Absolute Moral Authority: Ahmadinejad Edition
The Hill reports that Cindy Sheehan is counting on celebrity endorsements to shore up her long-shot bid against Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
According to the Hill's Karissa Marcum:I wonder if Barr, Nelson, etc. support these comments penned by Sheehan yesterday:
Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan is making celebrity endorsements a key facet of her long-shot bid to defeat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) next year. In a recent interview with The Hill, Sheehan said she has been endorsed by actress Roseanne Barr, country crooner Willie Nelson and Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello. Sheehan added that White House hopeful Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) and former Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.) are also backing her. "Celebrities bring a certain kind of — good or bad, it seems like our lives are centered around TV and movies — I think it does bring credibility," Sheehan said. Nelson is a friend of Sheehan's and has offered to help her raise money for her campaign. "[Nelson and his wife] just have the exact correct politics and the exact compassion for the earth and humanity that I think attracts us as friends," she said. "I support Cindy Sheehan in everything she does," Nelson wrote in an e-mail, "whether it's running for Congress, or the president of the U.S. She's a great American, not afraid to stand up for what she believes in."
Sheehan is offended that Bollinger was impolite to a man that belongs to a regime that murders it's citizens for the capital offense of being gay. Sheehan is outraged that the mouthpiece for a regime that kills young women for defending themselves against rapists, wasn't given the proper respect. This, from a woman who lost a son to the same Shia militias that this petty tyrant's regime still arms to kill other American mother's sons. Update: Related.
I heard that Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke at Columbia University because Columbia's president wanted to foster a "free exchange of ideas." Even though I am not an Ahmadinejad supporter, I know he was elected in Iran in a knee-jerk and understandable response to the USA's bloody unnecessary invasion of Iraq, as many reactionary governments have been elected in that region and all over the world in response to the spreading U.S. corporate and military empire. Citing such human rights' violations in the form of imprisonment and executions, Columbia University's president very boorishly said that Ahmadinejad appeared to be a "petty and cruel dictator." First of all, how does one invite someone to your place for a "free exchange of ideas" and be such a rude American? Did he only invite Ahmadinejad so he could publicly scold him or to become the darling of Fox News? [snip] Another boorish American, Scott Pelley (of 60 Minutes) hammered Ahmadinejad about sending weapons into Iraq without even once acknowledging the immoral tons of weapons that we rained on the citizens of Iraq during "shocking and awful"; the cluster bombs that look like toys that litter the killing fields of that country and have killed and maimed so many children; the mercenary killers that outnumber our troops and use the people of Iraq for target practice; the thousands of tons of weapons that the U.S. let out of such weapons dumps as al-Qaqaa that were left unguarded while the oil ministry was heavily fortified. [snip] The fascist, near dictatorship of the Bush regime (a la Nazi Germany) has even intimidated universities to align with their hypocritical murderous rhetoric. Universities should feel free to invite anyone to speak to open much needed dialogue in our country and in the world. And if a person is invited, they should be treated by the person who invited them with a slight modicum of courtesy and then let the rocking and rolling begin with the "Q & A"... which would truly be a free exchange of ideas. I am surprised President Bollinger didn't have President Ahmadinejad tased. Peace is going to take all the nations working in cooperation to limit naked aggression and human rights' violations, not just the ones that the U.S. declare as evil. How many nukes do we have? How many does Pakistan have? How many does India, Israel, North Korea, and the former Soviet Union have? Should the rhetoric be about destroying all weapons of mass destruction and not just prohibiting Iran from obtaining one? Many countries are committing human rights' violations and sending arms and troops into many parts of the world. America's biggest export is violence and we would do well to call for an end to all occupations and violence by beginning to end our own. Let's clean our own filthy house before we criticize someone else for theirs.
Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 11:12 PM
Comments
1
wow! that is some amazingly psychotic rant from Sheehan. I am very surprised that anyone out of high school without a behavior disorder could even give her a shred of credibility. What a hate-filled diatribe.
Posted by: iconoclast at September 26, 2007 12:32 AM (TzLpv)
2
"...biggest export is violence..."
Of course they support her statements. But she just locked herself out of a bunch of Hollywood endorsements. Nobody exports violence like Hollywood.
Of course they support her statements. But she just locked herself out of a bunch of Hollywood endorsements. Nobody exports violence like Hollywood.
Posted by: Joan of Argghh! at September 26, 2007 07:00 AM (8F+iI)
3
It absolutely sickens me that I agree, in part, with Lunatic Cindy. I agree that Bollinger was rude. In fact, he was tacky. If you truly want to call someone names, then go onto DailyKos. But Bollinger's behavior, with no doubt in my mind, was meant to appease everyone who'd objected to Ami-de-jihad's invitation. That's what he thinks dialog's about? If you feel so repulsed by someone, you don't invite them into your house.
