Good News?? Why not discuss it and praise it?

[Stuart G]

Today , maybe, the head of Iran, may..I said , may, shake Obama's hand or something like that. He is a moderate and there might be a change in policy there. Good News.. We will see. If there is a change in policy there, it will be a step towards peace. Some sort of reconciliation with Iran. it would be great in my opinion. I once posted at another board, a story about a peace treaty between the two factions in Northern Ireland. It lasted a few years, and reduced the violence considerably. No one responded. No one. If Iran changes policy, and steers away from nuclear weapons towards peace, will we grateful? A small step forward. Or maybe a large step forward.

Perhaps we should celebrate and discuss these moves toward peace and toning down the words as much as we discuss the awful hatred and violent words that so many nations and people spout out.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

1. If President Obama's policy decisions will ultimately result in peace, will we

finally give this administration the credit it deserves? I wonder...

[Stuart G]

3. I sure hope so..what was that word again?

PEACE...WAIT.........

We are out of Iraq,
We are winding down Afghanistan, much slower than I want, but winding down...
Iran might be changing..maybe..
Perhaps there can be less war...

I sure hope so..........

[AnotherMcIntosh]

20. You say "We are out of Iraq". Who are these guys?

"In May 2011, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) said as of March 2011, the Defense Department (DOD)

“had more contractor personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq (155,000) than uniformed personnel (145,000).”

http://www.greanvillepost.com/2012/01/11/unaccountable-private-military-contractor-abuses/

[frazzled]

29. March 2011? We left Iraq at the end of 2011.

Leaving minimal numbers of troops in embassies only. Here's a more current (2013) assessment of what we have left there, including contractors--5,500:

The US mission in Iraq -- the biggest in the world -- will slash its numbers by two-thirds by the end of this year from its peak figure of over 16,000, the American ambassador to Baghdad said.

Overall staffing levels at the US's embassy in Baghdad and its consulates in the southern port city of Basra, the Kurdish regional capital of Arbil and the disputed northern city of Kirkuk, will drop to around 5,500, including contractors, by the end of the year.

"A year ago, we were well above 16,000, now we're at 10,500," Ambassador Stephen Beecroft told reporters. "By the end of this year, we'll be at 5,500, including contractors."

"The diplomatic presence is down below a thousand."

The American embassy had swelled in size due to the departure from Iraq of US forces in December 2011, because planners believed the diplomatic mission would have to take on a wide array of responsibilities left by the military.

As time has gone on, however, the embassy has handed over multiple sites to the Iraqi government and reduced the number of diplomats working in Iraq.

All US troops except for a small number under US embassy authority left Iraq at the end of 2011.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/19/iraq-embassy-cuts-us-ambassador_n_2908349.html

[AnotherMcIntosh]

30. You say that we still have contractors (read taxpayer-funded mercs) in Iraq? How can this

be true if, as you said earlier, all of our personnel have been removed?

You say that we have "5,500". And that your number is based upon a projection from a quote. A quote from an ambassador whose job description includes lying?

He, like Clapper, is not accountable to anyone for telling lies to make the U.S. look good.

[frazzled]

35. That is embassy staff, remaining core of military to guard embassies, and some contractors

In 5 or 6 different cities. 5,500 ... we have way more than that in each of Japan, Korea, and other places.

Let's stick to the facts, eh. There are ZERO combat troops in Iraq. ZERO.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

41. It's a fact that you don't actually know that. Merely asserting that something is true doesn't make

it true.

The guys in the photo at post #20 look like Blackwater guys (or whatever they call themselves nowadays) rather than "embassy staff."

[frazzled]

45. And it's a fact you don't either: not from an undated picture from a nearly two-year-old post

And a quotation about numbers that is even older (dating to March 2011, nine months before combat troops were withdrawn). At least I posted something from a major news source from this year.

