President Obama to make statement on Egypt 'soon'/Speaking Now

[spanone]

n/t

[Skittles]

1. good, good

Obama has learned to really think about an issue before speaking - that is good

[spanone]

3. on m$nbc they are showing the podium, so they must expect him at anytime

[Skittles]

4. yeah, this would require a quick response, for sure

but I like that he's not giving off the cuff remarks - he thinks and schedules

[spanone]

5. here he is

[The Straight Story]

2. More info:

NBC's Chuck Todd: Pres. Obama just got off the phone with Mubarak, spoke for approx 30 mins. POTUS will share highlights in minutes w/public.

[spanone]

6. he's calling on egyptian authorities to not revert to violence

[spanone]

7. calling on authorities not to obstruct the internet

[malaise]

29. Excerpts here

US President Barack Obama on Friday called on Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to take concrete steps towards political reform, and to refrain from using violence against protesters.

“I want to be very clear in calling upon the Egyptian authorities to refrain from any violence against peaceful protesters,” Obama said in a statement shortly after speaking with Mubarak by telephone for 30 minutes.

“The people of Egypt have rights that are universal. That includes the right to peaceful assembly and association. The right to free speech and the ability to determine their own destiny. These are human rights.”

“I told him he has a responsibility to give meaning to those words. To take concrete steps and actions that deliver on that promise,” Obama said.

Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/Obama+makes+statement+Egypt/4187669/story.html#ixzz1CNUkVyEz

[tishaLA]

8. It seems too supportive of Mubarak IMO

[thewiseguy]

11. Exactly typical two sided talk from Obama

Note to Obama: People in Egypt want Mubarak gone. Now maybe Mubarak has not been paying attention but you should know.

[Name removed]

25. Deleted message

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[EFerrari]

9. Obama is suggesting the Egyptian people work with "their" government.

I think he meant, work with "our" government.

It's saddening to see an American president still backing a brutal, repressive regime.

[rabs]

15. I thought Obama straddled the fence

He is disposed to work with "the Egyptian government" and also with the "Egyptian people."

So, if pro-Mubarack government triumphs, Obama will back it. If the anti-Muburack protesters (the Egyptian people) triumph, he will back them. :shrug:

[EFerrari]

17. Saying he supports both is still legitimizng Mubarak.

Between the two of them, it sounded like dueling prevarications. Well, it's their job to try to salvage their partnership I suppose, no matter what that means to the people of Egypt.

[phleshdef]

28. Its really none of our damn business either way. We need to stop getting involved in middle eastern.

...affairs period.

[Name removed]

26. Deleted message

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[bluestateguy]

10. It's a fragile situation and throwing your lot in with any specific side could be dangerous

It is best for us to not take sides at this time.

Too many of our problems in the Middle East are a product of unnecessary US meddling.

[EFerrari]

13. Right. Given a choice of a brutal, kidnapping, torturing regime

and a popular revolt, we should really hedge our bets. No need to be hasty.

[bluestateguy]

23. What if the popular revolt is a theocratic fundamentalist movement?

The Iranian revolution in 1979 was a popular revolt. Real good for democracy too.

This is the real world here, not a B movie on TBS.

[EFerrari]

31. Um, the B movie version would be the Islamo-terrorist take over.

Not what is happening in Egypt.

[cbdo2007]

12. We will never be able to help any middle east country, as long as we support the Dictators who are

obviously corrupt and still in power.

[debatetheissue]

14. I wonder how Obama would respond if....

this type of thing happened in the U.S. What would happen if the U.S. eliminated social security for those under 55? If the streets filled with people would Obama call off the military? Would Obama resign if the streets filled with people calling for it?

[uppityperson]

16. Maybe he'd just turn it all over to Sarah.

Are you ready to take to the streets and protest Obamacare and the continuing socialization of America? What do you mean "ending social security for those under 55"?

[debatetheissue]

18. Not sure your point but....

sometimes govt's take a holier than thou approach. I'm old enough to remember Kent State.

[uppityperson]

19. What is Obama "eliminated social security for those under 55"? What?

[malaise]

20. Are you seriously comparing Obama with a dictator

who has been in power for 30 years - whose party rigs elections.
Why weren't you on the streets when Bush tried to destroy social security?

[uppityperson]

21. Hi. Odd, isn't it

edit, note, 2

[malaise]

24. Not really

I've ordered flowers.

You know I love nothing better than a live one. :D

[uppityperson]

27. I wanted to give a chance

was going to do the down and dirty at one but decided to wait and see.

[spanone]

22. silly question. you have plans?

[uppityperson]

30. Hello, welcome to DU. Let's debate, but first would you explain the Soc Sec remark?

"What would happen if the U.S. eliminated social security for those under 55? "

What do you mean since those under 55 don't get social security now. Thanks.