(2009-09-27) — President Barack Obama’s tough talk against Iran this week, threatening ’sanctions with bite’ if the regime didn’t ‘come clean’ about its nuclear program, has already produced positive results, the White House said today, forcing the Islamic Republic to begin destroying its short- and long-range missiles.
“When faced with President Obama’s steel-spined rhetoric, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blinked,” said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs, referring to the Iranian president. “Less than 48 hours after President Obama’s rebuke, at least two dangerous missiles went up in smoke, with more scheduled for the coming days.”
“While cynics, and the Iranian regime might try to position this action as ‘missile testing’,” Mr. Gibbs said, “the fact remains that these dangerous weapons, which could have carried nuclear payloads, are now gone.”
In recent days, the Obama administration has ended a missile defense program in Poland and the Czech Republic, sending a strong signal to Iran and Russia that “the U.S. is so supremely confident in its moral authority that it can leave its allies exposed to attack with impunity.”
This week, President Obama delivered an unprecedented public rebuke of Israel from the podium of the U.N. General Assembly, a move which tells the world that “the U.S. can stand up to anyone and speak truth to power,” Mr. Gibbs said.
“These courageous actions, coupled with the president’s serious demeanor and carefully-paced words,” said Mr. Gibbs, “have shown the Iranian regime that the U.S. means business. I don’t blame Ahmadinejad for wanting to incinerate these missiles before U.S. negotiators arrive in October.”
49 responses so far ↓
1 CallMeShelly // Sep 27, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Nuclear fallout will certainly reduce nationalized health care. When you are dead and long gone (except the fact you are glowing in the grave) the Obama care plan is void and defunct.
Since America is the bright, er, dim flickering-energy-saving-light on the hill then we must lead the parade of getting health costs under control. Let the dark clouds of isotopes flow, let the strong fall, let the weak die.
Live on Obama, great man of wonder. That is, I wonder whoever let this spineless stickle back fish in office. Now on to good, warm fuzzy thoughts. Happy Sunday one and all!
2 Beerme // Sep 27, 2009 at 2:29 pm
That'll show 'em! Tough talk, indeed…just not in deed…
3 gafisher // Sep 27, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Iran's new-found commitment to destroy its missiles and other armaments must warm the hearts of the current administration almost as much as it will warm the terrain in the areas where the actual "decommissioning" will occur. Naturally, Iran's nuclear program is "off the table" now that the world is aware that its purpose to support medical efforts, such as the eradication of what President Ahmadinejad has identified as a particularly undesirable life-form.
4 gafisher // Sep 27, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Iran's new-found commitment to destroy its missiles and other armaments must warm the hearts of the current administration almost as much as it will warm the terrain in the areas where the actual "decommissioning" will occur. Naturally, Iran's nuclear program is "off the table" now that the world is aware that its purpose to support medical efforts, such as the eradication of what President Ahmadinejad has identified as a particularly undesirable life-form existing in the region.
5 Libby_Gone // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:35 am
I say lets follow thru with Ohbahamas resolution to eradicate all nukes…
DESTROY THEM NOW, in Iran!!!!
6 Possumtrot // Sep 27, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I agree with Libby Gone: GREEN GLASS FOR EVERYBODY!
If we don’t clean this mess up PDQ, someone else will; the Israelis will really have something to atone for next Yom Kippur.
Forget about ObamaCare for a while; this business with Iran is going to be the true test of The Red Herring’s presidency.
Alas! Thirty years ago, when Mr. Peanut was president, Ah’m-a-madman was learning his chops as one of the “students” who held our embassy staff hostage in Tehran. Since our current fearless leader mirrors Carter in so many progressive ways, I think we can guess the outcome of any serious confrontation with Iran.
The city of Qom is a Muslim holy site. Isn’t it typical of terrorists that they’d pick this location to build their nuclear weapons facility? Hiding behind women, children, schools and hospitals is their specialty.
When you think of the current vernacular “This bites!” you have a whole new perspective on that phrase “sanctions that bite!”
Speaking of things that bite, there is more loud barking over at United Possums International.
