posted on February 29, 2004 11:56:50 PM newKerry and the Ayatollahs
As Sen. John Kerry expands his lead in the Democratic presidential primaries, he is coming under fire for his conciliatory statements about the government of Iran and his attacks on the Bush administration's policy toward the regime. Ever since the Iranian Revolution occurred during Jimmy Carter's presidency a quarter-century ago, Tehran has been hostile to the United States and one of the world's leading supporters of terrorism — providing funding, weapons, training and safe haven to groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and even al Qaeda. But Mr. Kerry seems to believe that the crux of the problem isn't Iran's despotic, violent rulers, but President Bush's behavior toward them.
In a Dec. 3 address to the Council on Foreign Relations, Mr. Kerry suggested that the Bush administration's unwillingness to bargain with Tehran is to blame for Iran's harboring of al Qaeda operatives. "It is incomprehensible and unacceptable that this administration refuses to broker an arrangement with Iran," Mr. Kerry declared. "The Bush administration stubbornly refuses to conduct a realistic, non-confrontational policy with Iran."
Mr. Kerry's national security issues coordinator, Rand Beers, said last month that U.S.-Iranian talks have been blocked by the Bush administration, which "is so tied in its own ideological views of Iran and waiting for the Iranian regime to collapse."
On Feb. 8, the Tehran Times published a letter that Mr. Kerry's office sent to an Iranian news agency explaining why he should be elected president. The letter suggests that the Bush administration's objectionable behavior toward other nations is to blame for many of the world's problems. "Sadly, we are also painfully aware of how the actions and attitudes demonstrated by the U.S. government over the past three years have threatened the goodwill earned by presidents of both parties over many decades and put many of our international relationships at risk," the Kerry letter says.
Mr. Kerry's comments suggesting that the Bush administration is to blame for Tehran's animosity have drawn a sharp rebuke from the Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran. "Why, Senator? Why and how could a man of your honor and valor disregard the suffering people of a nation and appease a brutal regime?" the group asked in a Feb. 19 open letter to Mr. Kerry (the full text is availableonthegroup'sWebsiteat www.daneshjoo.org). Mr. Kerry's campaign has thus far failed to respond to this newspaper's queries about the letter or his position on Iran. But his statements thus far indicate a profound misunderstanding of reality: It is not Mr. Bush, but the Iranian regime's malevolent behavior for the past 25 years, that has damaged relations between the two countries.
posted on March 1, 2004 12:03:50 AM newAn Open Letter To Senator John Kerry
Feb 19, 2004
Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran (SMCCDI)
Dear Senator Kerry:
For the past few months we have listened and observed with apprehension and dismay to your statements and views regarding the terrorist theocracy in Iran. Yet, we had remained silent!
We have read how you refer to the theocratic regime in Iran as a "democracy;" we have heard how, if elected, as the president of the United States you intend to "engage" this barbaric regime; this very terrorist regime that your own State Department lists as the most active "State Sponsor of Terrorism."
Why is it, Senator, in all your statements, you don't, even once, mention the oppressed and suffering masses of Iran? Obviously, as long as there is such preoccupation with appeasing the regime the people of Iran don't even enter your equation!
For us, recognizing the political season in the United States, we had maintained our silence respecting the internal politics of the country. And, above all, we still believe that United States is cognizant that supporting terrorists regimes, such as the Islamic Republic, is contrary to the values of the nation and would gravely undermine her status as the champion of the democratic principles and the ideals that she stands for; the very foundation of America. And, naturally, we fail to see how a powerful nation could be safer or its national security interests better served by "engaging" and rewarding a terrorist regime!
Senator, those Mullahs in Iran know better than most that: "Money is the mother's milk of politics." After all, they bought a revolution with it and seized a country. Contrary to the cynics, we refuse to accept or entertain the idea that the millions of dollars that the Islamic regime is disbursing to the Democratic Party, through your supposed Iranian-American fundraisers or the so-called Iranian-American PACs or alleged charities, has anything to do with your comments. Sir, those duplicitous and cunning Mullahs in Iran are dangling the lure of other advantages, prior to the elections, to the other side as well.
How a corrupt gang of Mullahs intends to manipulate the internal politics of a superpower is beyond belief. Even so, call us fools or naïve, we like to believe that, perhaps, in this great democracy, the famous adage: "Politics stops at waters' edge" may still be true.
Yes, up to now, we have remained silent!
But, Senator, on February 8, 2004, Tehran Times, Mehr News Agency, as well the newspapers in the United States reported that: "The office of Senator John Kerry, the frontrunner in the Democratic presidential primary in the U.S., sent the Mehr News Agency an E-mail saying that Kerry will try to repair the damage done by the incumbent president if he wins the election." And, includes your statement: "... America needs the kind of leadership that will repair alliances with countries on every continent that have been so damaged in the past few years, as well as build new friendships and overcome tensions with others." Adding further: "He believes that collaboration with other countries is crucial to efforts to win the war on terror and make America safer."
