the latest Western polling data?

“Obama is a complete FRAUD, a war criminal, in fact, a coward and a liar.  And Eugene Robinson is a mouthpiece for the most repulsive progressive hypocrisy (to quote Glenn Greenwald - a real journalist) ever offered by the long-corrupt Democratic Party.”

bigchin:

I agree on so many levels with your above statement.

I just went out to fill up my “small” car with gas; it’s pushing $4 per gallon! Could all this “Saber Rattling” be a ploy to push the price up even though demand is low?

I listen to some dishonest economist on CNN today declare that “the ever rising gas prices are not Obama’s fault!” He went on to say that “Obama could no more control gas prices then he could control the weather; it’s a global market”.

This all sounds well to a “mindless Consumer”; but a “citizen” would make his business to understand that with the stroke of a pen Obama could order the Securities and Exchange Commission to demand that anyone dealing in Oil futures is required to “take delivery!” This would cut out much of the “Speculation” and reduce the price at the pump about $1.50 per gallon over night!  The reason Obama does not do this is because his buddies at Goldman Sachs would lose “billions”!

bigchin:  Voting is for suckers.

You are addicted to pledging allegiance to criminals who give you the finger.

Kick the habit.