An Open Letter About Republicans, Ahmadinejad, Discourse and More

Is it my imagination, or are the Republicans getting just a little overzealous in their antagonism toward the new President of the United States? The latest development it would seem is the wink-wink agreement amoung themselves to say or do, this or that. Last week Republicans agreed that Obama's would be a "one term presidency". This week they have decided that President Obama's passion to reach out and communicate with world leaders is somehow irresponsible, somehow likely to increase the domestic potential for terrorism.

We recall that President G.W. Bush was reluctant to speak even with some of our traditional allies. We also recall that Iranian President Ahmadinejad, of late demonstrating wisdom and dedication to principle, was in the past most anxious to have discourse with our Government. Bush repeated that "We do not negotiate with terrorists". Negotiating does not demand that we make concessions, or agreements; it just indicates a willingness to sit and discuss our similarities, or differences. Failure to communicate leads to
misunderstanding.
'
Recall when President Ahmadinejad was granted the allowance to speak before the United Nations Security Council to defend Iran's nuclear rights. At that time then State Department spokesman Sean McCormack stated, "We have host country obligations, and we are going to live up those host country obligations", And yet Ahmadubejad's desire to speak was usurped by a late developing problem with visas.

In April of 2007, Iran captured a group of British Seamen. The Iranian government awarded a few medals for their capture, and then with some fanfare, released the men to their friends and families. One may say that the Iranian president did "the right thing."

Many Americans have expressed a pride in Obama, and have high hopes for the future, and the hope that our once good-name before the world will be restored. And yet the Republicans continue to be callous and non-supportive.

We can only hope that this non-productive lack of objectivity will soon transit to some more forward thinking American viewpoint.