Once informed, obviously, we were outraged and disillusioned! Senator, by sending such a message directly to the organs and the megaphones of the dictatorial Islamic regime you have given them credibility, comfort and embraced this odious theocracy. You have encouraged and emboldened a tyrannical regime to use this as propaganda and declare "open season" on the freedom fighters in Iran. Sir, by so doing you have assaulted us directly and have insulted the honor and the dignity of the Iranian people.
Senator Kerry, this E-mail, this latest message has changed the dynamics completely; this elevates your statements and actions to another level; this takes it out of the internal politics of the United States and points it directly at us, the Iranian people. Senator, how does one "win the war on terror" by cuddling and pleasing the very terrorist State? This is beyond our comprehension! And, we fail to understand, how "collaboration" with a "State Sponsor of Terrorism" could be "crucial to efforts to win the war on terror and make America safer?"
Sir, diplomacy does not mean strengthening totalitarian regimes at the expense and the agony of the citizens of that country. Protracting the Islamic Republic's survival in Iran would only prolong our pain and suffering.
Senator, for us, silence no more! And we repeat what we have been saying to all those who appease the Islamic regime: You are either with us, with the Iranian People, or with the regime!
Senator Kerry, why do you hold such contempt and disregard for the Iranian people?
Senator, in 1979, through deception and ignorance of the populace, intrigues and plots of Western powers, inept foreign policies of the United States, the support of hungry, backward, atrocious and alien terrorists groups such as Hezbollah and other Palestinian mobs our blessed land was handed on a silver platter to a gang of corrupt and illiterate Mullahs. It was during a Democratic Administration of the United States and, right or wrong, Iranians have never forgotten the bungling policies and the betrayal of that Administration.
Riding on the nationalists' sentiments the Islamists swindled and terrorized, and at the end hijacked a nation taking its population hostage under the sham of religion and their perverted brand of Islam. At the expense of Iran and Iranians they pulled the biggest hoax in this ancient land and consequently stained its history and civilization.
Thus began the total ruination of Iran and the devastation of her children.
People were fooled into believing they were getting the lesser of the two evils--forgetting that lesser of the two evils is still evil. And this, this regime is "Evil" personified!
In 1997, the regime presented three candidates for president, hand picked by an unelected and unselected cabal of twelve--known as the "Council of Guardians." This panel vets all candidates for president and parliament -- including so-called "reformers." Under this charade, that you and other sympathizers of the regime call "election" and "democratic," people voted for the lesser of the evils. This time they knew, they were looking the "Evil" directly in the eye, but they had no choice and so they opted for what seemed like the lesser of the evils. Mr. Khatami, at the time, seemed lesser of the evils. But lesser of the "Evil" is "Evil" still! Tragically, he turned out to be ineffective and incompetent as well!
Sir, we understand you, along with others, dislike referring to the terrorist regime in Iran as "Evil;" Senator, ask us, ask the people of Iran! Well, we dislike it when it is called otherwise! We know better and we have every right to shout and call the regime for what it is. We have known this "Evil" up close and personal; we have been in its grip for over two decades and we are its immediate victims!
This "Evil" regime in the span of twenty-five years has totally destroyed the socio-economic fabric of the country and has taken it to the abyss. In a nation rich with abundance of petroleum and natural gas: 57% of the population lives under the line of poverty; inflation is at 20%, unemployment at 30%, and per capita income 30% less than 1977. And, on and on and on.
Senator, as a supporter of women's rights, the next time those so-called Iranian-American PACs or charities contribute to your Campaign, distributing our treasure and our blood money trying to humanize that grotesque regime, ask them about the abuses of women and children by the regime; ask them about the rapes; ask them about the public stoning, flogging, public executions, child prostitution, ask them Senator, ask them, demand to know. As an admired and highly decorated war veteran, in the name of your revered "Band of Brothers," and in honor of soldiers throughout the world ask them how many innocent officers and soldiers had the regime executed of late? Ask them how many students had they maimed or dismembered that day? Senator, ask them. Senator, insist to know about the 700,000 of our compatriots who are languishing in secret prisons; ask them about the torture of the political prisoners. Ask them about the terrorists' camps, the weapons of mass destruction, and on and on and on!
Senator, the next time one of these Iranian-American fundraisers has a lavish reception in his estate in New York or in his mansion in Los Angeles, attempting to gain favors for the regime, demand to know about the rampant hunger and disease, about the soaring crime and abuse of drugs; the unpaid workers, about the lack of medical care for the elderly and children, and on and on and on. Demand it from them, Senator!