Live from Scorpion Hill…
7 camojack // Sep 28, 2009 at 5:13 am
Y'know, it really would not surprise me if they tried to spin it like this…
8 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 28, 2009 at 5:23 am
The Hill & Bill Show. Remember them? They're on a propaganda tour in an effort to remind America just how deluded they really are—still playing that skit where they are trying to play the victim card that was never dealt to them, expecting applause and ovations.
9 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 28, 2009 at 5:24 am
The Hill & Bill Show. Remember them? They're on a propaganda tour in an effort to remind America just how deluded they really are—still performing that skit where they are trying to play the victim card that was never dealt to them, expecting applause and ovations.
10 BMorgan9119 // Sep 28, 2009 at 10:10 am
Anything to avoid a strongly worded memo from the UN !!!! I am sure Obama's new partner in the peace process Dimitri Medvedev will come to the rescue now LOL
11 gafisher // Sep 28, 2009 at 11:30 am
Let's get that Vast Right Wing Conspiracy to the polling places and take back America in 2010!
12 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 28, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Amen to that!
13 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Hmmm, heck in a hand basket eh? Funny, those of us (a majority) elected Obama to do just exactly what he's doing (in most cases) and now…he's doing it…and…we love it.
It's really an attempt, completely untried of late, to demonstrate that we are earthlings first and Americans second…get it? Not that complicated and, if more would get on board we might be able to make it happen…and remain safe, free, prosperous and happy…yep, I'll go with the John Lenon quote thrown at me a few threads back…2 quotes really… the first being "give peace a chance" and the cesond being a bit more to the point at hand…
IMAGINE!
You can do it!
14 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Hmmm, heck in a hand basket eh? Funny, those of us (a majority) elected Obama to do just exactly what he's doing (in most cases) and now…he's doing it…and…we love it.
It's really an attempt, completely untried of late, to demonstrate that we are earthlings first and Americans second…get it? Not that complicated and, if more would get on board we might be able to make it happen…and remain safe, free, prosperous and happy…yep, I'll go with the John Lenon quote thrown at me a few threads back…2 quotes really… the first being "give peace a chance" and the second being a bit more to the point at hand…
IMAGINE!
You can do it!
15 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 12:48 pm
Iran has over 523,000 personnel in active service.
In 2002, the Israeli army had 120,000 active duty soldiers and could mobilize as many as 530,000 more soldiers. (more now I'm betting)
It is believed that Israel maintains a nuclear arsenal of more than 100 weapons.
USA…Active personnel1,473,900
Reserve personnel1,458,500
Total nuclear weapons tests 1,054 detonations
Current stockpile 4,075 active, 5,535 total (est.)[1]
Maximum missile range 13,000 km (8,100 mi) (land)
Looks (on paper) as though perhaps we can take them…if need be. Do we need to prove it? Do you think they can't see the same figures and do the math? No one is that dim, they like to play act…sabre rattle…talk tough. Makes em feel good about themselves…
16 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Apparently they still are not over the whole"shah" thing, ungrateful wretches! We do and do and do for those kids and this is the thanks we get.
17 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Apparently they are STILL not over the whole "shah" thing, ungrateful wretches! We do and do and do for those kids and this is the thanks we get.
18 onlineanalyst // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:19 pm
boberin: Wake up and smell the coffee. Direct some of your snark to the nation's that have contributed the most to worldwide instability. They have some major roles in the UN, a place where thugs control the agenda.
http://www.forbes.com/2009/09/24/unga-obama-ahmad...
The world is shaping up into pre-1939 conditions. The axis of alliances endangers free nations. Obamao is gutting national defense and demoralizing our clandestine services as did Clinton pre-911.
Our debt is out of control, and our money is becoming more worthless day by day. Non-college age youth unemployment (16-24) is up over 52%; national unemployment is nearing 10%. Businesses are reluctant to expand or hire because the federal government has ham-handedly seized control.
Obamao is a failure who is destroying our country and its liberties, security, and economy.
19 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Well see, that's where we disagree. He's NOT ruining the country…he's making it better. So, some former "poor" countries are banding together in an attempt to improve their lot. Good for them and, in the long run, good for us. Help them…not with a "shah" of their very own…real help.
