by Indeed, such an opportunity for revolution, freedom, and true democracy in Iran might not come again for a generation or more, should the protesters’ courage falter now, in the face of a potential Tiananmen-style massacre times 10, for lack of support.
President Obama undoubtedly understands that his options for lending practical assistance to the Iranian protestors are nil and so he hopes to hedge his bets, in hopes of gaining a bargaining chip. But that chip, if it is ever obtained, will be worthless. Better to recognize this now rather than later.
It’s also better by far to remember our principles at a moment of decision. We’ve heard so much about President Obama’s empathy for people who just want a chance to live a life free from hardship. Too much, at times. Here, in his first few months in office, is an epic opportunity to prove that he actually does care for the principles on which the United States was founded, some of which I discussed yesterday.
The people of Iran deserve, as a fundamental human right, a government of their own choosing, unfiltered by the mullahs’ candidate-winnowing process and by state manipulation of the election results. They deserve to have their voices heard and respected and obeyed, as do all people everywhere. They deserve a government with the legitimacy to step aside when its policies are no longer wanted. They deserve the support of every person in the west who believes in democratic/republican government and of every leader of every one of these countries.
The people fighting and dying in the streets of Iran deserve the support of the President of the United States, Mr. Obama, period, without reservation, and without regard for future consequences, because their cause is right and just and the great hope of their lives.
