Iran supports Obama??

[txmusicmom]

Is that a good thing?

Iranian TV (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74340)

Mohammad-Ali Fardanesh, a political science professor at Shahid Behshti University, which is an Iranian state-funded school.

At the end of the article he states-

"Turning back to McCain, Fardanesh concluded, "My problem is that McCain is a war hero, a veteran
(http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74340#) pilot, whose plane crashed in Vietnam and who spent eight and a half years at war."

What do you think?

[Charlene]

Every poll I've seen shows that nearly all foreign countries overwhelmingly support Obama.

I don't know anything about Fardanesh and why he would consider McCain's POW status as a problem though.

[HLWalter725]

Think about what? That he and Iran don't want to see MCCain as President, or that they claim to be basing it on his war experience?

[Charlene]

Every poll I've seen shows that nearly all foreign countries overwhelmingly support Obama.

I don't know anything about Fardanesh and why he would consider McCain's POW status as a problem though.

[strangejen]

in context, it seems those comments were in regards to overall health.

look at what else he said about McCain:


Continued Fardanesh about McCain: "He doesn't know the difference between Shiites and Sunnis, yet he wants to resolve the problems in Iraq? He doesn't know whether Iran is Shiite or Sunni, or the difference between the two. ... He is a respectable, humane, honest, and patriotic man, but when it comes to foreign policy and domestic affairs, he has nothing to offer."

"McCain not only has no experience, but doesn't even know where 'abroad' is. The poor guy is very absentminded," said Fardanesh.

that actually makes a lot of sense.

umm, and the person speaking wasn't a government official.

Mohammad-Ali Fardanesh, a political science professor at Shahid Behshti University

So a Iranian poli-sci prof likes Obama. *shrugs* Ok.

which is an Iranian state-funded school

so? MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN is a state-funded school . . . does a poli-sci prof there speak for all of TN and the U.S.?

[Charlene]

Thanks for digging up the more complete statements Jen. I'm too lazy for that today!

[strangejen]

gah! double post! this site hates me today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[txmusicmom]

Think about what? That he and Iran don't want to see MCCain as President, or that they claim to be basing it on his war experience?

That they want Obama ..............and not McCain-

Iran has already stated they will only sit down and talk IF

(1)we take ALL soldiers out of the middle east. ( we still have soldiers in GERMANY, Turkey, Italy, Azors, Norway, and England) and

(2) America must cease it's support of Israel.

I would feel the same way if they want McCain-

Why would you want one of our enemies to prefer a presidential candidate?
They do not want peace- they want their way. They want Israel gone.

How is that good?

[strangejen]

Shahid Behshti University, which is an Iranian state-funded school.

and FURTHERMORE, MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN is a state-funded school. Does that mean any poli-sci prof there speaks for all of TN or represents the views of the U.S.? Yeah . . . not so much.

[strangejen]

you know how not-so-good-looking people can look attractive through beer goggles? I think you have McCain goggles on. Back up and look at things in context. ;)

[Charlene]

How is bad? I think it's fairly neutral wrt our election. It's the opinion of professor that happens to be the same as most of the world. I just don't see what the big deal is, either way.

[Scorpiosue1102]

It is interesting and it may sway things, but they don't vote here.

[txmusicmom]

This is NOT about McCain - and whether they like him or not-
I've heard from various sources- Iran , Cuba , a few others all want Obama to win-

THAT is scary............they folks aren't looking for peace. They don't diplomacy.

If Iran and Cuba wanted McCain- I'd RUN...........

It's the fact that they prefer one-- ACK!

[Gina.Maria]

That they want Obama ..............and not McCain-

Iran has already stated they will only sit down and talk IF

(1)we take ALL soldiers out of the middle east. ( we still have soldiers in GERMANY, Turkey, Italy, Azors, Norway, and England) and

(2) America must cease it's support of Israel.

I would feel the same way if they want McCain-

Why would you want one of our enemies to prefer a presidential candidate?
They do not want peace- they want their way. They want Israel gone.

How is that good?

HE is not THEY. HE is saying what most of the world, including our own allies, are saying. That John McCain is out of touch and stuck in the past.

Those countries that you list are not Middle East countries. They are European.

