Khamenei Threatens Protesters

WorldJune 2009 • Views: 1,879

Ominous words from Iran’s “Supreme Leader,” threatening a major crackdown in the works: Iran’s Khamenei warns protest leaders after vote.

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a strong warning on Friday to leaders of mass street protests after a disputed presidential election that they would be responsible for any bloodshed.

His words appeared to hint at a future crackdown by authorities on protests after the election a week ago, which Khamenei said was fairly won by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and not rigged, as defeated candidate Mirhossein Mousavi alleges.

Khamenei called for an end to the protests in his first address to the nation since the election results triggered the most widespread street demonstrations in the Islamic Republic’s 30-year history.

“If there is any bloodshed, leaders of the protests will be held directly responsible,” the white-bearded cleric told huge crowds thronging Tehran University and surrounding streets for Friday prayers.

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144 comments

Creeping Eruption Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:38:16am

Just trying to keep his job.

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:38:27am

if they call his bluff, he's screwed.

Kosh's Shadow Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:39:23am

I'm surprised he didn't come out and blame the US and the Jooos.

J.S. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:39:40am

the Supreme Leader doesn't sound like he's willing to compromise...

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:39:47am

re: #3 Kosh's Shadow

I'm surprised he didn't come out and blame the US and the Jooos.

he did, but blamed Britain more than us....

Kragar Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:39:49am

Some of the twitters seem to show the protestors feel that if they back down now, it just means the police will round them up later. Don't back down. America is with you even if Obama isn't.

Vicious Babushka Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:40:20am

re: #3 Kosh's Shadow

I'm surprised he didn't come out and blame the US and the Jooos.

He did blame the Juice. See my spinoff.

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:40:32am

re: #2 redc1c4

if they call his bluff, he's screwed.

Don't bet on it

Ateam Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:40:56am

Enlightened article: "The great fraud"
[Link: www.ynetnews.com...]

[Dr .Bechour (Ph.D – Egyptian and Arab legal history) is one the Israeli media most popular commentator’s for Arab and Middle East issues, commentating also for the CNN and the BBC]

MikeAlv77 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:41:01am

re: #2 redc1c4

if they call his bluff, he's screwed.

The problem with calling his bluff is it will get bloody either way. The Mullahs have too much to lose. Power is a narcotic. They just won't take their money and leave. They have a lot to answer for. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.

J.S. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:41:05am

re: #3 Kosh's Shadow

He did...he blamed the West for meddling, etc. (all the "unrest" is due to foreigners -- Zionists, etc.) then the audience listening to him chanted: Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to Britain.

CIA Reject Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:41:08am

re: #3 Kosh's Shadow

I'm surprised he didn't come out and blame the US and the Jooos.

That'll be after he goes all "Tienanmen Square" on a bunch of college kids...

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:41:11am

re: #6 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Some of the twitters seem to show the protestors feel that if they back down now, it just means the police will round them up later. Don't back down. America is with you even if Obama isn't.

But what's their end game?

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:41:36am

re: #8 Nevergiveup

Don't bet on it

why not? the govt can't count of the army, and the crowds we see are huge and form all walks of life..... this is not a flash in the pan.

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:41:42am

re: #3 Kosh's Shadow

I'm surprised he didn't come out and blame the US and the Jooos.

Well he kinda did

lawhawk Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:42:18am

The line has been drawn, and the Khamenei has sided with Ahmadinejad again - and made it known that if you don't follow his word, there will be blood.

Oh, and the Jews are to blame. Again. When all else fails, it's the fallback position of demagogues, dictators and thugs the world over - blame the Jews when things aren't going your way.

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:42:28am

re: #14 redc1c4

why not? the govt can't count of the army, and the crowds we see are huge and form all walks of life..... this is not a flash in the pan.

I don't think so, but call me in a month and we can talk again.

Honorary Yooper Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:42:30am

re: #3 Kosh's Shadow

I'm surprised he didn't come out and blame the US and the Jooos.

He did exactly that.

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:42:55am

re: #10 MikeAlv77

The problem with calling his bluff is it will get bloody either way. The Mullahs have too much to lose. Power is a narcotic. They just won't take their money and leave. They have a lot to answer for. It will be interesting to see how it turns out.

if they fold and go home, they will sit there and wait to be picked off, one by one. the only safe route is forward, and that's dangerous too.

J.S. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:43:14am

re: #15 Nevergiveup

It wasn't "kinda" -- he flat out charged the West and Zionist controlled media (as others noted, that would include CNN) with stirring up trouble.

pat Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:43:17am

Is that 12th Iman making his way out of the well yet?

Honorary Yooper Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:43:29am

re: #12 CIA Reject

That'll be after he goes all "Tienanmen Square" on a bunch of college kids...

He'll try, I think, but it is way more than just "a bunch of college kids" now. There are people from college kids to shopkeepers to clerics involved now.

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:43:36am

re: #12 CIA Reject

That'll be after he goes all "Tienanmen Square" on a bunch of college kids...

it's not just college kids: from the photos i've seen, it's everybody.

