Obama Tries to Vote Present on Iran

I think Obama really missed an opportunity to give support to the massive protests that are taking place in Iran.  I think it is becoming more apparent that the Bush Administrations assessment of both Iran and North Korea were spot on.   Is it a coincidence that N. Korea is now fearless in launching long range missiles anywhere near American soil?  

Obama's response seems very similar to Bush 41s response to Tiananmen square massacre twenty years ago.  Jeff Jacoby of the Boston Globe inquires:

Should it really be so difficult for a president who campaigned on the themes ofhope and change to raise his voice on behalf of the brave Iranians who are risking their lives to bring hope and change to their country? Obama proclaimedon his first day in office that those "who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent . . . are on the wrong side of history.'' If he could say it at his inauguration, why can't he say it today?

As early as several weeks ago it seemed that a military confrontation with Iran was inevitable.  But now all that is need from the U.S. is support to the protesters.  This is exactly the wrong time to have a wait and see approach like Bush 41 and Obama is currently using.  

Safeway Healthcare

In 2004 Safeway had healthcare cost rising every year.  Instead of wait for government bailout the designed their own innovative system.   Even the Safeway Union is starting to warm up to the idea, due the significant decrease in cost.   I love this plan because it gives individuals an incentive to shop around for the best price on medical care.  

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124536722522229323.html

Obama's Iran Blunder

I think Obama really missed a chance to help support democracy in the middle east by not making a clear statement on Iran.  Ferrara has some very good points in his Spectator article:

Given this political reality in Iran, and the grave threat the current regime poses for both Israel and the U.S., if America were still a serious country our policy toward Iran would be regime change, to remove the mullahs and their theocracy completely from power, and to establish true democracy. That should begin at a minimum by following the Reagan Doctrine towards the Soviets, with American arms for the Iranian opposition. Sanctions alone would not accomplish much. But trade embargoes adopted in particular by suppliers of refined gas would further weaken the regime, and its military control over the country. That could be upgraded to a full-scale naval blockade, and even military strikes to weaken control over the country by the Revolutionary Guard and other military forces. These steps would be recognized as aiding the revolutionaries. No American invasion would be necessary, just as it was not necessary to bring down the Soviet bloc.