General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Chris Matthews just said "I'll get to the heart of this speech now".... [View all]wiggs
(7,814 posts)dangerous part is that a foreign leader conspired with radical elements of a political party to foment war and may succeed.
If you want an adversary to discuss, negotiate, compromise, keep coming to the table, engage, moderate talking points, advocate among hardliners at home, change minds, create change....YOU DON'T DO IT BY CONDEMNING YOUR ADVERSARY IN HARSHEST TERMS POSSIBLE, CALLING THEM NAMES, AND HAVE THE US CONGRESS GIVE YOU STANDING OVATIONS AND CONSTANT APPLAUSE. It leaves no room for discussion. It diminishes hope. It polarizes and gives strength to the extremists in both countries. It creates a wet blanket of animosity instead of an atmosphere of optimism.
This reminds me of Obama's wise observation during his first months in office, pertaining to the prospects of reaching compromise with rebublicans in congress. After being called every name in the book by not only gop pundits but by republican leaders and legislators -- socialist, marxist, dangerous for america, communist, etc etc -- Obama said that the republicans have given themselves no room to even discuss issues with the president, their sworn enemy. There was no where to go after republicans created such a polarizing, hateful environment...and Obama knew it.
They are throwing rocks at the two parties sitting in the street trying to diffuse a bomb.
Only the negotiators know the effect of this speech and display by congress...I hope both sides aren't hardened by it...I hope negotiators continue with optimism and hope...I hope they see the bloviation and stunts for what they are and can convince their leaders and constituencies they mean nothing in comparison.
I'm not really sure the Iranians have said they want to destroy Israel and the Jews (actual official quotes are not what become part of the western memes)...but I'm pretty sure that Netanyahu just advocated for a diminished, destroyed, powerless, impoverished Iran instead of a strong, modern, controlled, peaceful Iran. And I hope level heads on all sides prevail instead.