Robert O. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:43:38am

How about:

Marg bar Ahmadinejad!
Marg bar Khamenei!
Marg bar Jomhouri-e-Islami!

jcm Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:43:59am

re: #2 redc1c4

if they call his bluff, he's screwed.

He's screwed.

Kragar Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:44:23am

re: #13 Nevergiveup

But what's their end game?

Civil war. Its that or wait for the Mullahs to round them up.

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:44:38am

re: #20 J.S.

It wasn't "kinda" -- he flat out charged the West and Zionist controlled media (as others noted, that would include CNN) with stirring up trouble.

Well I didn't have the exact quote at hand so I went with the more ubiquitous "kinda" but I'm with ya.

CIA Reject Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:44:53am

re: #22 Honorary Yooper

re: #23 redc1c4

Agreed, but, in true Islamic fashion, his response will be directed at those least able to defend themselves.

albusteve Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:44:55am

re: #14 redc1c4

why not? the govt can't count of the army, and the crowds we see are huge and form all walks of life..... this is not a flash in the pan.

very difficult to call...it seems to me tho that if the Mullahs run up the body count that will spell their own doom...there IS power in numbers

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:45:06am

re: #26 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Civil war. Its that or wait for the Mullahs to round them up.

regime change

Mad Mullah Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:45:16am

I am disappointed. The USA is apparently not the big satan anymore. I hope that we're at least the little satan and that we will be able to regain our status as the big satan once again in the future.

The row was sparked by Ayatollah Khamenei saying the UK was the "most evil" of Western governments.

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:45:32am

re: #26 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Civil war. Its that or wait for the Mullahs to round them up.

I don't see that happening.

Honorary Yooper Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:45:36am

re: #14 redc1c4

why not? the govt can't count of the army, and the crowds we see are huge and form all walks of life..... this is not a flash in the pan.

No, not a flash in the pan at all. The Revolutionary Guards side with Khameini (no surprise there), but it is unknown about the general army. It is also unknown about the police. Some reports have had them siding with the protesters.

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:45:45am

re: #29 albusteve

very difficult to call...it seems to me tho that if the Mullahs run up the body count that will spell their own doom...there IS power in numbers

pretty much my point.....

Kragar Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:45:49am

re: #21 pat

Is that 12th Iman making his way out of the well yet?

I keep thinking of Borat:

"Throw the Mahdi down the well, so my people can be free!"

Pickles Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:45:58am

Either way, we need to let them deal with it themselves. We do no need another disastrous entry into foreign politics. Let them fix it themselves. They may blame us still (and are) but we don't have to make ourselves easy targets.

DaddyG Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:46:06am

Now would be a good time to send them a bill for the loss of the US embassy. /

J.S. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:46:14am

re: #27 Nevergiveup

a translation of his speech is probably floating around on the Internet somewhere (I've only heard segments of it)...think I'll go look for it...

albusteve Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:46:20am

maybe the Mullahs will be stupid enough to declare war on Israel...anything is possible

CIA Reject Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:46:40am

re: #37 DaddyG

Now would be a good time to send them a bill for the loss of the US embassy. /

I like the way you think...

albusteve Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:46:59am

re: #34 redc1c4

pretty much my point.....

I don't mean to echo...

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:47:08am

re: #31 Mad Mullah

I am disappointed. The USA is apparently not the big satan anymore. I hope that we're at least the little satan and that we will be able to regain our status as the big satan once again in the future.

The row was sparked by Ayatollah Khamenei saying the UK was the "most evil" of Western governments.

Yeah, were did that come from? That surprised me also. Also could be construed as being a hat tip to Obama. But I don't really wan to speculate ( even if I just did).

Robert O. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:47:10am

re: #3 Kosh's Shadow

I'm surprised he didn't come out and blame the US and the Jooos.

He said Britain was evil, and he also blamed "Zionists" as a codeword for Jews that is acceptable to the left.

The Ayatollah may also be playing this carefully, slapping an insult on Britain as a proxy attack America. Although the Iranian regime haven't responded to Obama, they are weighing up the pros and cons of dealing with the US and they certainly don't want to shut the door completely at this stage. Even tyrants like wiggle room.

Buster Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:47:22am

re: #11 J.S.

He did...he blamed the West for meddling, etc. (all the "unrest" is due to foreigners -- Zionists, etc.) then the audience listening to him chanted: Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to Britain.

For all Obama's carefully worded statements, we will always to be blamed. Perhaps one day he will figure this out, but since he has replaced Biden as the self appointed "smartest man in the room", I doubt it.

Kosh's Shadow Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:47:23am

re: #11 J.S.

He did...he blamed the West for meddling, etc. (all the "unrest" is due to foreigners -- Zionists, etc.) then the audience listening to him chanted: Death to America, Death to Israel, Death to Britain.

DEATH TO THE IRANIAN MULLAHS!

Honorary Yooper Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:47:29am

re: #32 Nevergiveup

I don't see that happening.