Calling a university professor our enemy is a bit of reaching. Are you suggesting that no one from a country that you consider our enemy should be heard? Or that anything they say must be interpreted as a statement that supports hateful platforms of the ruling regime? So anything our Berkeley professors say to an international audience can be attributed to our entire nation? You'll stand behind that?

[Charlene]

This is NOT about McCain - and whether they like him or not-
I've heard from various sources- Iran , Cuba , a few others all want Obama to win-

THAT is scary............they folks aren't looking for peace. They don't diplomacy.

If Iran and Cuba wanted McCain- I'd RUN...........

It's the fact that they prefer one-- ACK!

So do England, Canada, Switzerland, Ireland, Australia, NZ, France, Spain, Mexico, Norway, Germany, Japan, I could go on!!!! Why the outrage? Practically EVERYONE outside of the US is hoping for an Obama win.

I think you are grasping at straws here, txmusicmom, as usual.

[Scorpiosue1102]

We also have to remember that Bush decided in 2003 that we were not going to talk to Iran and made them part of the "Axis of Evil". Why would we think that they would be all nice and not have outrageous demands when we have said "we are not talking to you"? I don't think that their demands are even viable, but that's how things start.

Christiane Amanpour had a FABULOUS special with five former Secretary of States and they all said we should sit and talk with Iran and/or other enemies or countries with strained relationships. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

[txmusicmom]

Thanks for digging up the more complete statements Jen. I'm too lazy for that today!

I included the whole article to read-- and wasn't attempting to hide anything........

Do you not think it strange that any of our enemies would prefer a certain leader?

They aren't looking for our best interest- but theirs.

[strangejen]

I know it's more comfortable to adopt an us-versus-them mentality, but with communication and travel shrinking the world more and more, we need to start looking at other cultures with the question "what do we have in common?" rather than "why are they so different than us? Different is bad and only we are good."

We don't have to AGREE with other countries, but we can try to understand where they're coming from. I read a great book by Karen Armstrong about the history of religion, and while I still don't agree with the Muslim religion or understand how the two factions can hate each other so strongly, I finally understand WHY they feel the way they do.

Obama is ready to look at what we have in common. McCain, not so much.

[HLWalter725]

Well gosh darn it maybe all the Obama supporters should change our preference since our preference is consistent with what world leaders (good and bad) also prefer.

Um no. I don't think the opinion of the Iranian govt should change the way I'm leaning, one way or another.

What if the Iranian gov't REALLY prefers McCain and they are just playing reverse psychology on you???

[strangejen]

Do you not think it strange that any of our enemies would prefer a certain leader?

let's repeat. A poli-sci prof is not our enemy. There are plenty of people in any country that don't agree with the current government rulers.

I have felt this way for the past 8 years about our country. :)

[txmusicmom]

I think you are grasping at straws here, txmusicmom, as usual.

You are free to disagree with me and you have. :)

But Shannon specifically asked us to-
"But you need to keep it civil and respectful. You don't have to agree but please don't call names or condescend each other. "

[NellieRose]

Is that a good thing?

Iranian TV (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74340)

Mohammad-Ali Fardanesh, a political science professor at Shahid Behshti University, which is an Iranian state-funded school.

At the end of the article he states-

"Turning back to McCain, Fardanesh concluded, "My problem is that McCain is a war hero, a veteran
(http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74340#) pilot, whose plane crashed in Vietnam and who spent eight and a half years at war."

What do you think?

The world at large has no interest in a McCain presidency based on the failed policies put in place by the current administration....they want someone who will talk rather than apply a "do as we say or we roll in, overthrow your government and then don't know what to do to keep the place up and running".

Proof that talks work is the current situation in North Korea (to name just one).....countries bolstered their nuclear programs in a defensive measure for fear they would be invaded....ruling strictly with an iron fist is not the best possible solution & certainly not on a world stage.

Now, I have only read Donna's post and am sure this has been said a million times over by the end of this thread! LOL

[strangejen]

yes, but jayne, muliple voices of reason are always a good thing. thank you for chiming in :)

[NellieRose]

i
So a Iranian poli-sci prof likes Obama. *shrugs* Ok.



so? MTSU in Murfreesboro, TN is a state-funded school . . . does a poli-sci prof there speak for all of TN and the U.S.?