Above all, Sir, before embarking upon "engagement" and "collaboration" with the regime, insist that they would read you, line by line, the Constitution of this Islamic Republic. Senator, perhaps you would learn the basic tenets of this theocracy which are: Exporting of their perverse revolution; demolition of United States' interests in the Middle East and around the world; total annihilation of Israel; and to carry out their objectives: Funding, arming and training of Hezbollah, Hamas and others.
Sir, this is the shameful legacy of this "Evil" regime you call "democracy!"
Yet, this "Evil" could not have sustained its grip on our nation without the help and absolute support of "Enablers." The European countries, Russia, China and others, which we have aptly dubbed as the "Axis Of Weasels," are the largest culprits. Blinded by their greed, they kowtow to the Mullahs and supply them with all their needs: From technology for weapons of mass destruction, to arms, to equipment for the torture and silencing of the Iranian population.
Torture and terror are regime's proven methods of control; that is how they have sustained their power over the populace for the last two decades. To carry on their inhumane acts, as usual, they have at their beck and call their pillars of support: The alien terrorists of Hezbollah and other foreign mercenaries. These conniving and treasonous Mullahs are shedding the blood of our beloved students by the hands of those foreign terrorists whom the regime has bought with the wealth of our nation and what rightfully belongs to the very students whose blood they spill!
Add to this mix the paid journalists, so-called experts, and, above all, a cluster of self-serving traitors, of Iranian origin with different adopted nationalities--mostly Americans -- who have amassed great fortunes at our expense.
Senator, our challenge is enormous, we not only have to face the "Evil" regime created among us, we, also, have to contend with these powerful and treasonous "enablers" as well!
And, you Senator, you call this regime "Democratic?" You intend to "Engage" this regime? "Repair Relations?" "Collaborate?"
So we are left to ask: Why, Senator? Why and how could a man of your honor and valor disregard the suffering people of a nation and appease a brutal regime? We are left to ask: Why Senator, why do you despise and hold in such low esteem the Iranian people? Why, Senator, why are you bent on prolonging our suffering by sustaining this wicked regime?
What gives you the right, Senator, to judge Iranians less than human beings by calling that mockery of a government a "democracy?" Why do you believe that the Iranian people deserve anything less than any other human being--their freedom?
Senator, what gives you the authority to deny the Iranian people their basic human rights by "engaging" this greatest abuser of human rights? In our ancient land, in this one of the oldest civilizations, almost three thousand years ago, Cyrus the Great decreed the first Declaration of Human Rights. We are the proud and nationalist inheritors of that legacy. Sir, today, the children of Iran have to go begging, for their most basic rights as a human being, to that pathetic Human Rights Commission of the United Nations, the same Human Rights Commission with Libya as its Chair, which, of course, exonerated a number of biggest abusers f human rights and among them the Islamic Republic as well.
Senator, like you, we respect and admire President John F. Kennedy and we, too, cherish his eloquence. We have been led to believe that his words have special meaning for you; don't these words apply to the Iranian people as well? And we quote: "The same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God." Freedom, liberty, and justice are our God-given rights too, Senator!
Sir, you have often cited the first few lines of the well-known passage by President Kennedy and they are: "Let the word go forth from this time and place to friend and foe alike that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans born in this century ..." But, Senator, the most powerful words are in the remainder of that quote: " ... unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world."
"Around the world!" "Around the world," Senator! Why, then, what makes you willing "to witness or permit" the violations of human rights and dignities against us, the Iranian people--the very rights to which United States has always been committed? What do you hold against the civilized, decent, hard-working and oppressed people of Iran, Senator? Why do you intend to "engage" and "collaborate" with a tyrannical regime at the expense of its citizens?
Engagement? Engagement with a terrorist regime, Senator?
For over two decades, the European countries have embraced and under the pretext of dialogue, to strengthen the so-called "moderates" and instigating "reforms," have "engaged" the regime. The end result has been: Sustaining the regime in power, enriching the personal coffers of the Mullahs and their brood. And, total desolation and poverty of the Iranian masses. More importantly, to protect their own interests, the members of the "Axis Of Weasels" have consistently and deliberately fed the beast.
Yet, in the United States, there are those who persist in the failed policy of "engaging" the oppressive regime and insist that talks will yield tangible results and in turn empower the so-called "reformers," the very ones who are handpicked by the Mullahs in the first place and are nothing but puppets.
There are those who believe that they need and must secure the assistance of the Islamic Republic for success in Afghanistan and Iraq. Don't these advocates know anything about the ambitions of this repulsive regime? Isn't it about time that the policy of the United States is based on reality rather than wishful thinking?