Which senario? Civil war or waiting around for the mullahs? I'd say the situation in Iran could turn into a civil war if the Guardian Council is divided, which it appears to be.

tfc3rid Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:48:39am

re: #16 lawhawk

The line has been drawn, and the Khamenei has sided with Ahmadinejad again - and made it known that if you don't follow his word, there will be blood.

Oh, and the Jews are to blame. Again. When all else fails, it's the fallback position of demagogues, dictators and thugs the world over - blame the Jews when things aren't going your way.

It's just going further and further to justify their coming attack on Israel...

Now is the time to work with the protestors to undermine the Mad Mullahs... As long as they maintain a grip on the people they will follow through with their plans for armageddon... Based on what has occurred this 'election' they will stop at nothing to bring it about...

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:48:46am

re: #33 Honorary Yooper

No, not a flash in the pan at all. The Revolutionary Guards side with Khameini (no surprise there), but it is unknown about the general army. It is also unknown about the police. Some reports have had them siding with the protesters.

as i mentioned somewhere else, the PRC & USSR had the advantage of multiple ethnicities in their armies, so they could send troops with no cultural connections to the people they were suppressing: Iran doesn't have that option, and importing Paleostinians isn't a good answer, since they aren't professionally trained & equipped troops. the RG will likely do what it's told, but i can't see the regular army killing their friends, neighbors and families.

Walter L. Newton Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:48:57am

re: #32 Nevergiveup

I don't see that happening.

Neither do I (ie: civil war). The best that the Iranian people are going to get out of this is the momentum to move forward, to secretly organize and be even more prepared the next time.

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:49:03am

re: #46 Honorary Yooper

Which senario? Civil war or waiting around for the mullahs? I'd say the situation in Iran could turn into a civil war if the Guardian Council is divided, which it appears to be.

I don't see Civil War no the horizon.

Salamantis Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:49:51am

Where were Khameini's condemations of France and Germany? They condemned the Iranian election fraud much more strongly than Britain did, while Obambi didn't criticize the farce at all.

Kragar Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:49:51am

Google, Facebook launch Persian services

Internet giant Google has unveiled a Farsi translation service to help Iranians "communicate directly" to the world, while Facebook has launched a version of its site in Persian, they said Friday.

The Internet has played a key role in allowing some Iranians to communicate since last week's disputed presidential elections and many international media outlets have used services like Twitter and emails in their coverage.

"We feel that launching Persian is particularly important now, given ongoing events in Iran," Google's principal scientist Franz Och said, announcing the addition of Farsi to Google Translate, its free online service.

kynna Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:50:12am

There only real hope is to not back down. Keep the images coming to the world and keep fighting. I don't think the Supreme Leader means to give them a second chance to lead an insurrection. They will be rounded up regardless. Best to go down actually doing what your going down for anyway, eh?

I've been praying for them. I'll be keeping it up.

Cato the Elder Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:50:17am

"If you force us to send in our thugs to beat you to death with chains and truncheons, their adrenaline highs will be your fault."

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:50:26am

re: #21 pat

Is that 12th Iman making his way out of the well yet?

Would YOU be making your way out of the well under these circumstances? He's probably worried he'll be shot by the Baseej.

pat Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:50:56am

I suspect in the short run nothing will change. More death and repression. Religious crack downs, etc. But in the long run this foretells disaster to the mullahs and the economy. Another exodus of the middle class and educated.

tfc3rid Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:51:06am

re: #42 Nevergiveup

Yeah, were did that come from? That surprised me also. Also could be construed as being a hat tip to Obama. But I don't really wan to speculate ( even if I just did).

Perhaps a code to their 'followers' in the UK to begin attacks?

apachegunner Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:51:18am

re: #38 J.S.

a translation of his speech is probably floating around on the Internet somewhere (I've only heard segments of it)...think I'll go look for it...

[Link: pastebay.com...] here it is

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:51:18am

re: #51 Salamantis

Where were Khameini's condemations of France and Germany? They condemned the Iranian election fraud much more strongly than Britain did, while Obambi didn't criticize the farce at all.

Well english speakers are the real devils ya know. Even all them Jooos in Israel speak english, especially those Brooklyn types in Judea and Sameria.

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:51:23am

re: #41 albusteve

I don't mean to echo...

more like a GMTA moment.... %-)

VegasRick Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:51:51am

re: #50 Nevergiveup

I don't see Civil War no the horizon.

I do. They can die fighting or be rounded up and killed without a fight. The 3rd option is to fight and win. 3 choices, only 1 good outcome for them. Just MHO.

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:51:53am

re: #31 Mad Mullah

I am disappointed. The USA is apparently not the big satan anymore. I hope that we're at least the little satan and that we will be able to regain our status as the big satan once again in the future.

The row was sparked by Ayatollah Khamenei saying the UK was the "most evil" of Western governments.

I bet that's how North Korea felt when we took them off the Axis of Evil. Disappointing, isn't it?

CyanSnowHawk Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:52:29am

re: #31 Mad Mullah

I am disappointed. The USA is apparently not the big satan anymore. I hope that we're at least the little satan and that we will be able to regain our status as the big satan once again in the future.