Please stop trying to bamboozle people with undated and unsourced photographs, outdated numbers, all from an obscure web site (which has a creepy image of a swastika--whazzup with that?). You have provided not a single fact.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

46. Unlike you, I don't claim to know that "we're out of Iraq", or that we are in Iraq with only "5,500"

contractors with other personnel.

Unlike you, I am not asserting inconsistent claims.

Apparently, some of the mercenaries chosen by the Obama Administration and their supporters favor swastikas. That's the truth. If you go to Google and search for the images of mercs in Iraq, that's what you'll find. If you don't like those chosen by the Obama Administration and their supporters, complain to the Obama Administration.

[Crabby Appleton]

50. That picture is from 2005

see it in the Oct 2005 article Blackwater Down, Blackwater patrolling New Orleans after Katrina.


http://www.tulanelink.com/tulanelink/blackwater_box.htm

[frazzled]

51. And so completely irrelevant to 2013 /nt

[Egalitarian Thug]

38. And twenty-some thousand in Kuwait, just in case, you understand.

I love how we all supposed to cheer about how we destroyed the cradle of civilization and ended up achieving exactly what we were warned of in the first place.

I guess we're supposed to not notice that we catapulted terrorism the world over and have exponentially increased the number of people that are willing to die for the chance to hurt us in any way they can.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

42. I wish that some of the cheerleaders - who never seem to be in harm's way - would get their butts

over there.

[FSogol]

2. Very hopeful. Yesterday on NPR, the new head of Iran, said that he would do his best

to show the world that Iran is a civilized nation.

[blm]

4. There was an important thread posted yesterday about this with few hits.

One of the most important developments for the world in decades, yet few here are even noticing.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=601256

[Stuart G]

5. Positive Change...a very good thing for the world....

I noticed a story about New England wind power being sold to some electric company.

Here is a link to that story from the Boston Globe,
titled Wind power now competitive with conventional sources

http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/09/22/suddenly-wind-competitive-with-conventional-power-sources/g3RBhfV440kJwC6UyVCjhI/story.html

I am not sure it got front page treatment..yet that is totally clean
renewable, cheap power that is in one place, available now, for less than stuff that pollutes. What a gift.......

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

8. I saw that, too.

[laundry_queen]

11. I noticed.

Only because it's been a big thing on Canadian news (and a Canadian prisoner in Iran was recently released). I'm very hopeful about the meeting.

[malaise]

6. I agree

Fugg the warmongers!! They are visibly upset.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

7. When we were attacked on 911, the Iranian people were one of the first to express

sorrow for what happened to this country and outrage at those who were responsible. The Iranians are young people--people who emulate Americans and love American culture: our music, our fashion, our food. Yes, there are issues in their country, but the people themselves have no issues with us. The problem lies with their government and a misunderstanding and miscommunication between leaders.

I see an opportunity here for President Obama and Iranian leadership to sit at the table and iron out our differences in a diplomatic way. There are answers out there.

Despite what has been propagated in the Corporate Media and here on DU, President Obama is NOT President Bush. He is NOT a warmonger. I do think there are peaceful solutions, diplomatic ones. Let's keep pushing towards those ends.

[Stuart G]

9. Here is one that did get front page news a number of years ago...

I think Bill Clinton who was President then, went to Viet Nam, and met with leaders there, who seem to have reconciled with this country after that horrific war. I remember Clinton was mobbed by well wishers as he walked through the streets and met people. There was no fear that he would be hurt and was greeted in way that we could be proud.

[Andy823]

10. I couldn't agree more.

The president has a great chance here to start meaning dialog with Iran. President Obama can do this, and as you said he is NOT Bush, Obama really wants to fix the problems facing not only the U.S., but the world. Diplomatic solutions are always the right way to do things.

[JustAnotherGen]

16. +1

[liberal_at_heart]

12. I tend to take a wait and see attitude. If it leads to peace, that would be great. There are

strong forces at work, people who would benefit greatly from another war, that are working very hard to try and create war even if some want peace.