The warlords in Afghanistan are Mullahs' lackeys; armed and funded by the Islamic Republic, and though the theocracy had no affection for the Taliban and Saddam Hussein, they loathe the presence of the coalition forces on both borders. If they seem compliant, for now, it is because the might of the United States Armed forces is within heartbeat. It would be a grave mistake to believe that they are allies for the United States in Iraq or Afghanistan. For the tyrannical theocracy to survive they have a vested interest in the failure of the United States in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
But the greatest delusion is to believe in the efficacy of Mr. Khatami. He is ineffective and has no support among the people. His doctrine is: Military and support for terrorists first, people last! Rather than implement reform, the Khatami dogma is "speak softly, while Iran builds a big stick." And it was put succinctly in the Telegraph-Opinion: " ... Mr. Khatami has rendered the mullahs great service: opening dialogue with the West without altering the basis of their power. It is a potentially far greater failure of Western intelligence than the inability to find WMD in Iraq."
To those who refuse to accept the true "Evil" nature of this regime, we recommend judging it on its actions and not just on its rhetoric. Isn't it about time that the United States seeks real change in Iran and not tolerate regime's usual shell games any longer?
Senator Kerry, last month when Senator Biden was "engaging" the terrorist ex-hostage- taker Mr. Kharrazi in Davos and the honorable Congressmen: Senator Specter, Representative Nye and Snyder, among others, were hosting and praising the other ex-hostage-taker Mr. Zarif as a special guest of the Congress, on February 7, 2004, World Net Daily under the title of: "Iran Hosting Global Terrorist Conference" reported: "Just as the U.S. State Department approves wider contact with Iran and as members of Congress begin planning the first official trips in 25 years, Tehran is sponsoring a 10-day conference of major terrorist organizations beginning next week. The purpose of the conference is to discuss anti-U.S. strategy. Among the groups headed to Iran to participate are: Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and al-Qaida allies Ansar Al Islam. The conference, dubbed 'Ten Days of Dawn,' is ordered by Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, marks Iran's investment in sponsoring Islamic insurgency groups in the Middle East, Asia and South America."
Yes, Senator, Islamic Republic's "investment in sponsoring Islamic insurgency groups in the Middle East, Asia and South America." We wonder if Senator Biden, Senator Specter and the other distinguished Congressmen or the State Department Officials are paying attention!
Sir, "engagement" has a long record of failure, unless you consider support for Hezbollah, Hamas and other terrorist groups as signs of success!
Senator, You mean to "Repair" relations with this regime?
What do you intend to mend Sir? What has the United States done to the theocratic regime that you find necessary to "repair" and to put right? The fact that for the first time a government, a signatory of all the international laws, terrorized 52 diplomats as hostages for over 444 days while the United States watched helplessly; or, the CIA officers who were kidnapped and murdered? Or, the mass murders at Kobar Towers, and others and others and others? Or, perhaps, funding and arming of the Hezbollah, Hamas and Palestinian terrorists in order to harm American interests throughout the world?
Should the United States apologize again for what the terrorist Islamic Republic has done to her? Sir, Shouldn't it be the other way around? It is a topsy-turvy world, indeed!
Senator, "repair" seems to have a special meaning for you and your Party. Few years ago, the since exposed, American-Iranian Council, whose members are now in those so-called Iranian-American PACs and working closely with the Democrats, arranged for President Clinton's Secretary of State, Madam Albright, to apologize to the theocratic regime for America's role regarding the events of 1953 in Iran.
We were appalled: It was the wrong apology, wrong time, and to the wrong regime!
Senator Kerry, you refer to yourself as an "internationalist;" you are well traveled, cultured and you have extensive knowledge of the history and politics of other nations. Sir, you must know that: The events of 1953 involved the Late Dr. Mossadeq, a revered and respected nationalist leader of Iran. He despised the Mullahs, considered them backward and a grave impediment to Iran's progress.
Although, the theocratic regime seized power, on the back of those nationalists who betrayed Dr. Mossadeq's secularists ideals, they too dislike Dr. Mossadeq; for to them the nation of Iran has no meaning and anything that has to do with the history of the land prior to 1979 doesn't exist. Dr. Mossadeq must be turning in his grave for what has been done to his beloved Iran and in his name!
By such an inane apology to the theocratic Islamic regime United States had directly desecrated a nationalist icon and insulted the Iranian people. If any apology is to be given is due to the Iranian citizens not to those corrupt and illiterate Mullahs. We were disgusted and outraged and at the same time felt humiliated and ashamed for the United States for what was done on her behalf. Senator, who are these ignorant Iranian-Americans that have the confidence of the Democratic Party? Sir, you are being ill served.
Senator Kerry, humility in foreign policy for a superpower is magnanimous, being humiliated for the wrong reason is another matter!