The row was sparked by Ayatollah Khamenei saying the UK was the "most evil" of Western governments.

I think we are kind of a Satan council now, with the UK and Israel.

Pianobuff Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:52:35am

House Condemns Tehran Crackdown on Protestors

Add this to Sarkozy, Merkel, etc on the Western support list.

Walter L. Newton Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:53:13am

re: #61 VegasRick

I do. They can die fighting or be rounded up and killed without a fight. The 3rd option is to fight and win. 3 choices, only 1 good outcome for them. Just MHO.

Fight with what? Bare hands and baseball bats?

CIA Reject Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:53:18am

re: #63 CyanSnowHawk

I think we are kind of a Satan council now, with the UK and Israel.

I thought we were an autonomous collective ...

aboo-Hoo-Hoo Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:53:20am

re: #14 redc1c4

why not? the govt can't count of the army, and the crowds we see are huge and form all walks of life..... this is not a flash in the pan.

If Supreme Fubar & Co threatened to use the guards or the basij, you damned well better know & understand the forces have already committed.

Don't kid yourself - this isn't a Western country.

Clubsec Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:53:26am

Well he does have an impressive title:
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
But I wonder if his speach was elequant as this:
"We are excited, uh, to see, uh, what appears to be a ro-robust debate taking place in Iran. And obviously after the speech that, uh, I made in Cairo we tried to send a clear message that we think there is the possibility of change, uhhh, aaaand -- ehhh, yuh-- oh -- Ultimately the election is for the Iranians to decide, uh, but, uh, just a-as has been true in Lebanon, what's, uh -- can be true in Iran as well is that you're seeing people looking at new possibilities. And, uh, whoever, uh, ends up winning, uh, the election in Iran, uh, the fact that there's been a robust debate hopefully will help, uh, advance our ability to engage them in new ways." --Barack Hussein Obama

I think OUR compete and utter fraud beats THEIR complete and utter fraud by a wide margin.
That is to say both WE and the Iranians are totally fucked.

MacDuff Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:53:29am

“If there is any bloodshed, leaders of the protests will be held directly responsible,” the white-bearded cleric told huge crowds thronging Tehran University and surrounding streets for Friday prayers.

A bit of telegraphing the future and CYA at the same time.

Obama needs to get out of the "voting present" mode and be a leader and a champion of democracy. If these protesters in Iran are willing to risk their lives, Obama should at least be willing to risk some of his political capital.

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:53:30am

re: #61 VegasRick

I do. They can die fighting or be rounded up and killed without a fight. The 3rd option is to fight and win. 3 choices, only 1 good outcome for them. Just MHO.

Well I don't think so, but then I thought the Yankees would sweep 3 from the Nationals, so I am not exactly an oracle this week?

VegasRick Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:53:39am

Hey! What happened to trolly?

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:04am

re: #64 Pianobuff

House Condemns Tehran Crackdown on Protestors

Add this to Sarkozy, Merkel, etc on the Western support list.

meanwhile, Ear Leader votes "Present" on the subject.

Mr Chompers Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:23am

Supreme leader says,
"There will be bloodshed..."

and Obama votes "present".

Kragar Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:29am

re: #63 CyanSnowHawk

I think we are kind of a Satan council now, with the UK and Israel.

An unholy Trinity if you will, or does triumvirate sound more menacing?

Walter L. Newton Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:30am

re: #64 Pianobuff

House Condemns Tehran Crackdown on Protestors

Add this to Sarkozy, Merkel, etc on the Western support list.

From article...

"Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas libertarian who often speaks out against what he regards as government meddling, cast the sole opposing vote."

jim in virginia Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:39am

re: #31 Mad Mullah

I am disappointed. The USA is apparently not the big satan anymore. I hope that we're at least the little satan and that we will be able to regain our status as the big satan once again in the future.

The row was sparked by Ayatollah Khamenei saying the UK was the "most evil" of Western governments.

Damn the Brits upstaging us.
We're Number 1!

VegasRick Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:49am

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

Fight with what? Bare hands and baseball bats?

I think a lot of the reg army will be with them. And a lot of police.

Kragar Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:51am

re: #71 VegasRick

Hey! What happened to trolly?

Mom had to use the computer.

Last Mohican Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:51am

re: #62 SanFranciscoZionist

I bet that's how North Korea felt when we took them off the Axis of Evil. Disappointing, isn't it?

They're lobbying pretty hard to get reinstated.

DaddyG Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:54am

re: #71 VegasRick

Hey! What happened to trolly?

Grandma called him upstairs for a Mac and Cheeze break. /

Honorary Yooper Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:56am

re: #64 Pianobuff

House Condemns Tehran Crackdown on Protestors

Add this to Sarkozy, Merkel, etc on the Western support list.

And add this to the list of "idiots without a clue":

Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas libertarian who often speaks out against what he regards as government meddling, cast the sole opposing vote.

Should tell you what you need to know about Ron Paul the jackass. Even the Democrats know to side with calls for freedom.

