Maverick Houston-area Republican Ron Paul today cast the only vote against a congressional resolution condemning the Iranian regime's violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. The House voted 405-1 for a Republican-authored resolution designed to tweak President Obama, who has been restrained in his rhetoric in the week since Iran's disputed presidential election. But the partisan game-playing ended up an exercise in bipartisan chest thumping when every House Democrat joined every Republican -- except Paul -- in voting for the resolution.
Nothing quite like taking a stand for democracy and human rights, eh? Or not. Granted, a Congressional resolution and $.50 might get you a latte at the Georgetown Starbucks, but what is so wrong and inappropriate with taking a principled stand for democracy and human rights? No, American official disapproval will do little to change the course of political reform in Iran, but why not let those who stole Iran's Presidential election know that the world is watching? Why not let them know that ultimately they're not going to get away with stealing democracy from the people of Iran?
Ron Paul is free to his opinion, just as I'm free to consider him an amoral, self-absorbed hack with a tenuous grip on reality. Contrary to what Paul may think, principle is not something to be indulged in to the exclusion of people. Though he may not be willing to acknowledge it, what happens in Iran over the next few days, weeks, and month will absolutely directly impact America. As the most powerful functional democracy in the world, it's absolutely incumbent upon us to let Iran know that the world is watching. The days of isolationism died with the advent of WWI. Whether or not Ron Paul cares to admit it or not, America is (and must be) involved in events in Iran. If he has his way, America will be seen for the self-righteous, self-absorbed hypocrisy that the Right far too often exhibits. Sadly, on this is issue, as on so many others, Ron Paul has demonstrated himself to be clueless and completely out of touch with even the most basic definition of humanity.
Anyone care to remind why so many wanted this idjit to be President? Good God, y'all; what were you thinking??
