Sunday, February 19, 2006
Iran, the Unions and Santorum
I have been posting more in my persona of a 'Warmed Over Cold Warrior' to spare this blog my national security advocacy. But, now I have a great "2'fer" in this latest Michael Ledeen on Iran article. It provides penetrating insights into how the Mullahs view the West - our weaknesses and their opportunities; and should be read fully just for that. However, there is also a local rural PA angle.
After a rather sobering assessment of the Mullahs views and strategy , Ledeen notes that: "we now have the first encouraging signs that this administration is inclined to support revolution in Iran. Secretary of State Rice, after her laudable reform of the Foreign Service, has now asked Congress for an additional $75 million to advance the cause of freedom in Iran. This is good news indeed, especially since there were hints in her testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday that we have already begun supporting Iranian trade unions, and even training some of their leaders. "
And, recognizing that Iranian bus drivers are at the forefront of much recent anti-regime activity in Iran, he makes special notice that: "Even the world at large is beginning to bestir itself. Wednesday was a day of support for the Iranian bus drivers all across the civilized world. The AFL-CIO, driven by Teamsters’ President James Hoffa, in tandem with Senator Rick Santorum, has been leading the charge, now joined by unions in France, Britain, Spain, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Bermuda."
Ledeen considers that to be an impressive list of supporting nations and organizations. I certainly agree. I'm especially impressed by the fact that PA Senator Rick Santorum is leading this international charge for Iranian freedom with Hoffa and the Teamsters and AFL-CIO unions!
Senator Santorum is able to make common cause with the unions to advance America's national security interests and foriegn policy. Many other nations join this common cause. So, why can't the Democrats ? And why aren't they in the lead on this issue (or even present)??
Maybe someone should ask Casey where he stands on this. Or, better yet, just remember it when you vote in November. It's not just politics. It's really all about America.
After a rather sobering assessment of the Mullahs views and strategy , Ledeen notes that: "we now have the first encouraging signs that this administration is inclined to support revolution in Iran. Secretary of State Rice, after her laudable reform of the Foreign Service, has now asked Congress for an additional $75 million to advance the cause of freedom in Iran. This is good news indeed, especially since there were hints in her testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday that we have already begun supporting Iranian trade unions, and even training some of their leaders. "
And, recognizing that Iranian bus drivers are at the forefront of much recent anti-regime activity in Iran, he makes special notice that: "Even the world at large is beginning to bestir itself. Wednesday was a day of support for the Iranian bus drivers all across the civilized world. The AFL-CIO, driven by Teamsters’ President James Hoffa, in tandem with Senator Rick Santorum, has been leading the charge, now joined by unions in France, Britain, Spain, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Bermuda."
Ledeen considers that to be an impressive list of supporting nations and organizations. I certainly agree. I'm especially impressed by the fact that PA Senator Rick Santorum is leading this international charge for Iranian freedom with Hoffa and the Teamsters and AFL-CIO unions!
Senator Santorum is able to make common cause with the unions to advance America's national security interests and foriegn policy. Many other nations join this common cause. So, why can't the Democrats ? And why aren't they in the lead on this issue (or even present)??
Maybe someone should ask Casey where he stands on this. Or, better yet, just remember it when you vote in November. It's not just politics. It's really all about America.