Robert O. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:54:59am

re: #39 albusteve

maybe the Mullahs will be stupid enough to declare war on Israel...anything is possible

I was thinking that too, if worst comes to worst, a way out for the regime would be Kim Jong-Il style (multiplied by 100 times), set the Middle East alight in the hope that creating an existential threat against Iran itself will force their people will turn their attention against Israel and the west. Saddam tried it in the Gulf War. Iran's missiles can hit Israel.

Slightly less probable would be for Iran to set Iraq alight, which would bring the US directly into play, and the regime could surely bank on rallying Iranians to hold out against a US invader. But that would be an extremely risky move that pre-supposes Obama will blink from playing checkmate.

CIA Reject Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:55:12am

re: #71 VegasRick

Hey! What happened to trolly?

Oh Trolly, ain't gonna see him no more...

/Clemenza

Clubsec Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:55:18am

Damn fingers ... eloquent!

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:55:24am

re: #77 VegasRick

I think a lot of the reg army will be with them. And a lot of police.

What do you base that on?

SanFranciscoZionist Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:55:32am

re: #74 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

An unholy Trinity if you will, or does triumvirate sound more menacing?

We're the Satanic Trifecta.

Salamantis Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:55:36am

What I found particularly absurd was Khameini thundering HOW DARE the West criticize us when they burned 80 people in a house to death! (referring to the Waco Wacko).

But then again, not so absurd as far as they: are concerned, I guess...having a coerced harem of underaged girls is moral, legal, and desireable there...

VegasRick Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:55:36am

re: #78 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Mom had to use the computer.

LOL!

albusteve Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:55:40am

re: #75 Walter L. Newton

From article...

"Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas libertarian who often speaks out against what he regards as government meddling, cast the sole opposing vote."

what a sore thumb...the guy stands on his principles tho, I give him credit for that

Pianobuff Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:55:48am

re: #72 redc1c4

meanwhile, Ear Leader votes "Present" on the subject.

A wise relative of mine once said "Last man on the fence ends up with a post up his ass".

jcm Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:56:03am

Bottom line.
The "freedom" cat is out of the bag, and people are losing their fear of the regime, realizing their future is in their hands.

To paraphrase Churchill, it's not the end of the regime, but the beginning of the end of the regime.

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:56:05am

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

Fight with what? Bare hands and baseball bats?

any city is full of weapons, and not just the sort of things you regularly think of.

besides, your rifle only has 30 rounds before you have to reload, and you won;t have time to do that before the survivors tear you limb from limb, literally. you're gonna think twice about pulling the trigger.

Solomon2 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:56:18am

“If there is any bloodshed, leaders of the protests will be held directly responsible”

The words of a bully: "You made me beat you up because -" He and his ilk need to be taught a tough lesson. I hope he remains alive to see a free and prosperous Iran that has totally rejected his shadow.

dhg4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:56:29am

If there's a reason to be hopeful, this is it from Michael Totten's Brace for an escalation:

Perhaps more perilous for authorities is the possibility that some soldiers, security officials and Revolutionary Guardsmen might refuse orders to fire on protesters, creating a dangerous rift within the security apparatuses.

“I would never do it,” said Hossein, a 23-year-old member of the security forces who said he and many of his friends at the military base where he serves supported the marchers. “Maybe someone would, but I would never fire on any of these people myself.”

While Khameini may indeed be able to count on the Revolutionary Guards - not surprising - he may not have the whole army behind him.

Robert O. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:56:30am

re: #81 Honorary Yooper

Should tell you what you need to know about Ron Paul the jackass. Even the Democrats know to side with calls for freedom.

It's a complete non-surprise. He also cast the sole dissenting vote when the US Congress condemned China's crackdown in Tibet just before the Olympics.

Idle Drifter Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:56:34am

Well this just proves what many of the saner citizens of the West knew all along that the Mullahs are the real power and the elected officials are just a veneer so they can claim the title of Republic.

MacDuff Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:56:41am

re: #75 Walter L. Newton

From article...

"Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas libertarian who often speaks out against what he regards as government meddling, cast the sole opposing vote."

Re-enforcing his "asshole" creds....

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:56:55am

re: #67 aboo-Hoo-Hoo

If Supreme Fubar & Co threatened to use the guards or the basij, you damned well better know & understand the forces have already committed.

Don't kid yourself - this isn't a Western country.

the regular army is conspicuously absent in all discussions....... the RG are not the same thing.

nyc redneck Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:57:10am

freedom never goes out of style.
look how the mullahs have tried for so long to bury it.
a desire for freedom cannot be stomped out, crushed w/ threats.
there will always be a need in the human soul to breathe freely.

100

Walter L. Newton Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:57:16am

re: #89 albusteve

what a sore thumb...the guy stands on his principles tho, I give him credit for that

Oh goody, that will get you a cup of tea and a cookie!

101

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:57:22am

re: #92 redc1c4

any city is full of weapons, and not just the sort of things you regularly think of.

besides, your rifle only has 30 rounds before you have to reload, and you won;t have time to do that before the survivors tear you limb from limb, literally. you're gonna think twice about pulling the trigger.

