Here’s what Ronald Reagan said in 1981 when the people of Poland revolted against their autocratic rulers:
Today they erect statues honoring Ronald Reagan in Poland.
The Polish nation, speaking through Solidarity, has provided one of the brightest, bravest moments of modern history. The people of Poland are giving us an imperishable example of courage and devotion to the values of freedom in the face of relentless opposition. Left to themselves, the Polish people would enjoy a new birth of freedom. But there are those who oppose the idea of freedom, who are intolerant of national independence, and hostile to the European values of democracy and the rule of law.
Two Decembers ago, freedom was lost in Afghanistan; this Christmas, it’s at stake in Poland. But the torch of liberty is hot. It warms those who hold it high. It burns those who try to extinguish it.
Here’s what Barack Obama said in 2009 when the people of Iran protested a fraudulent election:
“It’s not productive given the history of U.S.-Iranian relations to be seen as meddling.”
Way to go, Mr. President. You put the fear of God into the theocracy with that one.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
The opposition in Iran would not benefit from words of solidarity from the President of the United States. It wouldn’t matter who that was. Everyone else in the world should say something, just not the one person Ahmadinejad and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will try to blame for the protests.
It would only help them persecute those fighting and pass this off as something it really isn’t: a plot from the outside-in.
The President clearly stated that. One needn’t love the man or his politics to see that he’s doing the most logical thing at this point.
I do agree that “everyone in the world should say something.” I would have them all say the types of things Ronald Reagan, or any true and courageous believer of freedom, would say. And you would have them all chant together “can’t help you, it would be meddling. But we are troubled by the violence.” Yes, that’s very logical. That’s the kind of talk that overthrows dictators.
I see the website you chose to link in your comment header is the HuffingtonPost.com. Yes, now it’s all very logical.
Anonymous, you are a brave soul coming to this site and defending a president who, despite eloquent examples of what to say in a situation like this, waits three days and then figuratively shrugs his shoulders and tells the oppressed good luck!
Walesa changed the world when he stood up in Gdansk, but that would not happen today with the state run U S media because they wouldn’t show it! Unless Dear Leader had an interest in Poland’s political upheaval, we would never know about this courageous man, and Solidarity likely would fail if attempted now.
When are people like Anon going to learn that oppression and Tyranny are easily exported and if tolerated overseas will find their way here?
‘Two Decembers ago, freedom was lost in Afghanistan’
There was freedom in Afghanistan up until two Decembers ago? Where was I?
Last I checked Afghaniistan has been in a perpetual state of war of one sort or another since at least 1979, nearly thirty Decembers ago.
NWWoods, you moron. Reagan’s quote is clearly marked as 1981, two years after your 1979.
” I do agree that “everyone in the world should say something.” I would have them all say the types of things Ronald Reagan, or any true and courageous believer of freedom, would say. And you would have them all chant together “can’t help you, it would be meddling. But we are troubled by the violence.” Yes, that’s very logical. That’s the kind of talk that overthrows dictators. ”
Ignoring the point I was making. This isn’t a difference of opinion, apart from the Reagan-appreciating portions. I don’t put all of my faith into the words of one person. We’re all responsible for our actions, which is exactly why I do support the President’s statements. It is the strategically intelligent thing to do in order to give the Iranian opposition the clout it needs as a group not aligned with any ridiculous stereotypes the Supreme Leadership of Iran spread about the United States as a nation.
Emphasis mine; words, once again, mine:
” The opposition in Iran would not benefit from words of solidarity FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. It wouldn’t matter who that was. EVERYONE ELSE in the world should say something, JUST NOT THE ONE PERSON Ahmadinejad and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will try to blame for the protests. ”
The voice of PEOPLE standing in solidarity against oppressions. Not just one President.
And I’m glad you noticed my little Huffington Post crack. Jokes are still funny here, right?
And…
“When are people like Anon going to learn that oppression and Tyranny are easily exported and if tolerated overseas will find their way here?”
Firstly, take off your tinfoil hat there, Sailor. The oppressed and tyrannized, as demonstated in Iran, will remain as such as long as there is misinformation spread as to their condition versus others. Saying that the President is doing a weak thing when in-obvious-fact it is logical thing to do just reveals the childish nature of what could have been a valid critism.
What you are asking is for the President to make an eloquent speech. Call me right… but I thought you raging neo-cons despised his universally-loved prose?
What you are asking is for the President to make an eloquent speech. Call me right… but I thought you raging neo-cons despised his universally-loved prose?
Eloquent? No, I could care less how it is delivered. I just want some content. I want some support for the people of Iran. I don’t care if he delivers it as poorly as GW Bush would.
I suspect that if Obama had delivered a scathing indictment of the Iranian situation, you would have moaned about “empty words.” Bad faith argument, blah blah blah. Why bother. The important question is what is most productive for the people of Iran, and I haven’t seen any evidence that American pronouncements would help them one whit.
You hardly provide any yourself. I know Reagan gives you a boner and all, but the Iranian right seems to enjoy being able to paint opposition figures as American-aligned. Why help them out?
Debra, is that you?
Oh?! You’ve given common sense a name, then?
So don’t be supportive of those seeking freedom, because their enemies might use the words against them? What a cowards way out. You seem to imply that the right will take any side against Obama. A few might, but most of us have been consistent on the value of freedom. Actually it go way back to 1776. But don’t listen to those silly Founding Fathers. Some of them had slaves!!!!
We want Obama to support those searching for Freedom. How in the Hell do you get political out of that? I would think democracy is a Democratic idea also — thus the name. Oh, wait. I know, any sophistication modern person knows that everything is relative.
Oh yeah, Abomanation sold out Poland..Remember, missile defense