Collaboration, Senator? You intend to "Collaborate" with the terrorist Islamic Republic?
In your Foreign Policy address, you stated: "As President, I will be prepared early on to explore areas of mutual interest with Iran. Iran has long expressed an interest in cooperating against the Afghan drug trade. That is one starting point."
Senator, that is the biggest misconception and a ruse. The Mullahs in Iran, with their lust for money, are partners in the drug trade with the warlords in Afghanistan. The theocratic Islamic Republic, by its notorious and unending duplicitous and conniving manner, is counting on gaining a number of advantages through "exploring areas of mutual interest" and "cooperating" with the United State--unfortunately, all to the detriment of the people of Iran.
Sir, we implore you, do not insult our intelligence, give the people the "Real Deal!" The truth is that: The Islamic regime has bankrupted the country and is in desperate need of foreign investment and economic assistance. On the other hand, there are the greedy American companies, and the Iranian-American operatives, who seek to create friendly and lucrative business relationships with the medieval theocratic dictatorship in order to enrich themselves by further enriching the power-mad Mullahs ruling Iran.
Which is it Senator, you either honor your own words: "We need ... collective action to end terrorist funding," or help finance a dying decaying terrorist regime? You can't have it both ways!
If, indeed, you mean to "end terrorist funding" in your "efforts to win the war on terror," then, why not take action to halt the existing sources of funds for the terrorist Islamic regime, before rushing to supply it with new resources?
Even with sanctions in place, there are, already, U.S. companies that are helping drive the economies of terrorist regimes, like the Islamic Republic. "These companies help to underwrite and support terrorism." As CBS' 60 Minutes put it: "Just about everyone with a 401(k) pension plan or mutual fund has money invested in companies that are doing business in so-called rogue states." The terrorist Islamic Republic is one of the greatest beneficiaries of these U.S. companies, Senator.
Given the fact that hundreds of New York City's police and firemen tragically died in the World Trade Center as the result of a terrorist attack, after September 11th, they were outraged when they learned where their retirement money was going. At their request, New York City Comptroller has opened an investigation.
Senator, since you enjoy the support of those courageous and beloved firefighters, shouldn't their wishes be respected instead of planning to collaborate with the State that could be contributing to the very next attack on them? Sir, is that how you intend to honor your own words and "to end terrorist funding;" by backing such regimes? Senator, the "most potent tools in changing the environment which sustains terrorism" are: Not to feed the beast but to starve it!
Moreover, Senator, if you mean to "make America safer" then why not a closer look at what the Islamic Republic is doing within America's borders? Especially, since you assert that you wrote the "international anti-money laundering legislation that is now the law of the land." Isn't Homeland Security paramount in making America safer?
Sir, why don't you insist on an investigation of the Islamic Republic's funded so-called Foundations or supposed Charity Organizations like the Alavi Foundation, in New York City? Benefiting from exemptions and protections accorded to charities, through these hypothetical Foundations, the regime provides financial and other means of support to: Numerous fundamentalist causes, different terrorist objectives, other nefarious activities, alleged Religious Associations, the supposed Iranian-American PACs and schools that teach anti-American rhetoric while spreading regime's distorted religious ideology--all within the very shores of America.
Senator, you claim you want to "win the war on terror and make America safer," at the same time you intend to "collaborate" with the most active "State Sponsor of terrorism." Which is it, Senator Kerry?
All we can say, Sir, is: We hope and ask that: You, Senator Biden, Senator Specter, Representative Nye and others who are determined in prolonging the life of this repulsive regime would have the humility and the honesty: To stand up and look the next victims or survivals of this deceitful regime in the eye and say: Yes we "Engaged," and, indeed, we "Collaborated!" Senator, you all, will have to live with your own conscience!
Senator Kerry, "engaging" those corrupt Mullahs and the leaders of the terrorist regime, in any way, is a tacit acknowledgment of legitimacy, particularly when their very basis for rule is being challenged from within. The Mullahs, in their attempt to demoralize the Iranian opposition, have always maintained, and counted on the fact, that the Europeans may talk about freedom, but the reality is that democracy is the least of their concern when it comes to making deals. We have always known they will do business with whoever is in power in Iran; we are well familiar with their hypocrisy. What is new, and different, to us is to learn about your vision of America's foreign policy as president.
Senator, you have said: "As President, I will chart a new course rooted in our enduring values." Sir, we have already heard enough to know what the shape of that course might be but we were unaware of the new definition of the "enduring values" of the United States!
Senator Kerry, by your statements and actions you have made your position perfectly plain. We heard you loud and clear! So be it, Senator!
Now hear us, Sir!