LOL...well, it's the fact that it is an Iranian and we all know Iranians are terrorists right???? All Iranians want to destroy the country, right? And Obama is a closeted Muslim and also a terrorist who has a secret plan to destroy America, right????? :duh:think:madness:giggle

A poli-sci professor from every country in the world could make the same exact statement and it would be overlooked by a certain group, unless, of course, these professors are from Middle East or any country with a large number of Muslims. It's the age old pick and choose which scenario is questionable or downright wrong. ;)

[NellieRose]

yes, but jayne, muliple voices of reason are always a good thing. thank you for chiming in :)

"reason" being the operative word here :p

[NellieRose]

This is NOT about McCain - and whether they like him or not-
I've heard from various sources- Iran , Cuba , a few others all want Obama to win-

THAT is scary............they folks aren't looking for peace. They don't diplomacy.

Furthering my position that these countries are countries that are afraid of the US imposing our way of life and our beliefs on them......Iran and Cuba are countries that are and have been awaiting an attack by the US.

ETA: WHat has either country done to prove they don't want peace?

[kjbstevens]

Haven't read the other stuff but of course they do. Obama looks like he can be walked all over because he likes to talk and has no military or much political experience so it gives about every single country in the world an upperhand. McCain has a little of the Putin to him with good or bad either way you never know what to expect and it's not really someone you want to mess with because they look mean.

[Scorpiosue1102]

Obama looks like he can be walked all over because he likes to talk and has no military or much political experience so it gives about every single country in the world an upperhand.

I disagree with this. Margaret Thatcher had no military experience and she was one tough cookie. You didn't mess with Margaret Thatcher. Maybe what we need is someone who is calm, cool and collected so that we can get away from that "you're with us or you're against us" cowboy mentality that we've been saddled with. That's just my opinion though.

[Charlene]

You are free to disagree with me and you have. :)

But Shannon specifically asked us to-
"But you need to keep it civil and respectful. You don't have to agree but please don't call names or condescend each other. "

I didn't call you names and I wasn't being condescending. I think that every thread you have started is a baseless attempt at defaming Obama. That is my opinion and it will remain as such until it stops:shrug

I don't dislike you as person at all. I just dislike your methods.

[Babette]

Is that a good thing?

Iranian TV (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74340)

Mohammad-Ali Fardanesh, a political science professor at Shahid Behshti University, which is an Iranian state-funded school.

At the end of the article he states-

"Turning back to McCain, Fardanesh concluded, "My problem is that McCain is a war hero, a veteran
(http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=74340#) pilot, whose plane crashed in Vietnam and who spent eight and a half years at war."

What do you think?

Why should this worry and/or bother anyone? MOST other countries are supporting Obama - they view him as a necessary change in this growing global world.

I tell you what REALLY worries me - this report (unconfirmed from my understanding) that Al Qaeda wants McCain to win because he would continue the Bush plan and this would continue to weaken the US economically.

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/22/al-qaeda-linked-web-site-backs-mccain-president/

[kjbstevens]

I disagree with this. Margaret Thatcher had no military experience and she was one tough cookie. You didn't mess with Margaret Thatcher. Maybe what we need is someone who is calm, cool and collected so that we can get away from that "you're with us or you're against us" cowboy mentality that we've been saddled with. That's just my opinion though.

Oh I know what you are mean but in choice between the two which are you more likely to end up having to give into demands too? Countries with sanctions against them are not going to pick the person that is mostly like to make the UN enforce them. He just doesn't scare me. It's just a personal things. Not saying he won't do good, he just don't have that seriousness to his demeaner.

[strangejen]

get away from that "you're with us or you're against us" cowboy mentality that we've been saddled with

yup

I think that every thread you have started is a baseless attempt at defaming Obama. That is my opinion and it will remain as such until it stops:shrug

I don't dislike you as person at all. I just dislike your methods.

yeah, I have to agree here, too. I'm sure you're lovely. But most of the threads you start leave me going "wha?????????" because they make no sense to me. :shrug

*eta: the point I'm trying to make is that you are perfectly free to keep starting the threads that make no sense to several of us. But in doing so, you are opening yourself up to having your opinions criticized. No one is calling names, but sometimes our tone will seem harsh because we can't find any other way to express our unbelief that we're having the discussion.

