Iran protests

[tanis]

Hey y'all. Normally i would never do something like this, but I've been seeing some of the things that are happening in Iran, and it's been making me want to help. While I don't want to do anything political that might hinder the Iranian protesters, I've decided to show my support verbally. I just want to let the protesters know that there are people rooting for them, even if they can't help them. If any of you want to help, or just want to check it out, I've started a Facebook group to use as a hub and springboard for something larger and more cohesive.

Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=115435632811

And for more info, this link has some of the most up-to-the-minute news: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/13/iran-demonstrations-viole_n_215189.html

[Golanthius]

While I do support the Iranian people and their want of individual rights as we here in the U.S. take for granted, I am a stronger supporter of a policy of noninterference in the internal struggles of any other nation (including Iraq and Afghanistan). The United States needs to focus its attention on the United States and leave ALL other nations to their own devises. This includes Israel, Saudi Arabia, and any place where we are meddling.
Just my opinion.

[tanis]

While I somewhat disagree as far as making that a rule, I do agree mostly because I understand that the 'meddling' isn't the problem, but rather the fact that people view any help as meddling, and therefore are neither grateful for aid received, nor supportive of our efforts, even if they asked for our help. That's exactly why I just want a totally apolitical voicing of support. Not a bunch of Americans saying down with the ayatollahs, but people all over the world (Italy is a great example, as they were the first nation to offer Iranians who asked sanctuary in their embassies), to simply say we actually care about you're fight, and your beliefs. In truth, anything more, especially from Americans, could harm their efforts. The current regime is already trying to write off the protesters as US insurgents trying to destabilize Iran. Just about everybody in Iran knows that's bullshit, and with peaceful protesters like Neda getting shot, the protesters are slowly gaining momentum. I just think that anybody who supports their spirit and thinks they are fighting for a just cause should tell them so. No money, no political ambitions, nothing but, "We on the outside care."

However, to tell you the truth, I'm typically the guy telling protesters to sit down and shut up. I just think that people fighting so hard to get what they deserve, especially when they use peaceful protests, deserve to know that what they're asking isn't unjust or undeserved, and that they can ask for what they feel they need.

[tanis]

Oh and one more thing.

Never forget that laissez-faire isolationism on the part of the Americans directly contributed to the damage of scope of both World Wars. No nation should actually meddle, but every nation has a stake in the fate of every other nation. That will always be true. like with everything else in the world, it is a matter of maintaining the proper balance. Knowing when to act, and when to ignore.