What has been imposed upon the people of Iran, for the last twenty-five years, is utterly against the Iranian heritage and every fiber and grain of their being. Contrary to your understanding the two factions in Iran are: People versus the entire Islamic Republic! The tyrannical Islamic regime is reviled with a passion; discontentment in Iran cuts across the spectrum and the opposition to the regime is wide and deep.
Iranians have come to despise the European Union that has sustained the theocracy; they recognize these and others for the greedy, self-serving, hypocrites that they are. Moreover, they know that the nonsense of "engagement" has only enriched the EU members and filled the coffers of the Mullahs while pushing Iran further into chaos.
It is no accident that the Iranian people are not simply pro-Western, but overwhelmingly pro-American. After all, while the United States has stood on principle, the European Union has for a decade engaged in dialogue with Iran.
In view of their experience with these European countries, Iranians esteem and look to the United States for standing firm and not cooperating with the regime. At this juncture, United States is in a unique position indeed! It would be a grave tragedy to squander this wellspring of good will by following misinformed and misguided policies.
To be sure, any relations or associations with the present regime that would, in any way, extend its life and its hold on power could bear crucial consequences for relations with the future generations of Iran.
While the future of Iran will be decided, solely, by its people and the ultimate responsibility to free the nation is with the Iranians, all we ask is the moral support of the United States. All we expect is that the United States will remain true to its principles of liberty, justice, and its ideals of democracy.
Senator Kerry, you may very well be the next president of the United States and since your overriding concern seems to be appeasing the terrorist regime at our expense, it is evident, you will "engage" and even "collaborate" with the "Tyrants in Tehran." You may prolong our suffering and jeopardize our position. We may have to bear the brunt a while longer, but we promise this: You will not silence us! To paraphrase President Kennedy's Poet-Laureate, Robert Frost: "… We have promises to keep, and miles to go before we sleep…" And, Senator, as an American citizen you must know that the true power rests with the people.
Senator, we will not be silenced! And we feel confident that our plight resonates with this nation above all; for, this country is held as the shining beacon of hope for freedom-loving people throughout the world.
We believe, our cause is just; for it is the cause of freedom. Our mission is clear and sacred, for it is to regain our blessed land. Our determination is strong and our resolve is steeled as well.
Sir, we are the future of Iran. We are the 70% of the population that is under the age of 30, and the rest are, simply, our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.
The Iran of tomorrow is ours! Senator Kerry, we will have the power! In the words of beloved Senator Robert Kennedy and as echoed by you: "Some men see things as they are and ask, 'why?' I dream things that never were and ask, 'why not?'" Indeed, "why not?" We will not merely dream our free, secular and liberated Iran of tomorrow we will make it a reality; this we pledge and more!
We will reclaim our sacred land, our national identity, pride, heritage, our proud history and our civilization.
posted on March 1, 2004 06:46:36 AM newIran's Ayatollahs Endorse Kerry
Nooooo surprise there. BinLaden probably does too. I've asked people before to consider which leader binladen would like to see as our next President. So now Kerry has two endorsements - both from our enemies.
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[]But Mr. Kerry seems to believe that the crux of the problem isn't Iran's despotic, violent rulers, but President Bush's behavior toward them[/i]. That's been stated by some posters here too. They're the 'blame America first' crowd.
In a Dec. 3 address to the Council on Foreign Relations, Mr. Kerry suggested that the Bush administration's unwillingness to bargain with Tehran is to blame for Iran's harboring of al Qaeda operatives. "It is incomprehensible and unacceptable that this administration refuses to broker an arrangement with Iran," Mr. Kerry declared. "The Bush administration stubbornly refuses to conduct a realistic, non-confrontational policy with Iran."
Broker agreements with terrorists? And Unwillingness to "bargin"? Right....and because of this President's actions, holding only ONE position...not waffling like Kerry's history shows he does, Iran decided to cooperate with UN inspectors on their NW program.
Bush will take him apart in debates on the terrorist issue. Both because of his 'waffling' and because of his votes against defense spending.
Wonder if we'll see a copy of this "Open Letter" in the New York Times.
posted on March 1, 2004 05:18:55 PM new
To sum up the articles and letters, the Iranian democracy activists support President Bush while the ayatollahs hope Kerry wins.
posted on March 2, 2004 07:36:34 AM new
lol - Yes, reamond.....his recently discovered heritage.......found since he started running for President. The WSJ had some funny op-ed pieces on that subject. lol
posted on March 2, 2004 08:37:10 AM new
Recently found ? I read about it four years ago. In fact the most recent article I read said this information came out fours years ago. It was brought up in another of Kerry's election race when he was using his "Irishness" to attract voters.
posted on March 2, 2004 09:16:33 AM new
reamond - Kerry doesn't have a spine. He waffles on almost every issue when he thinks it's to his advantage politically.