[Scorpiosue1102]

Oh I know what you are mean but in choice between the two which are you more likely to end up having to give into demands too? Countries with sanctions against them are not going to pick the person that is mostly like to make the UN enforce them. He just doesn't scare me. It's just a personal things. Not saying he won't do good, he just don't have that seriousness to his demeaner.

Gotcha:)

[Charlene]

*eta: the point I'm trying to make is that you are perfectly free to keep starting the threads that make no sense to several of us. But in doing so, you are opening yourself up to having your opinions criticized. No one is calling names, but sometimes our tone will seem harsh because we can't find any other way to express our unbelief that we're having the discussion.

Agreed.

I don't seem to recall to many pro-McCain/Palin threads. Instead of a negative smear campaign against Obama, why don't you start a positive McCain thread, txmusicmom?

[kjbstevens]

Well we tried a positive one and it ended up getting some really rude comments as well. It's been on both sides. I think we just need to go on issues instead and all take the high ground like we want the gov't and campaigners to do.

[Charlene]

Well we tried a positive one and it ended up getting some really rude comments as well. It's been on both sides. I think we just need to go on issues instead and all take the high ground like we want the gov't and campaigners to do.

Perhaps it's been on both sides but I think a couple of supporters of one side have been much more negative.

I completely agree with your last statement and actually have zero beef with you kjbstevens (sorry, I don't know first names and have signatures disabled).

[kjbstevens]

Oh I know. I doubt many people have at all it's just no need for any of us to get all testy over stuff because seriously what is the odds anything at all is going to change either way? I think we all find common ground in the fact neither of these guys are going to be miracle workers at all especially sicne the welfare stuff is dealt with by states and our congress is going to do whatever the heck it wants anyways. Neither guy can do anything without Pelosi's kiss of approval.

[Chreamps]

Doesn't scare me, as Jayne said, it's because he is from some part of the Middle East that is scaring you. If he were from England or Germany, it probably wouldn't bother you. I can understand how it would bother "you" because you are scared of an Obama presidency. I don't agree with you but I can understand your fear. After Bill O'Reilly interviewed Obama, even he said that Obama was strong (don't remember his exact words, but more or less that Obama was no "wuss" if you will).

As far as the rest of the world wanting Obama, I agree with them no matter what country they are from. I remember when our country was well thought of throughout the world. We had very good relations with a lot of countries, and since the invasion of Iraq, our "approval rating", if you will, has fallen. We can't take an "I don't care about our approval rating" attitude because we all live in the same world. As they've been telling us it's now a "world economy", what happens here affects the world and vice versa.

StrangeJen posted: you know how not-so-good-looking people can look attractive through beer goggles? I think you have McCain goggles on. Back up and look at things in context. ;)

:rofl2:rofl2:rofl2

[Charlene]

Oh I know. I doubt many people have at all it's just no need for any of us to get all testy over stuff because seriously what is the odds anything at all is going to change either way? I think we all find common ground in the fact neither of these guys are going to be miracle workers at all especially sicne the welfare stuff is dealt with by states and our congress is going to do whatever the heck it wants anyways. Neither guy can do anything without Pelosi's kiss of approval.

Well, I can't speak for everyone but I certainly have a great deal of hope when it comes to change. Do I think that either of the main candidates can deliver on every promise they have made? No. But do I think one of them can be an agent of the kind of change that I'D like to see? You bet!!

So it's extremely hard not to get irritated when someone frequently doles out threads that are a stretch of the truth at best and make no sense at all at worst. And then said person(s) continuously ignore reason and rebuttal. Repeat, repeat, repeat. It's frustrating. I don't want to ignore a second person on this forum because I don't necessarily find the poster outright disrespectful...just maddening, LOL.

[Tiffikat]

I would have to agree that it is an extreme stretch of the truth and in my opinion a scare tactic to try to state that one Poli-sci professor in Iran's opinion represents that entire country. Beyond that how can one opinion be anywhere negative.

I cannot believe that just because someone is from Iran they must be bad? That seems so short-sighted to me. An entire country is not bad because of the actions of the few. I certainly hope that people around the world don't think that everyone in America is bad after the actions of Bush and others the past 8 years. I would hate to see someone so prejudiced against me and I do feel that this does show some prejudice against the Iranian people in this thread.