Rarely is a Lexus used as a car bomb
20 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:28 pm
CEO pay went from 40 times workers to over 500 times as much. That is NOT right nor can it be "justified"…if we're dying, we're killing ourselves. Without a vibrant and prosperous middle class there are no customers thus no need for goods. Middle class pay has been stagnant for more than 4 years…while CEO's earn more every year…this one included…do the math
21 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:32 pm
That means that me and 49 coworkers can work 50 years each, our entire lives (20 - 70 years old)…for a company that pays our entire lifetime aggregate pay to one person…for ONE YEARS labor…50 of us…our ENTIRE lives! Look at that again
Tell me what system makes that even remotely right, just, fair, equitable, any comparable adjective you like…? I can wait
We're killing our own dream, no need to look for a boogeyman
22 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:33 pm
That means that me and 9 coworkers can work 50 years each, our entire lives (20 - 70 years old)…for a company that pays our entire lifetime aggregate pay to one person…for ONE YEARS labor…50 of us…our ENTIRE lives! Look at that again
Tell me what system makes that even remotely right, just, fair, equitable, any comparable adjective you like…? I can wait
We're killing our own dream, no need to look for a boogeyman
23 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:34 pm
That means that me and 9 coworkers can work 50 years each, our entire lives (20 - 70 years old)…for a company that pays our entire lifetime aggregate pay to one person…for ONE YEARS labor…10 of us…our ENTIRE lives, for ONE YEARS CEO PAY! Look at that again
Tell me what system makes that even remotely right, just, fair, equitable, any comparable adjective you like…? I can wait
We're killing our own dream, no need to look for a boogeyman
24 ChileSerrano // Sep 28, 2009 at 1:38 pm
You sorta have to hand it to the Iranians. These missle tests are now totally dominating the news cycle, and as a consequence, nobody is talking about the recently-revealed existence of a second uranian enrichment facilty near the city of Qom. It's enough to make you think that they've been studying the media spin cycles here in the USA, & how they can be manipulated.
25 Libby_Gone // Sep 28, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Hey Bobber,
Apply for the CEO position. You have the right. I have been on ALL sides of the employment track and never griped about what someone else makes. I always have made enough, because I found happiness elsewhere. Material wealth is like the surface beauty of a woman, short lived and once gone an empty shell……..very empty.
26 onlineanalyst // Sep 28, 2009 at 3:37 pm
The rub is that Obamao has known about the uranium enrichment facitity for months (even before he took office, if what I have read is correct), yet he still insists on negotiating with Iran. Obamao is a naive fool who underestimates the threat that Iran poses to the whole ME and elsewhere.
27 onlineanalyst // Sep 28, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I agree L_G. I have never understood the politics of class envy. A person's salary is determined by what the company or board of directors determine what the worth of the employee is. Those who are dissatisfied are free to seek employment elsewhere or plead their case of their worth to the powers-that-be.
The ultra wealthy are the biggest contributors to the arts, museums, and foundations that allow the general public to afford attendance. The philanthropists come from this sector in the economic stratum. More power to them. Their wealth does not take away from my happiness.
The middle class is being bled out by taxes that subsidize the slackers. No "poor person" has ever created a job for anyone.
28 CallMeShelly // Sep 28, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Let them keep launching their stupid missiles. Soon they will run out of toys and perhaps put their energy to good use like taking care of their Jimmy Carter style elections.
Say, I think this would be a good time to tests our defense missiles. Good target practice if you ask me. But then Obama would rather stick his chin in the air, turn on the Teleprompter and tell the sound technician to turn the reverb up a bit. Makes him sound more manly you know.
29 ChileSerrano // Sep 28, 2009 at 4:05 pm
online : You are correct: we have known about the existence of this additional facility for "several years." Digging, clues revealed Iranian site.