I can't believe you, of all people, can't see all that's in print about his constantly changing his positions [waffling]. There are even articles where those who have worked WITH him all these years laughing about his reputation of waffling.
anyway....here's a 2-3 page article, I'll post the link next....that speaks to the issue of his heritage...according to him...and then according to the truth.
It's from Sept. of 2003.
If you choose to read the whole article you'll see Kerry and where he's waffled on so many issues.
begin quote:
He also says he only found out recently, when a Boston Globe reporter informed him of it, that around 1902 his grandfather Kohn, a Jew from Bohemia, changed his name from Kohn to Kerry.
Not only that, he says he was completely unaware that grandfather Kerry shot himself to death in the men's room of the Copley Hotel in Boston, a story so notorious that it appeared at the time on the front pages of Boston newspapers.
Although a Kerry spokesman says that he continually corrected reported misstatements about his supposed Irish heritage, it immediately became clear to the scoffing Boston press that the senator had manipulated the misunderstanding to his advantage, having tried to correct the record in only the most tangential way if at all.
posted on March 2, 2004 09:18:26 AM new
sorry for the dbl post.
Here's the link...it's a multi-part series on Kerry. Anyone hoping he beats Edwards should at least, imo, take a look at his past statements/voting record etc. - being so different than what he now states.
I just want to be clear ...this article I just found on google. The one I read was written recently...in the past couple of months or so. But this series does speak to the same issues.
His heritage is NOT important to me at all. What is important is that he not be the one who's making defense decisions for this country because of his record and the fact that he says one thing, but has voted differently.
The OPEN LETTER TO KERRY and their letter to President Bush... spells out how they see the two politicians.
Re-elect President Bush!!
[ edited by Linda_K on Mar 2, 2004 10:13 AM ]
posted on March 2, 2004 11:30:07 AM new
Changing his mind?? LOL Now THAT'S funny. How about reversing himself so many times on the issues that even the moderate/left slanting media is beginning to point out how many times he reverses himself.
That statement is sad to me, reamond. No matter his position on any issue, no matter his constant waffling...just so he beats President Bush. Well...I don't believe he'll beat this President, but if he should and he again reverses himself on what he's stated during his election campaign....then it might matter to some people who thought they could TRUST his word.
At least Dean had a spine even if I disagreed with his positions on the issues. He wasn't a 'blow in the wind' kind of politician like Kerry is.
posted on March 3, 2004 09:15:34 AM new
Linda you need to read about democracy in the writings of Sir Karl Popper. He was knighted for his political writings.
George Soros, the billionaire arbitragere, is also one of Popper's adherents.
A democracy doesn't function to elect "good" people, or the person with the "right" ideas. Democracy's chief function is to get rid of failures. Bush is a failure. Electing due to principles or other political ideologies is a fools errand. If they're not getting the job done, you put someone else in. Clinton has two terms because he was getting the job done. Were it not for Const. term limits, he would be president now.
If Kerry or whoever the next president is doesn't get it right, they too will not be re-leected.
How about reversing himself so many times on the issues that even the moderate/left slanting media is beginning to point out how many times he reverses himself.
Since when do you trust the judgement of the "moderate/left slanting media"?
Do you know what the moderate/right slanting media are saying about Bush's immigration plans and his deficits, as well as the Patroit Act?
then it might matter to some people who thought they could TRUST his word
How do we get from changing his mind to keeping his word ? Do you want to go down the list of things Bush said and now does otherwise ? Nation building is one thing that pops into mind. Situations and realities of the world change by the minute. Those who are unable or unwilling to adapt their strategies end up like the dinosaurs.
In any event, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results is one definition of mental illness.
It is not in our country's best interests to do Bush over again.
posted on March 3, 2004 04:11:41 PM newA democracy doesn't function to elect "good" people, or the person with the "right" ideas. Democracy's chief function is to get rid of failures.
I didn't say people were supporting this President for your listed reasons. I believe they support him for his actions, for taking a stand and sticking to it - whether one agrees with it or not...one can count on the fact that he does what he says he's going to. And for the improvements there have been in our economy and in the war on terror.
A President's job is first and formost to protect our Nations security and it's citizens. To enforce the laws and to listen to the will of the voters. I believe American's trust him to continue to do just that.
He has not failed. When he was elected we were in the beginning of a recession....which continued to worsen. Then 9-11...he dealt with that admirably, imo. You and I have parted ways before on the issue of the economy. I say things are improving, and I believe they are, in part, doing so because of the tax cuts. I understand you disagree. So do all of our best/most learned economists, so you and I are not alone.
But Kerry has no answers for just how he's going to bring jobs back to America. He criticizes but offers absolutely no solutions. Mark my word, IF he should be elected those jobs aren't coming back.