[NellieRose]

After Bill O'Reilly interviewed Obama, even he said that Obama was strong (don't remember his exact words, but more or less that Obama was no "wuss" if you will).

Thank you for bringing this up Chris....

It baffles me as to what the basis is for anyone to think Barack Obama is "soft", "weak", "a wuss", whatever names they want to put on him....given his life circumstances he has worked diligently, has deftly handed predjucie and racism, never took no for an answer, demanded more of himself and those surrounding him which has now gotten him a possible 11 days away from being the President of the United States of America....what and who he is, regardless of your political affiliations or difference of opinions on issues, is a smart, stable and strong man and should be regarded as such by all.

It would probably be a safe bet to say he has endured much more over his lifetime and by far out succeeded most of us here......

[NellieRose]

After Bill O'Reilly interviewed Obama, even he said that Obama was strong (don't remember his exact words, but more or less that Obama was no "wuss" if you will).

Thank you for bringing this up Chris....

It baffles me as to what the basis is for anyone to think Barack Obama is "soft", "weak", "a wuss", whatever names they want to put on him....given his life circumstances he has worked diligently, has deftly handed predjucie and racism, never took no for an answer, demanded more of himself and those surrounding him which has now gotten him a possible 11 days away from being the President of the United States of America....what and who he is, regardless of your political affiliations or difference of opinions on issues, is a smart, stable and strong man and should be regarded as such by all.

It would probably be a safe bet to say he has endured much more over his lifetime and by far out succeeded most of us here......

[strangejen]

which has now gotten him a possible 11 days away from being the President of the United States of America

well, if we're being technical . . . 11 days away from being ELECTED the President of the United States of America.

wouldn't be sworn in until . . . what, January?

[strangejen]

or, if the last few elections are any indicator . . . 12 days away from starting court procedings to PROVE he was elected the President of the United States of America. ;)

[NellieRose]

well, if we're being technical . . . 11 days away from being ELECTED the President of the United States of America.

wouldn't be sworn in until . . . what, January?

:lol Nice catch....but, couldn't we consider the winner come Nov. 4th the Prez? Seems like Georgie has already checked out..... :D

[NellieRose]

or, if the last few elections are any indicator . . . 12 days away from starting court procedings to PROVE he was elected the President of the United States of America. ;)


Oh, you are a on a roll today my love! Would you like some butter with that roll to keep the comical slide going smoothly? :wub

[strangejen]

Seems like Georgie has already checked out..... :D

well I did hear someone call him a lame duck president the other day. :giggle

[strangejen]

mmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . butter. ;)

[kjbstevens]

So it's extremely hard not to get irritated when someone frequently doles out threads that are a stretch of the truth at best and make no sense at all at worst. And then said person(s) continuously ignore reason and rebuttal. Repeat, repeat, repeat. It's frustrating. I don't want to ignore a second person on this forum because I don't necessarily find the poster outright disrespectful...just maddening, LOL.

See I just don't see it at all though. I see him as here to do domestic stuff. He hasn't sold me on any other solid plans besides wanting to change here. I said repeatedly I never said he was going to be bad, just not stern as McCain would be so not sure why it irritates you. They have different approaches.

[Charlene]

See I just don't see it at all though. I see him as here to do domestic stuff. He hasn't sold me on any other solid plans besides wanting to change here. I said repeatedly I never said he was going to be bad, just not stern as McCain would be so not sure why it irritates you. They have different approaches.

I was referencing another poster in my post and explaining why I felt irritated. I'm not sure why you quoted me and then said this unless you thought I was talking about you? As I stated before, I have zero beef with you. None. Nada. Pinky swear!!! :)

[NellieRose]

I said repeatedly I never said he was going to be bad, just not stern as McCain would be so not sure why it irritates you. They have different approaches.

Absolutely...it's probably a safe bet to place money on Obama NOT being a loose cannon.

[Babette]

I said repeatedly I never said he was going to be bad, just not stern as McCain would be so not sure why it irritates you.

I'm not so sure that this is really going to be the case (should Obama get elected). I find that McCain just jumps into situations - this doesn't necessarily make him "stern." I often believe that those who give careful, considerate contemplation of an issue are actually those who will actually do more good. And yes, the decision that they come up with can, in fact, be more stern than those that just rush to an answer.

