IRAN “EN CONTRA”
by Jerome Grapel…
(4/15) (Note to the reader: On May 1st I leave for my annual 2 month hiatus on an island in the Spanish Mediterranean. As a result, I will not contribute again to this fine publication until I return at the end of June. First and foremost, I must thank Arnaud and Naja for allowing me to vent on a regular basis in their wonderful creation, one that has become the only source of serious news and commentary in Key West. I’m also sincerely thankful for those who’ve given some time to my output and look forward to your input, both good and bad, when I return. Warning: I’ll be back.)
In order for a democracy to function as just that, it must be possessed of something referred to as the “loyal opposition”. This supposes a certain degree of sincerity from those out of power, such that what is best for the country remains more important than political loss or gain. In other words, one should be more concerned for the country’s well being than for one’s political advantage (or, in America’s case, to those mega interests you work for).
Since Barak Obama became President, this fundamental concept of democratic governance has been blown out of the water. His opposition has never given a nano- thought to any of his policy assertions. Right from the opening bell, their strategy has been to obstruct whatever the Great Black Hope put forth, regardless of the quality of the initiative. Obama’s inability to effectively react to this crass sabotage has been the ball and chain of his administration’s possibilities. Even more importantly, this unwillingness of Obama’s rivals to assume their role as the “loyal opposition” has been America’s great tragedy.
Perhaps no issue is more indicative of this than the almost treason-like maneuvers by the Republicans to derail Obama’s overtures with Iran.
Since the fall of the Shah and our proxy regime in Iran, the pure reality of existence has had the United States and Iran playing extremely antagonistic roles in the world. Most of this has been played out in the hot air arena of propaganda vituperation, but Iran’s financial clout has also brought some of this to the realm of actual bellicose activity. Given the faction of Islam that Iran represents, it is almost impossible to find any role for them in 9/11, but they’ve certainly funded many of the elements who have continued to snarl and bite at the ankle of Israeli existence. The question is — does that mean we cannot reach an understanding with them?
For almost ½ a century, the Soviet Union posed a far greater threat, both militarily and emotionally, to the American “idea”. It might even be said that compared to the Soviet Union, Iran’s threat could be seen as microscopic. For all that time, the 2 nations never stopped having diplomatic relations, never stopped having cultural exchanges, never stopped talking or treating each other as equals in the international community. There are many similar examples of this throughout American history.
Later in this essay, I’ll discuss just why the Republicans have been so petulant with regard to these negotiations with Iran, but for now, let’s spout the “party line”.
The thinking is (and I use that word loosely) the Iranians cannot be trusted. They never live up to their agreements and commitments. They are weasels, liars, sneaky worms and vermin from a lower caste of simian life, like Gypsies — or worse. Being that almost all those I see ranting and raving against these negotiations come from a particular part of the United States, I’ll put it like this: “y’cain’t trust’um!”
Anyone with a reasonable desire to use their deductive skills will soon realize the face a great nation presents to the world is never perfectly aligned with its true goals and motives. This is no different for Iran or the United States. Considering the course of human history since the initiation of the new century, anyone speaking in representation of the United States that claims another nation “cain’t be trusted”, becomes the definition of a hypocrite. The United States is the same nation, with not only the consent of those now decrying Iran’s trustworthiness, but with their joy and exuberance, that attacked a sovereign nation at peace with the world for reasons that are easily debunked as willful and premeditated lies. I remind the reader of the horror show this has and continues to impose on the Iraqi people, as well as the general state of chaos this has led to in the region. (It is amazing to ponder what human beings are led to do simply to fuel the consumer society.) For an American to claim the Iranians cannot be trusted is something like Hitler accusing another of anti-Semitism.
It is important to note the negotiations themselves and the agreement put forth — its nuances and subterranean folds and crevices — are not that important. With the snooping technology and intelligence capabilities of today’s modern nation-state, it would be hard to imagine anyone constructing a functional nuclear device without someone knowing of it. The true significance of these negotiations is the mere fact that they are happening. This is the true breakthrough. It is the recognition of a level of respect the Iranians have been seeking from the United States. If the longest journey always begins with that first step, this could be the beginning of that long journey towards a more stable future for the most troubled region in the world. (I’ll admit, that sounds a bit too optimistic, but nothing can ever happen without that first step.) It is the decision of the Obama administration to negotiate, to talk, to treat the Iranians as equals in the international community, that is the policy decision here, not the content of the agreement itself.