U.S., British and French intelligence agencies had been sitting on their evolving intelligence for several years …
30 ChileSerrano // Sep 28, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Outsourcing Hate by P.J. O'Rourke.
I hadn't noticed I was a racist, but that was no doubt because I was too busy being a homophobe. Nancy Pelosi says the angry opposition to health care reform is like the angry opposition to gay rights that led to Harvey Milk being shot. Since I do not want America to suffer another Sean Penn movie, I will accept that I'm a homophobe, too. And I'm a male chauvinist due to the fact that I think Nancy Pelosi is blowing smoke-excuse me, carbon neutral, biodegradable airborne particulate matter-out her pantsuit.
31 onlineanalyst // Sep 28, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Bober: This tidbit with several supportive links indicates that it was not the bankers' financial incentives that led to the financial meltdown, contrary to received wisdom.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTYwNDY5...
32 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 7:09 pm
OMG all…they've really got you where they want you eh?
the top 1% of population is "paid"/controls 95% of the cash! If you think that's fair/just/correct/the right thing then that 1% is in LOVE with you. The myth that any one of us can join that club is alive and well in your minds but…that's the ONLY pace it exists. It's nowhere to be found in any sort of reality.
However, I agree with Libby. I've made more than most at time, make much less than that now…and the difference isn't that large but…and it's a BIG but…that doesn't make the current system right/fair/moral or any other feel good adjective…because it isn't…
33 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 7:09 pm
OMG all…they've really got you where they want you eh?
the top 1% of population is "paid"/controls 95% of the cash! If you think that's fair/just/correct/the right thing then that 1% is in LOVE with you. The myth that any one of us can join that club is alive and well in your minds but…that's the ONLY place it exists. It's nowhere to be found in any sort of reality.
However, I agree with Libby. I've made more than most at time, make much less than that now…and the difference isn't that large but…and it's a BIG but…that doesn't make the current system right/fair/moral or any other feel good adjective…because it isn't…
34 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Nope but I'm referring to ALL ceo's…and while still not entirely responsible, they sure aren't helping…are they?
The meltdown was largely due to our collective inabilty to add. Join that with our inability to see into the past and together we had little choice but to fail. Look up the "Comstock Load" sometime just for giggles. It was a mining venture that capitalized/profited far, far more from investor greed/stupidy that it ever could have from mining…mining was the "front" even though it was in and of itself, wildly sucessful.
Read about that and come back and assure me that we're in control or that we have even a smidgen of input as to how our savings are used/abused/removed…it's all a big shell game. The only way to lose is to play and the only way to avoid playing is to become Amish or the equivalent
35 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 7:18 pm
And as for these missles, they are/were not capable of carrying a warhead. In fact they are glorified (not much) scud missles…yeah the things that couldn't hit the broad side of the barn. If that's the best they have then I'll channel GW here…"bring it"!
36 Libby_Gone // Sep 28, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Bobber,
Dude ya know I like ya, cause ya put up with me.
Think about your last comment.
Those 'scuds' can loft a nuke……
close only counts in horseshoes,
hand grenades,
and,
Hydrogen Bombs.
-™Libby Gone cir 1979…………
37 onlineanalyst // Sep 28, 2009 at 7:43 pm
The Iranians are getting plenty of technological help and materiel from Russia and Venezuela to develop their weapons systems and payloads. Iran has not translated its oil wealth into refinery development, nor are their people being paid for their work. The country is a tinderbox of dissatisfaction among its citizens.
The Red Guards and the mullahs run the show, and their phonily elected president is bent on ushering in the chaos and apocolypse to welcome the 12th imam.
The missile shield that was to be put in place in Poland and the Czech Republic was a protection for not only Europe but the US in that the trajectory of bombs heads in that direction.
38 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Iran is getting help…and many, many countries are getting help too…most from us? You did see the arms export figures I cited the other day…right?
Iran isn't getting "help" from us merley because we played them for fools for years and years and…surprise…they're still miffed about it (I'm betting we'd feel pretty much the same were the roles reversed, any takers on that bet?)
39 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 8:07 pm
So, instead of paying us, they pay others…of course. There are few other choices so the ones they chose are no surprise.
As for Aminanutjob, you're right, who cares about him/his rhetoric? He's not now nor will he ever be in charge. And yes, the whole regime is in deep doo doo…but that makes at least shatting all the more imperative…much harder to vilify/hate/obliterate a live person, a person with a face…that's why we always name our enemies, Japs, Krauts, heathen savages (American Indians) etc…because it's much easier to kill them if you don't know they themselves or even (ideally) anything about their position on things.