[zipplewrath]

32. Especially on this topic

I've lived through way too many "breakthroughs" in the middle east and with our relationships in the region to get too excited about "possibilities". It's nice that the bombast of the previous leader is gone. How that translates into a real improvement for the people of Iran, or Iran's involvement in Syria and the rest of the region remains to be seen.

[Hydra]

33. I'm also waiting hopefully

But I heard the gov't of Israel was stamping their feet about this.

[yawnmaster]

13. Because there is little drama in good news. At least that...

Is my suspicion. I, personally, agree with you, and do enjoy seeing good news and positive things posted. But drama and controversy drive discussion, meaning good news generally won't be the longest threads on the board.

[Stuart G]

15. Great Point, Main Streem Media Shares the Blame for this..Here is perfect exmple:

Two figures: Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz.

Who gets more coverage. A) Bernie who tries to work out things for the post office and explains truth about social security. Always........
trying to promote peace and move forward the less violent way..(so many examples)

or

B) Ted Cruz who has for one year talked about hate and division. Ugly mean spirited and often self
centered lies....


So.............who gets more front page coverage?

[beerandjesus]

21. True...

...but then, right-wingers pretty much ALWAYS get more coverage than left-wingers, especially when said left-wingers are actually left-wing, and not centrist Democrats.

[yawnmaster]

26. Watch the right. Controversy is presented. Negative opinions. High emotion...

Drama wins. Watch the coverage, ignoring the issue, and you'll see those stories with higher drama, higher emotion,get the coverage. (and those stories with hope for high drama).

Of course, not 100%, but generally true.

[yawnmaster]

27. Much is human nature and the desire for an emotional fix, but most...

...media understand this and use it. The way the system works, that is most media survival requires the mighty dollar and ratings are important. Most media has just become an entertainment source.

[yawnmaster]

28. Another thing i've noticed. So many issues are presented as one side...

...against the other, with most time given to the "gaming", and relatively little to the actual issue.
One must go to non-msm to get the deeper information on the issues.
Most people don't, or are bored by it all and just want to be entertained.

I think this is true through human history in one form or another and it is something leaders have to deal with. Non-voters, people who don't care about the issues, and other "non-actives" make up a huge part of society and still must have their govermental needs met.

[Stuart G]

43. I agree completely ..We need to go go non msm to get the deeper information.

I recall standing at a rally in 66 against Viet Nam. The place was the University of Illinois in Urbana. The speaker pointed to one of largest most complete libraries in the United States and basically said this, "You want to know the truth, you need to look outside the TV, to other sources. If you look in that library, where specialized periodicals exist on the subject..You will find the real truth."...And he was correct, and later I did look. But to be honest, not then..

Now he did not say it in those words, but he said something similar. Nothing has changed. ....and not only is it true that people don't care, some really do not have the time or the energy to stay informed, if they are working two jobs to keep themselves above the water.

[Grateful for Hope]

14. K&R

[AnotherMcIntosh]

17. Still, what are they doing sitting on our oil?

[tridim]

18. Progress is happening despite the lack of praise, and that's really all that matters.

Onward Obama Administration! Do the right thing, as always, and don't look back.

[JustAnotherGen]

19. Re shaking hands

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/24/20663096-hand-wringing-precedes-possible-obama-rouhani-handshake?lite

If both attend the luncheon — reports that Rouhani may skip circulated Monday night — they may break bread in the same room. But any gesture beyond that would be historic for two countries whose leaders have not met in three decades.

"It would be unprecedented for the Iranian president to even shake hands with the U.S. president and vice versa," said Hooman Majd, an Iranian-American author and commentator.

"It's possible that will happen this time around. Somebody would have to seek out the other party."

If it happens - then that's good. But from the right and the left we need to be prepared for criticism. If Obama does not seek out Rouhani - the far left will be super angry that he didn't offer the olive branch. If he does seek him out - we are going to have the onslaught of Muslim/Commie/Socialist/Kenyans.