Why do I say this?
When that Greek version of Paul Revere first ran the 26.3 miles that would become the distance for the foot race now known as The Marathon, his mission was to tell his countrymen that “the Persians are coming, the Persians are coming”. This was more than 2000 years ago, and at the time, the Persian Empire was perhaps the most powerful political entity on the planet. Today’s Iranians are the direct descendants of the Persian legacy, a legacy that had existed for thousands of years before the story of the first marathon runner. The Persian-Iranian culture has run continuously for something like 4000 years. It has rarely been conquered and has developed the rich tapestry such a well rooted sociological creation naturally engenders. The Iranians are not an inferior strain of antiquated hunter-gatherers. They are a complex, mature society with a rich heritage they have a right to be proud of. They have taken this heritage and evolved with a reasonable degree of acumen into the modern world. To treat these people as second class citizens, or, even worse, as children to be disciplined without explanation, could be seen, quite reasonably, as a great insult.
For reasons buried in the complex machinations of the huge, all encompassing machinery of history, as we speak, the United States and Iran are hostile to each other. They have differences. Their world views clash. Put yourself in the shoes of the Iranians. Here you are, this ancient, continuous, sophisticated culture, being told by this bullying upstart of a nation that Israel can have nukes, but you can’t. You’ve been naughty boys and girls and must go to your room without dinner and stay there until we say you can come out. No debate, when you learn to behave as we’d like, etc., etc.
What Iran is really looking for is to be treated like adults. This is the real issue and the Obama administration has decided to do just that. In the end, this could be the most important initiative of his 8 years in office. It is that unavoidable, most difficult to take “first step”. But the Neanderthal wing of American politics wants to stop it. Why?
The official reason, that being mistrust of Iran, for reasons already enunciated — that is, the highly unlikely possibility that Iran could secretly produce a workable nuclear device, with or without an agreement — can be thrown into the bunk receptacle. What about financial interests, that is, those who greatly profit from the threat of or carrying out of war? Yeah — well — maybe. How about the Jewish vote, domestic politics, all that? I guess — maybe, but none of that seems very convincing. That leaves just one thing: it is the consistent policy of obstruction carried out by an opposition party more concerned with their selfish interests than the well being of the country — and the world. These negotiations with Iran are a no-brainer. Everyone in the world except for the Israeli and American right wing, want them. For the Israelis, some degree of paranoiac sincerity could be conjured up in their reactions, but in the American arena it is nothing more than the most banal form of politics. An agreement ratified by Congress would give Obama a major political triumph. Regardless of such an agreement’s beneficial attributes (and this writer would consider such benefits as substantial, especially in the future), the Republicans will not allow that to happen.
America’s “loyal opposition” has disappeared. That is why our democracy is no longer functioning.
jerry but what of these 25 reasons to impeach Obama?
Article 1, Sect. 1
1. Used Executive Privilege in regards to Fast & Furious gun running scandal. When Government misconduct is the concern Executive privilege is negated.
2. Issued 23 Executive Orders on gun control – infringement of the 2nd Amendment.
3. Executive Order bypassing Congress on immigration – Article 1 Section 1, ALL Legislative power held by Congress.
4. NDAA – Section 1021. Due process Rights negated. Violation of 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Amendments. White House: ‘War on terrorism’ is over Thursday, August 6, 2009
5. Executive Order 13603 NDRP – Government can seize anything.
6. Executive Order 13524 – Gives INTERPOL jurisdiction on American soil beyond law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.
7. Executive Order 13636 Infrastructure Cyber security – Bypassing Congress
Violations: Article 1 Section 1, Art. 4 sect. 4,
8. Signed into law the establishment of “NO Free Speech Zones” – noncompliance is a felony.
9. Attempt to tax political contributions –
1st. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Article I Section 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.
Violations: 1st Amendment, Art.1 sect. 7
10. Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Law – Obama directed DOJ ( Dept. of Justice ) to ignore the Constitution and separation of powers and not enforce the law.