Can i ask how old you are. I am not trying to be insulting or anything, just curious. For the record I'm 54.

102

CyanSnowHawk Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:57:28am

re: #66 CIA Reject

I thought we were an autonomous collective ...

That's not evil enough for the lefties.

103

MandyManners Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:57:34am

re: #71 VegasRick

Hey! What happened to trolly?

His mom wanted to do some laundry so she unplugged his computer.

104

CIA Reject Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:58:09am

re: #102 CyanSnowHawk

That's not evil enough for the lefties.

D*MN!

105

alegrias Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:58:29am

Good day all,
Have you already discussed our House of Representatives voted to support the freedom-fighting people in the streets of Iran, with only one vote against--Ron Paul's?

We have nearly unanimous bipartisan support from our Congress to the Iranian people, except from our President Obama and isolationist Ron Paul.

106

[deleted] Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:59:00am

107

realwest Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:59:05am

re: #64 Pianobuff Thanks a lot for that! I notice that only Ron Paul voted agaisnt the House Resolution.
Once a whacko, always a whacko? Or there is no cure for stupid? Hmmmm, decisions, decisions.

108

jim in virginia Fri, Jun 19, 2009 9:59:08am

re: #75 Walter L. Newton

From article...

"Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas libertarian who often speaks out against what he regards as government meddling, cast the sole opposing vote."

I'm sure he had sound reasons to do so.
/sarc

109

Kosh's Shadow Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:00:03am

re: #69 MacDuff

A bit of telegraphing the future and CYA at the same time.

Obama needs to get out of the "voting present" mode and be a leader and a champion of democracy. If these protesters in Iran are willing to risk their lives, Obama should at least be willing to risk some of his political capital.

But then he'll never get to kiss Ahmadinejad's ass.

110

Nevergiveup Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:00:04am

re: #107 realwest

Thanks a lot for that! I notice that only Ron Paul voted agaisnt the House Resolution.
Once a whacko, always a whacko? Or there is no cure for stupid? Hmmmm, decisions, decisions.

He keeps getting re-elected. Who are the "Einsteins" in his district?

111

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:00:09am

re: #101 Nevergiveup

Can i ask how old you are. I am not trying to be insulting or anything, just curious. For the record I'm 54.

right behind you..... i went through AIT in 1982.

112

MacDuff Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:00:18am

re: #107 realwest

Thanks a lot for that! I notice that only Ron Paul voted agaisnt the House Resolution.
Once a whacko, always a whacko? Or there is no cure for stupid? Hmmmm, decisions, decisions.

No cure; it's terminal.

113

opnion Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:00:28am

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

Fight with what? Bare hands and baseball bats?

Walter you have identified the problem. The means of coersion are owned by the bad guys.
The resistance needs the Army to break their way.
If however you are a protest leader, the odds are real good that you will be executed when the smoke clears. so you might as well continue.

114

VegasRick Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:00:31am

re: #85 Nevergiveup

What do you base that on?

Maybe it is hoping against hope but (again IMHO) I think the regular army and police are more aligned with the folks than there are with the mad mullahs.

115

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:01:06am

re: #105 alegrias

Good day all,
Have you already discussed our House of Representatives voted to support the freedom-fighting people in the streets of Iran, with only one vote against--Ron Paul's?

We have nearly unanimous bipartisan support from our Congress to the Iranian people, except from our President Obama and isolationist Ron Paul.

birdbrains of a feather.....

116

aboo-Hoo-Hoo Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:01:22am

re: #75 Walter L. Newton

From article...

"Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas libertarian who often speaks out against what he regards as government meddling, cast the sole opposing vote."

Boy, I sure thought we'd see the majority of Dem's split on party-line. There may be some hope after all.

117

Robert O. Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:01:31am

re: #12 CIA Reject

That'll be after he goes all "Tienanmen Square" on a bunch of college kids...

Why did you think Ahmadinejad left to meet the Russians and CHINESE the day after mass protests started? Surely, you wouldn't expect him to ask the Chinese President questions about controlling big crowds?

118

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:01:53am

re: #107 realwest

Thanks a lot for that! I notice that only Ron Paul voted agaisnt the House Resolution.
Once a whacko, always a whacko? Or there is no cure for stupid? Hmmmm, decisions, decisions.

yes.

119

Honorary Yooper Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:02:13am

re: #98 redc1c4

the regular army is conspicuously absent in all discussions....... the RG are not the same thing.

What could be interesting is a showdown between the RG and the regular army.

120

realwest Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:02:13am

re: #94 dhg4 And I certainly have a great deal of trust in what Michael Totten says.

121

legalpad Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:02:22am

re: #83 CIA Reject

Oh Trolly, ain't gonna see him no more...

/Clemenza

And the Cannoli?

122

quickjustice Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:02:27am

The military dictatorship is forcing the issue. That means they're confident in the loyalty of the armed forces, and the Revolutionary Guards in particular.

If the armed forces rebel, Ahmadinejad is in trouble. Even if he prevails, the division within the Iranian electorate is exposed. Iran is a nation divided.