[NellieRose]

I'm not so sure that this is really going to be the case (should Obama get elected). I find that McCain just jumps into situations - this doesn't necessarily make him "stern." I often believe that those who give careful, considerate contemplation of an issue are actually those who will actually do more good. And yes, the decision that they come up with can, in fact, be more stern than those that just rush to an answer.

Right on Babette....isn't there a saying "slow and steady wins the race"???

[Babette]

Right on Babette....isn't there a saying "slow and steady wins the race"???

Well, that's what I was taught by my Mom. LOL I was also taught to try to put myself in the other person's shoes and see where they were coming from. That there were multiple shades of gray. These lessons have served me well in life; and I don't see why they wouldn't serve a president well.

[NellieRose]

Well, that's what I was taught by my Mom. LOL I was also taught to try to put myself in the other person's shoes and see where they were coming from. That there were multiple shades of gray. These lessons have served me well in life; and I don't see why they wouldn't serve a president well.


Oh yes, walk a mile and the beauty of gray....I couldn't and wouldn't choose to live any other way. :wub

[Babette]

Oh yes, walk a mile and the beauty of gray....I couldn't and wouldn't choose to live any other way. :wub

Neither would I! And hey - we're both New Yorkers! I was born and raised ... left when I was 21 - still miss it!

[scribler]

This is like the second time this week I have read that some group or nation wants a specific candidate for President. Should that affect my vote or your vote? I would hope not. We should all be studying the issues and then choosing the candidate that we think would be the best President of the United States, not voting for or against somebody based on the fact another person, group or country wants a certain candidate for President.

you know how not-so-good-looking people can look attractive through beer goggles? I think you have McCain goggles on. Back up and look at things in context. ;)

Okay, so OT, but this beer goggles theory was deemed plausible on Mythbusters last night. :O)

[Chreamps]

Okay, so OT, but this beer goggles theory was deemed plausible on Mythbusters last night. :O)

OT, I love that show (LOL)!

[[michele]]

Oh yes, walk a mile and the beauty of gray....I couldn't and wouldn't choose to live any other way.

Not in a box and not with a fox
Not on a train and not in the rain

I could not would not live that way.

Ahhh. I amuse myself....


:P Michele

[Scorpiosue1102]

I do think that people get scared by the country of Iran or Iranians. I wen to college with a guy who would say he was "Persian" because of the backlash that his family had gotten for being Iranian. Not all people are like Ahmadinejad or as Whoopi Goldberg calls him "I'm a Dinner Jacket. Most citizens are very peaceful and don't agree with their government.

[dodo]

I included the whole article to read-- and wasn't attempting to hide anything........

Do you not think it strange that any of our enemies would prefer a certain leader?

They aren't looking for our best interest- but theirs.


I believe it is very simple these people don't want a war monger as someone they would like to have intelligent conversations with after all it was the US. that started this very WRONG WAR.

[NellieRose]

This is like the second time this week I have read that some group or nation wants a specific candidate for President. Should that affect my vote or your vote? I would hope not. We should all be studying the issues and then choosing the candidate that we think would be the best President of the United States, not voting for or against somebody based on the fact another person, group or country wants a certain candidate for President.



Okay, so OT, but this beer goggles theory was deemed plausible on Mythbusters last night. :O)

Very well said Cindy! :)

PS - love the back-up info for the beer goggle reference! :lol

[txmusicmom]

wouldn't be sworn in until . . . what, January?

Inauguration Day is my bday............so every 4 years-- I either get a nice gift- :) or a not so not gift :blush

I was born while JFK was being inaugurated-

I'm hoping for a good gift this year! ;)

[Haley64]

Mohammad-Ali Fardanesh, a political science professor at Shahid Behshti University, which is an Iranian state-funded school.
What do you think?

This school is in America? I sure wish we had thought to of asked for Germany, Norwegian, Polish, Irish, etc. state funded schools here in America so our children could remain current with their "true" cultures, instead of becoming American's. :shrug

[txmusicmom]

they would like to have intelligent conversations with .