Violations:
Article III, Section 3 – Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attained. White House: ‘War on terrorism’ is over Thursday, August 6, 2009
11. Drone strikes on American Citizens – 5th Amendment Due process Rights negated.
Article II Section 2. The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
[The Trading with the Enemy Act (Public Law 65-91, 65th Congress, Session I, Chapters 105, 106, October 6, 1917) ] 18 USC 241 – Sec. 241
Violations : Art. 2 sect.2 , 5th amendment, 18 USC 241 – Sec. 241
12. Bypassed Congress and gave EPA power to advance Cap-n-Trade
Article I Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Violations: Art. 1 Sect. 1
13. Attempt for Graphic tobacco warnings (under appeal) –
Art. 1 sect. 8 Section 8. The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States; (see list)
1st Amendment. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Violations: 1st Amendment. Art. 1 sect. 8
14. Four Executive appointments – Senate was NOT in recess (Court has ruled unconstitutional yet the appointees still remain)
Art. 1 sect 2 Section 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State Legislature.
Art. 1 sect . 5 Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
Violations: Art. 1 sect 2 & 5 ,
15. Obama took Chairmanship of UN Security Council –
Art 1 Sect. 9. Section 9. The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
Violation : Art 1 Sect. 9.
16. Obamacare ( A.C.A. ) mandate – SCOTUS (U.S. SupremeCourt ) had to make it a tax because there is no Constitutional authority.
Art. 2 sect. 1 Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:–”I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Violations : Art. 2 sect. 1 , Amendments 1, 2, 9, 10, & 14, Art. 1 sect. 7
18. Healthcare waivers – No president has dispensing powers
1st. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
2nd. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
9th. The enumeration in the Constitution (narrative), of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
10th. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
14th. The Fourteenth Amendment, guaranteeing equal protection for all citizens, was necessary to secure for freed slaves the same rights as whites. Simply ending slavery was not enough. Prior to the Civil War, it was automatic in many states to treat blacks, whatever their status, as second-class citizens. A ruling by a court in Virginia in 1824 stated, without any effort at dissimulation, that, “And, yet, nobody has ever questioned the power of the legislature to deny to free blacks and mulattoes one of the fist privileges of a citizen — that of voting at election.”
Art 1: Sect. 7 All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.
Violations: 1st, 2, 9,10, & 14th Amendment, Art 1: Sect. 7
19. Refuses to acknowledge state’s 10th Amendment rights to nullify Obamacare ( Affordable Care Act ) .
Article I Section 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Violation: Art. 1 sect. 1 , Art. 2. sect. 1 , 10th Amendment
20. Congress did not approve Obama’s war in Libya. Article I, Section 8, First illegal war U.S. has engaged in. Impeachable under Article II, Section 4. Obama falsely claims UN can usurp Congressional war powers.
Violations: Article I, Section 8, Art.2 sect. 1
21. Obama has acted outside the constitutional power given him – this in itself is unconstitutional.
Violations: Art. 2 sect 1
22. With the approval of Obama, the NSA and the FBI are tapping directly into the servers of 9 internet companies to gain access to emails, video/audio, photos, documents, etc. This program is code named PRISM. NSA also collecting data on all phone calls in U.S. Violation of 4th Amendment.
Violations: 4th Amendment.
23. Plans to sign U.N. Firearms treaty – 2nd Amendment.
Violation: 2nd ,4th, 9th, 10th , & 14TH Amendment, Art.1 Sect. 4 , Art. 2 sect. 1
24. The Senate/Obama immigration bill (approved by both) raises revenue – Section 7. All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives;
Violations: Art. 1 sect 4th, 7 , & 8th, Art. 2 sect. 1, Art. 4 sect. 4,
25. Obama refuses to uphold the Business Mandate Law (ACA) for a year. President does not have that authority – Article. I. Section. 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States. The president ”shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed” Article II, Section 3.
Wanka, First off, thanks for the comment, always appreciated. Now, do you honestly think that a President of the Republic … any President … is actually impeached for impeachable offenses? Just what world are you living in? I’m not exactly a big fan of Obama, but do you really believe he has been overly aggressive in pursuing whatever he is pursuing? That he has acted differently from other presidents? I think he’s been pretty weak. I dare say, there’d not be a president in our history that would finish his mandate if impeachable offenses were strictly adhered to.. Regardless of that, the article is about Obama’s overtures to Iran, certainly something within the purview of the presidency. I’d have preferred an opinion on that. Also, as long as I have you on the line, I was hoping to hear from you after my article on “Libertarians” 2 weeks ago. Where were you? Thanks again, PCM
jerry i agree that bush was as lawless for signing the patriot act and as some before him as far back as Wilson republican or democrat made no difference since both took their marching orders from the [ptb] powers that be.
now as for 2 weeks ago one of society’s undoubted suppliers of collectivism once said “but what difference does it make”!
oops so sorry jerry…and wishing you a very good spain vacation also.