American is facing a major change and we're still in the process of finding out what would be best to do. So...please make me aware of what you see Kerry's going to do differently to bring all those jobs back. Because I haven't see or heard his workable plan.
Electing due to principles or other political ideologies is a fools errand.
Well....go look at a map of our nation. You'll see the red and blue states. All those people disagree with you on that subject....and they're certainly not fools. They just see it differently than you do [than most big city people do].
Clinton has two terms because he was getting the job done. Were it not for Const. term limits, he would be president now. He wasn't very successful in his first term, he was in his second. But only because a Repubican Congress was in control.
If Kerry or whoever the next president is doesn't get it right, they too will not be re-elected. The economy's just going through a normal cycle...it's done this many times before. It will improve in Bush's second term of office, not because of Bush, but because that's the way the cycles run. If Kerry is elected, with his anti-military voting record....we may not have to be worried about how the economy is going. He wants the UN to set US policies...that alone will keep many American's from voting for him.
Since when do you trust the judgement of the "moderate/left slanting media"? LOL I said that they were pointing out Kerry's reversals on the many issues. I didn't use the word trust....just stating that even they are mentioning his many reversals.
Do you know what the moderate/right slanting media are saying about Bush's immigration plans and his deficits, as well as the Patroit Act? Yes, I'm aware of what they're saying I read a lot of different sources most days. And you already know I didn't agree with clinton doing nothing about our illegal problem, nor do I agree with Bush on this issue. The deficits wouldn't be much different under a Democrat president....while the republicans have overspent, imo, it's been just this past term, and I've already stated the reasons for that. The dems, on the other hand, are the one's with the long held reputation for their tax and spend habits. And I fully support the Patriot Act...but I do read why others don't.
then it might matter to some people who thought they could TRUST his word How do we get from changing his mind to keeping his word? Because you can't trust him to hold any position more than a few weeks. lol Heck Reamond he sent out a letter to his supporters and they were two different letters. One saying he supported the same issue, the other saying he didn't. At the same time....not weeks/months/years later.
[]Do you want to go down the list of things Bush said and now does otherwise[/i]? Hey...whatever floats your boat. I'm willing to listen to what others think about the issues. That's why I come here.
Situations and realities of the world change by the minute. Those who are unable or unwilling to adapt their strategies end up like the dinosaurs. Well...I feel like a dinosaur sometimes, especially when I post here. But out in the real world those around me pretty much are in agreement with me. I'm surrounded by people who have retired and hold a lot of traditional values and like that this President supports those values. People who had good careers and who are enjoying that money they worked hard to save so they could enjoy this time in their lives. And who are tired of the government [especially the dems] taking it away to give to others who don't want to get educated or work hard. They like that Republicans work to give money back to the people who paid it [tax breaks]. They're glad there's a president in office who supports values like marriage, family and freedom for people to practice their religion. And remember I am now living in the 'Bible Belt'.
It is not in our country's best interests to do Bush over again. Sure it is...and 1/2 of America agrees with me.
posted on March 3, 2004 04:42:07 PM new
wanted to change one statement I made above.
But only because a Repubican Congress was in control. I believe most of clinton's second term was good, ecomonically, because of the HUGE tech boom. And the fact that once the republican's stop the 'clinton economic plan' things straightened up.
posted on March 5, 2004 08:09:18 AM new
This is getting real funny, in a sad sort of way.
But now North Korea appears to be supporting a Kerry presidency. Imo, because they're aware he's soft on defense.
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North Korea warms to Kerry presidency bidBy Andrew Ward in Seoul and James Harding in WashingtonPublished: March 4 2004 20:24 | Last Updated: March 4 2004 20:24
North Korea's state-controlled media are well known for reverential reporting about Kim Jong-il, the country's dictatorial leader.
But the Dear Leader is not the only one getting deferential treatment from the communist state's propaganda machine: John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic candidate, is also getting good play in Pyongyang.
In the past few weeks, speeches by the Massachusetts senator have been broadcast on Radio Pyongyang and reported in glowing terms by the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA), the official mouthpiece of Mr Kim's communist regime.
The apparent enthusiasm for Mr Kerry may reflect little more than a "better the devil you don't know" mentality among the North Korean apparatchiks.
Rather than dealing with President George W. Bush and hawkish officials in his administration, Pyongyang seems to hope victory for the Democratic candidate on November 2 would lead to a softening in US policy towards the country's nuclear weapons programme.
posted on March 5, 2004 08:36:07 AM new
Again, there is nothing funny about Bush's impotent foreign policy failure.
Looks like Bush would rather ignore the problem in order to save his ass before the election. A war with North Korea will be disastrous and he can't negotiate so in order to continue his self serving policy he is placing our country at risk.. Kerry on the other hand can avoid war with North Korea by renewing negotiations to disarm North Korea.
