reposted from another thread:

One thing potentially frightens me, and I brought this up the other night.
What if someone outside interferes. The most obvious choices, at least in terms of resources, would be Russia or China. They've both already accepted the official election results. I'm afraid of Ahmadinejad or someone else getting desperate, and the Russians or the Chinese throwing into the fray.
I'm sure part of why Obama's been so diplomatic in the way he's been speaking to avoid antagonizing either of them, but what happens if the shiat hits the fan?

I want to give a big shout out and a big thanks to Modmin, who have been on top of their game by giving us threads, handling the traffic and making sure that we are able to function through this historic moment.

Thank you, modmins.

God. Trying to figure out Twitter.

DAMN YOU, IRAN!

Aidan: goddamhippie: Anyone else having a real craving to visit Tehran if this all pans out the way we hope it does? I say we organize a field trip.

Definitely a visit to Tehran U.

Dude, ive been longing to get there now. let alone wait until its over

granted, a tall, pasty white irish/german new englander may not go over well.

man can dream though. Gladly take a baseball bat to the first baton wielding motorcycle i come across though

Thought I'd put out my west wing inspired speech about this whole thing and america's role in it. or why we are so moved by this struggle:


I don't want to see their hope crushed. I don't want them to lose to a government that doesn't listen. I want to travel there someday. I want this to succeed so that they are treated like human beings again in the eyes of America and the West. To succeed, in a moment such as this, would be not just a victory for democracy and justice, but a victory for hope. A message to the world that shows that you can stand for what you believe in. You can fight for everything that is good and noble and get beaten down but at the end of the day, so help you, you will take back what is yours. You shall have your rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness even if you get beaten down in the process.

There's too much suffering in the world to stand by. There's too much repression and hope for change that is fading with each passing day. There are people in the world that need this to work. That need to see that this can be done and will be done so that they themselves and their children and their children's children can have a future free from tyranny and oppression, and they'll know that they were part of it.

We are often criticized for being the world's police men and in some respects we should be. We should fight for what is right in this world, not what is in our interests. We shall help those in need with humanitarian aid and not expect repayment, only the hope that our actions can stem the tide of injustice. The Iranian people need not the help of the west or the guns and bombs that can be given to them from the US. What they need is the knowledge that there are those out there who believe that what they are doing is right. That it is not merely a matter of how long they have to keep at it but a question of how many of us look to them with awe.

The framers of our constitution would be proud of what is going on in Iran. On July 4th, 1776 when the Continental Congress declared the English colonies to be independent of the wrath of King George, they did not have the backing of other nations. They fought and they lost but they never gave up. Their resolve to right the wrongs of their oppressors was more powerful than the most powerful empire in the world. And they prevailed. They shook off the chains of tyranny and gave hope to millions of people since then that they too can do it. Now some of those people are listening again and they know the struggle they're facing is far from easy. Should they prevail, just as those measly 13 colonies did 233 years ago, then they too shall be a beacon of hope for millions of people the world over.

Tonight, many of us have witnessed the brutality of it all. The reality of just what this will take in order to succeed. Many more have seen first hand. Have had blood on their hands from the men they helped cross the lines. I can only hold back and watch as those with a simple idea of making their world a better place fight for what they believe. There are many of those who may not make it to see that dream realized, but the die has been cast. There is no turning back now. A better future for Iran awaits and its those men and women who will make that dream possible.

I tip my hat to them. Good luck and God speed to all those fighting for their beliefs

\read that with Martin Sheen's voice saying it. its rather moving
\\read that with Morgan Freeman's voice saying it, its rather funny
\\\gotta stop the West Wing bender, but i'm only in season 4...

ZAZ: In Pakistan a couple years ago the government's days were numbered once well-off lawyers, rather than the usual suspects, started marching in the streets.

Different demographics. That said, I expect this to turn out with a less free Iran, not more. Those in power control the military (or at least large parts of it). Those in the streets are unarmed with no way to fight back once Iran's leaders decide to pull a Burma or China.

Cinaed: Mentat: Cinaed: It's a snowy day in Hell.
Oh, and bacon showers are predicted in various places worldwide.

Jessica Biel just showed up at my door naked. What should I do?

Be very careful, make no sudden movements, and lure her into your domicile.

Oh, and we'll need pictures.

OK, I'm leaving a trail of Reeses Pieces to my bedroom. Wish me luck.