Furthermore, I thought it was a pot-kettle moment when Bollinger called Ami-de-jihad 'a pretty dictator" who was "ignorant."
Furthermore, I thought it was a pot-kettle moment when Bollinger called Ami-de-jihad 'a pretty dictator" who was "ignorant."
Posted by: Lauren at September 26, 2007 07:14 AM (rcjXi)
4
I also hold Cindy's opinion, in part. That part is Bollinger's incivility at the forum with his little CYA diatribe touted as a forceful and reasoned apologetic for the invitation. Pelley's interview couched as it is in news gathering, on the other hand, is, and should be, expected under the circumstances, and not as we've come to expect -- the softball glamour show often accorded heads of state.
I do wonder if, in addition to Bollinger's incivility, this unreasoned lack of foresight on his part will come back to haunt Columbia University. Forum's of this nature have natural forms. An introduction of the guest. Sometimes the introduction has cautions, if a raucous nature is anticipated due to some controversial issue. To this point I have no problem with Bollinger. But his rant and insult to Amadinnerjacket, while not inaccurate, was neither invested in Bollinger's position as moderator and/or host nor his responsibility as explanation for the invitation. As such, it devalued the concept of free speech in a civilized world and put Columbia's imprimatur on accosting guests.
I wonder how many future invitations from Columbia to other world leaders or notables, who happen to have controversy following them, will be turned down because of this new behavior believed to be appropriate by the President of this otherwise prestigious school. And how many lessors than the President will believe these manner of introductions are both acceptable, appropriate and in keeping with their own idea of free speech.
As Lauren commented, if one is repulsed by someone, don't invite him into your home.
I do wonder if, in addition to Bollinger's incivility, this unreasoned lack of foresight on his part will come back to haunt Columbia University. Forum's of this nature have natural forms. An introduction of the guest. Sometimes the introduction has cautions, if a raucous nature is anticipated due to some controversial issue. To this point I have no problem with Bollinger. But his rant and insult to Amadinnerjacket, while not inaccurate, was neither invested in Bollinger's position as moderator and/or host nor his responsibility as explanation for the invitation. As such, it devalued the concept of free speech in a civilized world and put Columbia's imprimatur on accosting guests.
I wonder how many future invitations from Columbia to other world leaders or notables, who happen to have controversy following them, will be turned down because of this new behavior believed to be appropriate by the President of this otherwise prestigious school. And how many lessors than the President will believe these manner of introductions are both acceptable, appropriate and in keeping with their own idea of free speech.
As Lauren commented, if one is repulsed by someone, don't invite him into your home.
Posted by: Dusty at September 26, 2007 11:50 AM (1Lzs1)
5
Trackbacked by The Thunder Run - Web Reconnaissance for 09/26/2007
A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.
A short recon of what’s out there that might draw your attention, updated throughout the day...so check back often.
Posted by: David M at September 26, 2007 12:16 PM (gIAM9)
6
Appears Cindy's been eatin' the kitty litter again, instead of the Meow Mix.
Posted by: mockinbird at September 26, 2007 12:45 PM (k2eoW)
7
I object to Bollinger's haircut.
Posted by: Bo Steele at September 26, 2007 05:51 PM (kgfv1)
Posted by: Dusty at September 26, 2007 06:34 PM (1Lzs1)
9
I cannot help but to notice how everybody trounces Sheehan because it is the easy and cool Republican thing to do, but not a single comment about Willie? If your child got killed, I'd like to see everybody on this blog suck it up for team Bush without an ounce of protest. Would you? Suck it up? Not so cool to make fun of Willie Nelson though. We just can't stand the idea that this cowboy aint country cool? Maybe, being a cowboy means you go against the grain, man or woman. You can wear a hat, drive a truck on a ranch, and clear some brush, but that don't make you a cowboy.
Posted by: john bryan at September 26, 2007 07:00 PM (v9dwy)
Posted by: C-C-G at September 26, 2007 08:52 PM (sOYAM)
11
I cannot help but to notice how everybody trounces Sheehan because it is the easy and cool Republican thing to do, but not a single comment about Willie?
I think cindy gets trounced everywhere because she is such and ignorant and nutty witch who never shuts up, hence plenty of stupid comments to jump on her for.
In terms of Willie, I think you must have not looked very hard, I'll help you out.
Willie is an silly old dweeb, a crap musician, a fake cowboy and he probably wears depends.
I think cindy gets trounced everywhere because she is such and ignorant and nutty witch who never shuts up, hence plenty of stupid comments to jump on her for.