123

realwest Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:03:59am

re: #113 opnion
Not to mention that there are ways to get weapons - you take 'em from the enemy. If they're gonna try to kill ya anyway, might as well go down fighting - and the next fella up will pick up the gun and so forth and so on.
Not to mention raids on armories and the like.

124

justabill Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:04:32am

“If there is any bloodshed, leaders of the protests will be held directly responsible,”

In other words, If we have to beat you, its your fault. Sounds like spousal abuse...

125

Kenneth Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:04:35am

Juan Cole might actually be right about something...

The regime seems to think that the protests are occurring because the alleged losers are stirring them up. In fact, the crowds are way out ahead of the leaders. The things you hear about how Khamenei plans to deal with this crisis are so far not very promising. Ultimately, I think a compromise is being demanded of him, like a complete ballot recount or a new presidential election, that he cannot grant without so weakening his authority that he may lose it anyway. In such a game, he may think he has a better chance maintaining the regime by offering limited concessions coupled with a crack down on the stubborn. He may or may not be right about that.

Mousavi is not leading these protests. He has been swept along by them and is attempting to ride with it and steer it in his direction. How long he can surf this wave I don't know.

126

realwest Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:04:42am

re: #121 legalpad
Leave the gun, take the cannoli.

127

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:07:21am

re: #122 quickjustice

The military dictatorship is forcing the issue. That means they're confident in the loyalty of the armed forces, and the Revolutionary Guards in particular.

If the armed forces rebel, Ahmadinejad is in trouble. Even if he prevails, the division within the Iranian electorate is exposed. Iran is a nation divided.

or it sould be that they are bluffing, and hoping the other side will fold. it's a safe bet that the opposition has been in touch with members of the army, etc, and thinks they have at least some of them on their side. the number of people we've seen in the streets shows that this is not some minor disturbance, but a real ground swell of popular opinion.

128

CIA Reject Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:07:57am

re: #121 legalpad

And the Cannoli?

Leave the gun....

Take the cannoli...

129

redc1c4 Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:08:49am

re: #123 realwest

Not to mention that there are ways to get weapons - you take 'em from the enemy. If they're gonna try to kill ya anyway, might as well go down fighting - and the next fella up will pick up the gun and so forth and so on.
Not to mention raids on armories and the like.

and i wouldn't want to be in any armored force that went into those cities... lots of veterans from the Iraq war who know there are many ways to kill an AFV.

130

Oh no...Sand People! Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:08:55am

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

Fight with what? Bare hands and baseball bats?

This is time for my favorite poem:

Opportunity by Edward Rowland Sill:
This I beheld, or dreamed it in a dream:-
There spread a cloud of dust along a plain;
And underneath the cloud, or in it, raged
A furious battle, and men yelled, and swords
Shocked upon swords and shields. A prince's banner
Wavered, then staggered backward, hemmed by foes.
A craven hung along the battle's edge,
And thought, "Had I a sword of keener steel-
That blue blade that the king's son bears,-but this
Blunt thing-!" he snapt and flung it from his hand,
And lowering crept away and left the field.
Then came the king's son, wounded, sore bestead,
And weaponless, and saw the broken sword,
Hilt-buried in the dry and trodden sand,
And ran and snatched it, and with battle-shout
Lifted afresh he hewed his enemy down,
And saved a great cause that heroic day.

131

Alan Furman Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:10:07am

re: #64 Pianobuff

House Condemns Tehran Crackdown on Protestors

Ron Paul to Iranian libertarians: Drop dead.

132

opnion Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:13:53am

re: #123 realwest

Not to mention that there are ways to get weapons - you take 'em from the enemy. If they're gonna try to kill ya anyway, might as well go down fighting - and the next fella up will pick up the gun and so forth and so on.
Not to mention raids on armories and the like.

Iy does seem like nothing left to lose now.
The Regime is scared.

133

Ward Cleaver Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:18:47am

To the Iranians: As tfk would say, "It's your country, take it back".

134

bbcrackmonkey Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:22:34am

"I am ready to sacrifice all for the Revolution and for this establishment"

We'll see about that.

135

Mr. Sandman Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:27:00am

The efficacy of the protests are more likely to be hobbled than helped if they are viewed by the populace in Iran as stemming from "stooges" for the West. However much your personal emotional urges might be addressed by more forceful language in support of the protests by Obama, that does not speak to their effect in Iran. The protests must be seen among the populace as stemming from internal forces, otherwise they are almost certain fail (no guarantee of success in any case, but almost a certain guarantee of failure if Obama does what you are saying at this point).

Henry Kissinger even agrees with these basic points, and thinks Obama's handling the situation correctly:

[Link: thinkprogress.org...]

136

Spare O'Lake Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:33:58am

re: #135 Mr. Sandman

The efficacy of the protests are more likely to be hobbled than helped if they are viewed by the populace in Iran as stemming from "stooges" for the West. However much your personal emotional urges might be addressed by more forceful language in support of the protests by Obama, that does not speak to their effect in Iran. The protests must be seen among the populace as stemming from internal forces, otherwise they are almost certain fail (no guarantee of success in any case, but almost a certain guarantee of failure if Obama does what you are saying at this point).