But what if it doesn't matter who seeks who out and it just gets done?

And if they don't shake hands - so be it. But I think the new Iranian leadership wants to move forward.

[Stuart G]

22. There is a neat headline at Huff Post....NEW HOPE ?

Very much is wrong at the Huffington Post...a whole lot...but this headline is kinda neat..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

[beerandjesus]

23. On behalf of the "Obama haters"....

...let me say that I'm very happy to see that Obama seems open to engaging with Rouhani in spite of how he's been smacked around by the right wing over the last several years.

He took a fair bit of flak for reaching out to Iran when he first got into office. If he were disinclined to stick his neck out again now, I'd be disappointed, but on a human level, I'd understand.

So kudos for him for working to ratchet back this insane pissing contest we've had going with Iran!

[Stuart G]

24. Terrific description of what has been going on in Iran:

"ratchet back this...... insane pissing contest we've had going with Iran! "

[BlueToTheBone]

25. There does seem to be a shift towards peace and justice

in many areas. No war with Syria, Iran making overtures toward peace. Summers won't destroy us through the Fed, little things that give me hope. Oh and don't forget, Aung San Suu Kyi is free.

I'm sure there are little things that others can think of and perhaps the tide is turning.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

31. A change in policy?

Their policy hasn't changed. Their policy was never to develop nuclear weapons. There policy was always nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Why everyone is saying something is changed is beyond me.

Edit for grammar

[Hydra]

34. The same reason some people here claim they were against Syrian Bombing

And always supported the LBGT cause. Cuz Ponies.

Revisionist history is in vogue these days. 2 + 2 = 4 in my book though.

But yes, to reinforce your point, GWB was stymied by the IAEA and NIE in 2007 when they pointed out that there was no weapons program.

Still, there is always a weapons program, they're just lying about it. Trust the NSA, they're perfectly honest.

[Fantastic Anarchist]

36. I know, it's tragic!

The lead post takes it as axiomatic that they just changed their position, when this was their position all along!

Revisionism, indeed!

[Hydra]

37. I'm not a history buff

But I am a scientist in outlook, and it drives me crazy when people rewrite history to their advantage.

I can't really say anything though- all of our history is completely subjective, and mostly written by the winners. Why start doing the right thing now?

[Fantastic Anarchist]

39. I like both science and history ...

... I do as much as I can to read from numerous sources to get as much of an unbiased take as possible, but history, is subjective by nature. What was good for one tribe wasn't necessarily good for the other.

The whole American Exceptionalism thing really bothers me. What are we exceptional about? That this nation became great and powerful by first committing genocide, and then enslaving another people so that we could create that productive output? Yeah, I suppose so.

Just a pet peeve of mine.

[Hydra]

40. I'm not sure where the exceptionalism thinking comes from

I think it's a bad mix of "democracy!!" and capitalism + propaganda. Really, though, our entire self-image as a nation is based on a variety of myths and not on the rock-hard reality of what got us where we are, so at that poi8nt, why not go big and say we're the best in the world?

[Fantastic Anarchist]

49. Yep, we're like a delusional teenager ...

Pie-in-the-sky thinking.

People who dare to criticize like Chomsky or Zinn are deemed as heretics, even by the so-called "Left."

*Not the actual Left, but people who think they are.

[sheshe2]

44. K&R!

Thanks Stuart G~

[DisgustipatedinCA]

47. I'm one of the people afflicted with ODS, according to some here.

That's why it's all the more satisfying to give the President a hearty "job well done (so far)!" in regards to Iran. He's obviously not paying heed to the right-wingers who want a war, and I'm very heartened by the words of both President Obama and Rouhani. It's not over until it's over, I realize that. But this is the most constructive thing I've heard in regards to Iran in a long time, and it doesn't even involve drawing cheesy bombs during a UN presentation.

[Scurrilous]

48. K & R