Chatting can nealry ruin a perfectly horrible relationship and replace it with a modicum of understanding. That understanding can even breed (oh the horror) cooperation…unless we are very, very careful.
40 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 8:07 pm
But the mighty military complex does not profit as much from that sort of thing. They'd much rather convince us that the end is at hand whilst convicing the other side of much the same thing. Then they sell both weapons…us the "best" and the rest get the leftovers (so far).
So, to point at other nations attempting to arm/defend themselves (often from us) and say "my God man, what are you doing"? is just plain stupid/silly/rediculous/laughable…and a waste of time
41 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Iran is getting help…and many, many countries are getting help too…most from us. You did see the arms export figures I cited the other day…right?
Iran isn't getting "help" from us merley because we played them for fools for years and years and…surprise…they're still miffed about it (I'm betting we'd feel pretty much the same were the roles reversed, any takers on that bet?)
42 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 8:09 pm
So, instead of paying us, they pay others…of course. There are few other choices so the ones they chose are no surprise.
As for Aminanutjob, you're right, who cares about him/his rhetoric? He's not now nor will he ever be in charge. And yes, the whole regime is in deep doo doo…but that makes at least chatting all the more imperative…much harder to vilify/hate/obliterate a live person, a person with a face…that's why we always name our enemies, Japs, Krauts, heathen savages (American Indians) etc…because it's much easier to kill them if you don't know they themselves or even (ideally) anything about their position on things.
Chatting can nealry ruin a perfectly horrible relationship and replace it with a modicum of understanding. That understanding can even breed (oh the horror) cooperation…unless we are very, very careful.
43 boberinyetagain // Sep 28, 2009 at 8:16 pm
So the work was begun and the intent was suspected…when? What year was that? And, whatever the answer, what did the then current administration do about it? Then, based on that action, was the problem solved? Was a solution begun? A plan put in place? Did/has Obama sidetracked or ruined that response?
Well?
44 onlineanalyst // Sep 28, 2009 at 9:47 pm
One of the first lessons of growing up is to recognize that life is not fair. We are dealt a hand of cards (so to speak), and our satisfaction in life comes from how well we play that hand.
I love a line from The Princess Bride, which I will attempt to paraphrase: If anyone tells you that life is fair, he is trying to sell you something.
Historically, every nation that has attempted top-down command economies has made all of its citizens equally poor. The only ones who live like kings in those socialistic/communistic/fascistic societies are the political power brokers. The ambitious and hardworking folks are demoralized in such societies, for the distribution of goods is based on needs, not effort or productivity.
45 JamesonLewis3rd // Sep 28, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Support for the ObamaDon'tCare mandate continues to plummet with ever-increasing, supersonic velocity. Rumor has it that the major contributing factor in this alleged phenomenon is the bill's ephemeral and nebulous core of incredible mass, heavier than [(everything in the world put together) (pi)] squared.
Some are fer "it," some are agin "it," eh? Hmm….. Query: Are they all looking at the same "it?" And, if so, where is "it?" And, if not, then…..
Meanwhile, madmen increasingly supply evidence that they are like totally, stark-raving-mad and we all vicariously look down BHO's nose as they [the madmen] wave loaded weapons around, but we don't vicariously go on about our business-as-usual…..
How many American families are ready to start living off the land?
46 MajorDomo // Sep 29, 2009 at 12:54 am
Youse guys are forgetting Obummer’s pocket ace. To be used when all those strong talks prove ineffective: ACORN. As a final resort, he’ll ship a load of ACORNs over there and have Palestinians, Afghans, and dead Iranians from decades back voting him out of office. He’ll have to capitulate.
47 gafisher // Sep 29, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Earthlings?
48 gafisher // Sep 29, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Earthlings?!?
49 Pickerhead :: Pickings from the Webvine ::October 1, 2009 // Nov 29, 2011 at 3:51 pm
[...] Scrappleface is here. [...]
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