In terms of Willie, I think you must have not looked very hard, I'll help you out.
Willie is an silly old dweeb, a crap musician, a fake cowboy and he probably wears depends.
Posted by: i hate Willie at September 26, 2007 09:14 PM (2wI6h)
12
Willie also supported Kucinich's presidential bid in 2004.
Not all cowboys are Republicans, ya know. Stereotypes are a symptom of faulty thinking.
Not all cowboys are Republicans, ya know. Stereotypes are a symptom of faulty thinking.
Posted by: C-C-G at September 26, 2007 09:19 PM (sOYAM)
13
Frankly, I think Bollinger did everything ass backward from start to finish. If you're going to host a speaker, host him. If you want to host an actual dialogue, then either decline to let the speaker vet the questions he'll be asked and actively moderate the Q&A or host a two speaker program. Being insulted by his host is every bit as valuable to Ahmadinejad for propaganda purposes as the fact that he was invited in the first place, so Bollinger gets no points from me on that score.
Posted by: JM Hanes at September 26, 2007 09:59 PM (bKtAF)
14
Heck, if Bollinger wanted to really challenge Ahmadinnerjacket, he should have invited him to a debate... say, against Joe Lieberman, if ya don't wanna invite a Republican.
I think I'd be willing to pay money (not a great deal, mind you) to see a Lieberman-Ahmadinnerjacket debate, so long as the rules weren't too slanted in one direction or the other.
Of course, Ahmadinnerjacket never would have accepted.
I think I'd be willing to pay money (not a great deal, mind you) to see a Lieberman-Ahmadinnerjacket debate, so long as the rules weren't too slanted in one direction or the other.
Of course, Ahmadinnerjacket never would have accepted.
Posted by: C-C-G at September 26, 2007 10:18 PM (sOYAM)
15
Being insulted by his host is every bit as valuable to Ahmadinejad for propaganda purposes..
Which of course is why the Iranian media embargoed Bollinger's remarks, right?
Which of course is why the Iranian media embargoed Bollinger's remarks, right?
Posted by: Purple Avenger at September 27, 2007 02:44 AM (iuG/e)
16
I hate Willie,
Willie is in fact dweebish, not a have bad guitarist, horrific singer, pretty good songwriter and story teller, but certainly you could call him a Cowboy. He played Uncle Jessie on Dukes of Hazzard for crying out loud!
Willie is in fact dweebish, not a have bad guitarist, horrific singer, pretty good songwriter and story teller, but certainly you could call him a Cowboy. He played Uncle Jessie on Dukes of Hazzard for crying out loud!
Posted by: john bryan at September 27, 2007 07:08 AM (v9dwy)
17
Well, I'm disappointed in Willie Nelson, but I don't hate him. I learned a long time ago to separate my appreciation for an artist's work from the artist himself or herself. On occasion I still play Joan Baez songs too.
Posted by: huxley at September 27, 2007 11:14 AM (7bsOG)
18
Hmmm...let me try this again (apologies for the potential double post) Actually, I fully support Cindy's bid against Pelosi. I believe a win by Cindy - IN A PRIMARY - beating the FIRST FEMALE Speaker of the House would be a hoot and one hell of a slap in the face for the Dims. I truly don't believe the San Francisco area would then elect Cindy to the House. This is a win-win in my opinion. Get rid of an idiot with a freak and then pick up someone who MUST be more traditional in the general election.
On the subject of Willie - he "ain't" no cowboy. He plays at being one. I think I've got more cred on that statement than most even though I am definitely not a cowboy. I live in Wyoming (yes, home to Darth Dick
- nice guy by the way) and have helped local ranchers at their branding and roundups many times. Gee, actual cowboy stuff...wonder how many brandings Willie has worked?
And, for full disclosure, I am a registered Independent in a state where politicos generally only differ between a D, R, or L at the end of their names.
On the subject of Willie - he "ain't" no cowboy. He plays at being one. I think I've got more cred on that statement than most even though I am definitely not a cowboy. I live in Wyoming (yes, home to Darth Dick
- nice guy by the way) and have helped local ranchers at their branding and roundups many times. Gee, actual cowboy stuff...wonder how many brandings Willie has worked?
And, for full disclosure, I am a registered Independent in a state where politicos generally only differ between a D, R, or L at the end of their names.
Posted by: Mark at September 27, 2007 12:43 PM (4od5C)
19
Cindy should read the two articles I linked here, and think. If it is possible.
http://coldfury.com/index.php/?p=8510#respond
http://coldfury.com/index.php/?p=8510#respond
Posted by: Mikey NTH at September 27, 2007 06:26 PM (kAnhF)
20
Willie lately has sorta come out of the closet lately, so I take that into consideration when he does something other than shut up and sing.
