tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065910512732060865.post6713912633600817907..comments2023-08-07T09:56:04.428-05:00Comments on Better Than Machines: Courage is Colored GreenDavehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154351095467482965noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065910512732060865.post-65304070497158220342009-06-16T20:41:39.985-05:002009-06-16T20:41:39.985-05:00I think the balance you talk about is why the Obam...I think the balance you talk about is why the Obama Administration has been pretty reserved about this whole thing. We certainly don't want the Iranian regime to be able to point and say, "Look, this is all a Western plot!"<br /><br />But it's also a huge morale booster for the protesters to see that the world is watching. Image is obviously important. Both sides are carrying English banners and signs in their rallies.<br /><br />I think maybe the right balance from the international community is more of what we've seen the last couple of days: eyes glued to the situation and vocal support for democracy, dissent, and human rights.<br /><br />Big forces are in motion. It's hard to predict how this will play out. The Iranian people may not overthrow Khamanei this week or next. But in the long run this is going to be good.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11154351095467482965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065910512732060865.post-80110204798117545282009-06-16T14:10:23.495-05:002009-06-16T14:10:23.495-05:00As much as I hope the people in the streets throw ...As much as I hope the people in the streets throw off the theocratic rule of old men, I have a feeling that we could make it harder if they are seen as too closely allied with the west. This has to be the work of the people of Iran. So, what's the right balance of supporting their aspirations without making them more vulnerable by making them appear to be "in league" with infidels?Camp Papahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03918758148818443535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065910512732060865.post-48328045531959705172009-06-16T05:09:58.731-05:002009-06-16T05:09:58.731-05:00I'm optimistic. I think it will be hard for th...I'm optimistic. I think it will be hard for the regime to reclaim any legitimacy after this. I think suppressing this movement may be like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube. <br /><br />However, from what I'm reading, I get the general sense that things will get much worse before they get better. People are expecting the government to really crack down and for things to get even more violent. Ahmadinejad just left the country to attend some summit. Some are saying that's so the big crackdown to come won't directly reflect upon him.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11154351095467482965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065910512732060865.post-82780454336842269012009-06-15T23:45:21.413-05:002009-06-15T23:45:21.413-05:00I got the profile pic. Do you feel there's cau...I got the profile pic. Do you feel there's cause for optimism? I hope so. Also, fittingly, the Frontline this week was about "Tank Man," the lone man who stood in front of the tanks at Tiananmen Square. Anyway, great post and I like your green text.Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06517252487552392654noreply@blogger.com