Henry Kissinger even agrees with these basic points, and thinks Obama's handling the situation correctly:

[Link: thinkprogress.org...]

Even if Kissinger is correct, Obama's kid gloves approach is nevertheless merely coincidental to his overall gutless, pandering, dhimmified policy of global appeasement.
(Except for Israel, of course.)

137

Rancher Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:51:07am

Khamenei's Friday Prayers speech pretty much puts him solidly in Ahmadenijads corner.

The enemy wants to make people believe that they have been fooled...

The enemies are trying through their media - which is controlled by dirty Zionists. The Zionist, American and British radio are all trying to say that there was a competition between those who support and those who didn't support the state. Everyone supported the state...

The race has ended. Whoever has voted for these candidates will receive divine reward. They all belong to the state, they have gotten closer to god by voting, they have. There were 40 million votes for the revolution, not just 24 million for the winner. The people have trust. Their votes will not go in vain by the people. The legal mechanism in our country won't allow any cheating. Those are involved in the election process are aware of this fact. Especially if there is an 11 million votes difference. If it were little than that, we would say there's doubts, but how can 11 million votes be replaced or changed?

Political party leaders should be very careful about what they say and do. They do anything extremist, their radical moves will moves will take them to where it won't be solvable. Ee've seen this happen before when extremism is forced upon a society, it leads to another one. If political elite want to fix someone at the cost of another thing
to BREAK the law they would be responsible for the bloodshed and any form of unrest. I would like to advise all these gentlemen, All my brothers and friends.

Mousavi was asked by the Supreme Leader to be by his side during the speech but was not. Where the rank and file clergy stand is not clear. I have one major question, who is giving orders to the Guard and Basiji?

People have been killed from ordinary people and the Baseej. Who's responsible? The issues is that some people have killed Baseeji forces and killed other people, who should address this issue? Who should react? Attack at universities. Good students were beaten up not the ones who were involved in riots. Then they chant slogans of supporting the leader. Then you become unhappy and your heart is hurt to see all this. Street wrestling is not acceptable after the elections, this is challenging democracy and election. I want both sides to put an end to this.

Khamenei is supposed to be in charge of the military but it sounds like he's throwing responsibility for the shootings on Ahmadenijad.

138

odorlesspaintthinner Fri, Jun 19, 2009 10:57:16am

"How can you rig 11 million votes?"

How can you deny 6 million dead?

139

anova Fri, Jun 19, 2009 11:34:29am

Does anyone find it odd that we have not heard a peep from any US Islamic organizations regarding the Iranian protesters defying the Iran government?

Is it because these US organizations are jihadist in nature and oppose democracy? or is it because they follow the Sunni sect not Shite (Iranian) sect of Islam?

140

kansas Fri, Jun 19, 2009 12:00:48pm

“If there is any bloodshed, leaders of the protests will be held directly responsible,” the white-bearded cleric told huge crowds thronging Tehran University and surrounding streets for Friday prayers.

So if we shoot you with AK 47s and beat you with clubs, it will be your fault. That's some Democrat logic at work. /

141

AZDave Fri, Jun 19, 2009 12:18:47pm

re: #45 Kosh's Shadow

~~DEATH TO~~ SHIP THE IRANIAN MULLAHS TO GITMO!

There! That's better.

142

AZDave Fri, Jun 19, 2009 12:22:13pm

re: #68 Clubsec

Well he does have an impressive title:
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
But I wonder if his speach was elequant as this:
"We are excited, uh, to see, uh, what appears to be a ro-robust debate taking place in Iran. And obviously after the speech that, uh, I made in Cairo we tried to send a clear message that we think there is the possibility of change, uhhh, aaaand -- ehhh, yuh-- oh -- Ultimately the election is for the Iranians to decide, uh, but, uh, just a-as has been true in Lebanon, what's, uh -- can be true in Iran as well is that you're seeing people looking at new possibilities. And, uh, whoever, uh, ends up winning, uh, the election in Iran, uh, the fact that there's been a robust debate hopefully will help, uh, advance our ability to engage them in new ways." --Barack Hussein Obama

I think OUR compete and utter fraud beats THEIR complete and utter fraud by a wide margin.
That is to say both WE and the Iranians are totally fucked.

I think that pretty much sums it all up.

143

Pickles Fri, Jun 19, 2009 12:28:12pm

re: #139 anova

Does anyone find it odd that we have not heard a peep from any US Islamic organizations regarding the Iranian protesters defying the Iran government?

Is it because these US organizations are jihadist in nature and oppose democracy? or is it because they follow the Sunni sect not Shite (Iranian) sect of Islam?

Good question.

144

anova Fri, Jun 19, 2009 2:48:05pm

In regards to my previous post/questions (#139) on this thread, I just found this article and thought it would be of interest to others:

Why North American Islamic Groups are Silent About Iran Crisis

Spy Mode Auto

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