Personally, I don't think they want to have intelligent conversations with anyone- Obama or McCain-

They have 2 pre-conditions-
Pull every soldier out of the Middle East
Discontinue any support of Israel

They have not shown any signs of wanting to comply........so intelligent conversation??? I'm not holding my breath for that to happen.

By no means do I care who they support. They do not have one ounce of respect from me ( Iran , that is)

That was my original point.

[NellieRose]

Personally, I don't think they want to have intelligent conversations with anyone- Obama or McCain-

They have 2 pre-conditions-
Pull every soldier out of the Middle East
Discontinue any support of Israel

They have not shown any signs of wanting to comply........so intelligent conversation??? I'm not holding my breath for that to happen.

By no means do I care who they support. They do not have one ounce of respect from me ( Iran , that is)

That was my original point.

Donna, while I disagree are you able to take your point of view and look at it in the reverse and understand what or why the Iranian people may think of us?

[Haley64]

:lol Seems like Georgie has already checked out..... :D

OMG spit spit! That is exactly what I have been thinking also!

In regards to either how scary or strong Obama is or isn't to you or whether or not you feel he is going to be able to make correct decisions in dealing with other world leaders.

IMHO I would rather have a cool, level headed leader that inspires and deserves respect because he offers it to others first!

As a mother of 4, I have never thought to make my kids fall into fear or submission because I beat them down and that I refused to listen to their sides of an issue. I gave them the respect and right to voice their concerns and made the best decision for all based on all concerned and because I offered respect first, they in turn give it back to me!

They do not have one ounce of respect from me ( Iran , that is)

What about the innocent people, or are you talking about their leaders? There truly are MANY MANY innocents there that are suffering greatly!

[Scorpiosue1102]

And sometimes we may be the root of the problem. In 1953 we helped restore the Shah into power even though the people did not want it and there was a democracy in place. I'm not saying they are right at this time, but there are reasons. The British wanted the leader out. .....Here's the article. It's intense, but very interesting regarding Iran.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/people-places/iran-fury.html?c=y&page=1

More than 2/3's of Iran is under 30. I would like to see a leader talk to Iran and show the younger people in Iran that we are not neocolonialists.

[kjbstevens]

I agree that not all countries, but Iran in particular wants someone in charge that they know isn't a threat to them so they can keep rebuilding. They already know McCain is on their case, but knows there is flexibility in Obama I seriously believe they think they can take advantage of. He may not have this weakness but can guarentee you they believe since some Americans do. This isn't way Europe chose them. They want someone that is a member of a group together instead of an independant leader like Bush was so that they can have more say in things also. They have totally different world leadership types. We only know from talk what Obama has for internation plans and basically he's said talk, talk, talk. It's different and it doesn't mean it's bad at all. It's just you can wiggle your way out and use false words in talks to get out of full complience. It might end up working and not denying that, but not all Americans are into that as much as many of you all aren't into the stern leadership. It's just a preference.

[Scorpiosue1102]

But not talking to them at all has not helped at all. It's gotten worse. Some countries are like five year olds they make all this noise to get attention. Actually, that sounds just like my 5 year old son.:lol Madeline Albright, Warren Christopher, James Baker, Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger all said we have to talk to them. Hinting at the idea that we're going to come in militarily is just not smart. All it does is get Iran's hackles up even more since we've gone in there before.

The leaders are the problem and not the people though. They can have elections and such, but Ahmadenijadh is only the President. The Ayatollah is the Supreme Leader. He is voted in by an "Assembly of Experts". He is the true leader.

[kjbstevens]

Oh Sue I completely get what you mean but do you really think that they beleive at all that Obama will really do something? I think McCain needs to want to talk a little more but keep his firm hand on consequences but that Obama needs to step up some. They are both a little on the outer extremes of what usually gets things done.

[kjbstevens]

This thing has a mind of it's own today and cut half my post..

Anyways... I really, really don't like the 5 year old thing though. Kids don't potentially have nuclear weapons, an army that really isn't to keen on us, some radicals, and have it out for an ally. Even if you talk and talk and talk with a 5 year old a lot of the time they still do whatever they want without reason. There is very much a difference in the seriously of if a 5 year old acts bad and an ambitious country. I know what you are meaning but I don't think all people do. Some people that really have it out for our children just because they are western or American scares me. I'm not to fond of groups that don't recognize the equality and difference in all people. This is why I can't identify with the extreme left or right in our own country.