Jerome,
As I my headline said on my FaceCrack post where I shared your essay…”Read All About It: A Grown-up Explains U.S. Negotiations With Iran.” Thanks!
P.S. Have a great time in Spain. You and your written word will be missed.
Alex, I’ll be back with new stuff at the beginning of July. While in Spain I’ll check to see what is going down in the Blue Paper from time to time. Keep writing and contributing. It fills a void in my life. And it is a true honor to have you reference my stuff. ciao, PCM
Jerome,
Excellent article on a difficult and divergent topic. Attempting to make sense of political conduct can be challenging.
The only country to ever use atomic bombs on human beings is the United States. Was it necessary? I don’t know?
A pleather of nations have atomic weapons. Some of these countries are not friendly to the Persians.
By what legitimate right, authority or logic; can another country with an arsenal of atomic bombs and delivery systems, violently force their will upon another sovereign nation, preventing them from developing the very weaponry that they possess.???
Good Luck and Blessings on your journey. I’ll miss your informative and always interesting articles…
John, I thought of mentioning our use of atomic weapons in this article, but decided to let it alone. But I’ll mention something here with regard to whether or not such use was actually necessary. I once saw a very scholarly program by Bill Moyers about this subject. According to much of the well referenced sources of info, the Japanese were ready to surrender before the use of the Bomb, their only request being the continuance of their Emperor (which happened anyway). Supposedly, we refused this request, using all kinds of rationalizations to hide the real reason for doing so, that being to warn the Soviets, the next perceived enemy, of what we had. I’ve seen other sources echoing this. If true … well, come to your own conclussion. John, it’s been a pleasure communicating with you, in truth, a windfall of intellectual stimulus. I’ll be gone for awhile, but at the beginning of July I’ll have new material to set forth. In the meantime, I’ll check what’s happening in the Blue Paper from time to time. Keep contributing … please, a hug, Jerome (PCM)
there is another school of thought on that Mr. Grapel. prior to the two bombs, U.S. air forces had demolished many Japanese cities. after the first atomic bomb drop japan did not surrender. so it would seem that traditional and atomic bombs were insufficient to force surrender. what did scare the Japanese was the impending invasion of the soviet union. they wanted no part of that, and quickly surrendered to the U.S.
as you know, the victors write the history, so we tend to come out as the hero’s of WWII. we tend to whitewash the fact that it was the soviet union that was the real workhorse of that war.
Wankajm, All you say is relevant. I agree, our government does not operate as advertised (does any?). All I’m doing is putting my thoughts and ideas into the context of what does exist. Thanks for the vacation send off, I truly appreciate yours and everyone else’s contributions to this publication.
Keysbum, I can buy that as well, but what I’ve been led to believe is that a surrender could have been easily forthcoming BEFORE the Japanese knew it the Bomb existed. As for what you’ve said about the Soviet Union, it is amazing how we are deluded into thinking us and the western allies fought the war in Europe. Anyone wanting to understand what really happened in Europe should read a fine book called “Stalingrad”, by the English historian Anthony … gosh, I’ve forgotten his name, but it is incredible. Remember how Sargeant Schultz was always afraid of being sent to the “eastern front”? That’s no lie.
Iran does not have a Rothschild owned central bank. that is the reason for hostilities.
just ask Iraq…
and Libya…
and Afghanistan…
and Sudan…
.
and just watch what happens with Cuba.
the world is a much simpler place to decipher then you guys make it.
bingo…and I’m sure their plans for a physical gold dinar money regime have been crushed too.
Keysbum, That might have a role in OUR hostility to Iran, but the other way around is far more muddled into many layered laminations of cultural shit and idiocy. Remember, the American rank and file is goaded into their ideas of who is an enemy not based upon Rothschild or any other banker. And, at this point, I’m not so sure what can “happen” to Iran or Iraq and etc., we don’t seem to have the hegemony necessary to impose our will. Goos stuff, ciao, PCM