Posted by: Banjo at September 27, 2007 06:39 PM (1DQ52)
21
Willie has sorta come out of the closet lately, so I take that into consideration when he does something other than shut up and sing.
Posted by: Banjo at September 27, 2007 06:39 PM (1DQ52)
22
Mark, I gotta disagree.
As someone who grew up an hour's drive south of San Francisco, it's my considered opinion that San Franciscans would elect Stalin if they could.
As someone who grew up an hour's drive south of San Francisco, it's my considered opinion that San Franciscans would elect Stalin if they could.
Posted by: C-C-G at September 27, 2007 09:24 PM (sOYAM)
23
CCG,
You may indeed be correct on the SF desire for a Stalin type. However, correct me if I am wrong, was Stalin NOT MORE conservative than CS or NP? This does not mean I advocate for SF to elect a communist in the vein of Stalin, but the benefits may just outweigh the damages. (Yes, read that as the ends justify the means - along with the appropriate level of sarcasm
If SF elected a Stalinist to the US house, SF would lose even more credibility (is this possible?) with mainstream America. NP's congressional district would lose significant power/influence within the House and national politics in general. Left leaning politicians (most notably with the Dims) would have to make the choice between supporting the SF Rep or distancing themselves. Either choice leads to a diminishment of the left. In the first case, those leftists who support the SF Rep then openly declare their support for Marxism... etc. In the second, the SF district becomes ostracised and whatever influence the position held is lost for the forseable future.
Of course, this analysis assumes several things, a few of which are:
1) Mainstream America (MA) knows who Stalin was and what he did.
2) The MSM is not able to alter MA's perception of such a Stalinist.
3) Left politicos, in general, aren't themselves Stalinist/Marxist/Communist.
4) Socialism is identified by MA as Communist-lite.
In the end, I must bow to your personal knowledge of the area and the people. I'm just a poor conservative non-cowboy physicist/mathematician come auditor living in fly-over country that has absolutely no measureable influence on a national scale (VP's excluded, of course)
You may indeed be correct on the SF desire for a Stalin type. However, correct me if I am wrong, was Stalin NOT MORE conservative than CS or NP? This does not mean I advocate for SF to elect a communist in the vein of Stalin, but the benefits may just outweigh the damages. (Yes, read that as the ends justify the means - along with the appropriate level of sarcasm
If SF elected a Stalinist to the US house, SF would lose even more credibility (is this possible?) with mainstream America. NP's congressional district would lose significant power/influence within the House and national politics in general. Left leaning politicians (most notably with the Dims) would have to make the choice between supporting the SF Rep or distancing themselves. Either choice leads to a diminishment of the left. In the first case, those leftists who support the SF Rep then openly declare their support for Marxism... etc. In the second, the SF district becomes ostracised and whatever influence the position held is lost for the forseable future.
Of course, this analysis assumes several things, a few of which are:
1) Mainstream America (MA) knows who Stalin was and what he did.
2) The MSM is not able to alter MA's perception of such a Stalinist.
3) Left politicos, in general, aren't themselves Stalinist/Marxist/Communist.
4) Socialism is identified by MA as Communist-lite.
In the end, I must bow to your personal knowledge of the area and the people. I'm just a poor conservative non-cowboy physicist/mathematician come auditor living in fly-over country that has absolutely no measureable influence on a national scale
(VP's excluded, of course)Posted by: Mark at September 28, 2007 10:19 AM (4od5C)
24
Mark, you assume that lefties are good at long-range planning. Unfortunately, history indicates otherwise.
By the way, as a radio geek (amateur radio, Amateur Extra class license), may I ask what sort of physics ya work with?
By the way, as a radio geek (amateur radio, Amateur Extra class license), may I ask what sort of physics ya work with?
Posted by: C-C-G at September 28, 2007 07:26 PM (sOYAM)
25
Well, gee-whiz! Thanks for putting that iceberg right there in front of my ship!
Amature, unfortunately. Very hard to get a job in physics in Wyoming unless you are teaching it. Unfortunately, I would probably kill high-school students and I don't have the PHD to do college. Hence, I spread hate and discontent throughout the state in my current profession
Amature, unfortunately. Very hard to get a job in physics in Wyoming unless you are teaching it. Unfortunately, I would probably kill high-school students and I don't have the PHD to do college. Hence, I spread hate and discontent throughout the state in my current profession
Posted by: Mark at September 29, 2007 01:32 AM (P8ylB)
Posted by: Mark at September 29, 2007 01:40 AM (P8ylB)
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