[strangejen]

do you really think that they beleive at all that Obama will really do something

are we now trying to make assumptions about the inner thoughts and opinions of people we've never met?

[strangejen]

Some people that really have it out for our children just because they are western or American scares me. I'm not to fond of groups that don't recognize the equality and difference in all people

exactly. and some people hate all that is Muslim or Arab or Middle Eastern just because of their own prejudices and misunderstandings.

[Charlene]

But not talking to them at all has not helped at all. It's gotten worse. Some countries are like five year olds they make all this noise to get attention. Actually, that sounds just like my 5 year old son.:lol Madeline Albright, Warren Christopher, James Baker, Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger all said we have to talk to them. Hinting at the idea that we're going to come in militarily is just not smart. All it does is get Iran's hackles up even more since we've gone in there before.

The leaders are the problem and not the people though. They can have elections and such, but Ahmadenijadh is only the President. The Ayatollah is the Supreme Leader. He is voted in by an "Assembly of Experts". He is the true leader.

I think the bolded part bears repeating. The OP is quoting from a regular Iranian citizen. Not one of its government leaders. I think the citizens opinion is only worth noting in that it matches the opinion of most of the world.

I don't think a preference for Obama is because he is pushover. I think that people are afraid that McCain will be like Bush and further damage foreign relations. I know I worry about that myself. Should McCain be elected, I sure hope I am wrong!

Also, from what I've heard from friends outside of the US, our "liberal" is like most countries' "conservative." They can't even fathom the US's brand of conservative. Take this with a grain of salt though b/c my sample size of foreign friends only covers 3 countries and 8 people :lol

[Scorpiosue1102]

Oh Sue I completely get what you mean but do you really think that they beleive at all that Obama will really do something? I think McCain needs to want to talk a little more but keep his firm hand on consequences but that Obama needs to step up some. They are both a little on the outer extremes of what usually gets things done.


Yeah, I actually think he can do something. It can't get any worse than not talking to Iran at all. Right now we are just talking about it, but neither one of us knows. You can't say he needs to step up when election day hasn't even come and his administration, if elected, hasn't even sat down with them yet. I am not going to assume anything.

[kjbstevens]

are we now trying to make assumptions about the inner thoughts and opinions of people we've never met?
No it's putting yourself in their situation though... If you were in their position though looking at the candidates which would you think is less of a direct military threat to enforcing things. I would not think Obama. I would think and he is portraying to me is that he will try to talk it out to the end. Which is good to a point and McCain needs more of that, but somewhere there is a point where ignoring someone acting childish or not compling comes into play.

[scribler]

But not talking to them at all has not helped at all. It's gotten worse. Some countries are like five year olds they make all this noise to get attention. Actually, that sounds just like my 5 year old son.:lol Madeline Albright, Warren Christopher, James Baker, Colin Powell and Henry Kissinger all said we have to talk to them. Hinting at the idea that we're going to come in militarily is just not smart. All it does is get Iran's hackles up even more since we've gone in there before.

Please note that Henry Kissinger did not say the President should talk to them. He believes that there should be diplomatic efforts. He does not believe that the President of the United States should do the talking.

[Gina.Maria]

Nor did Obama say that talks would begin with the President. He explicitly stated that Kissinger agreed with him that high-level talks should be held without preconditions. The specific level discussed by both was Secretary-level.

[NellieRose]

Nor did Obama say that talks would begin with the President. He explicitly stated that Kissinger agreed with him that high-level talks should be held without preconditions. The specific level discussed by both was Secretary-level.

Gina, it is clear that there is a large portion of people who either can not follow words spoken in a video, have no reading comprehension skills or just don't want to hear anything other than what they THINK or BELIEVE is right, regardless of fact.

It's only right when it's what they want to hear. :shrug

[Glueless Media]

Gina, it is clear that there is a large portion of people who either can not follow words spoken in a video, have no reading comprehension skills or just don't want to hear anything other than what they THINK or BELIEVE is right, regardless of fact.

It's only right when it's what they want to hear. :shrug


:(:eek

[vegaschristina]

Ahmadinejad or as Whoopi Goldberg calls him "I'm a Dinner Jacket"

Now that's funny!