Iranian Revolution (Day Eighteen)

Update (7/1/2009):Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Nineteen). End of Update:

Night chants of "Allah-o Akbar!" continue as it is the 'safest' form of protest (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/30/iran-uprising-live-bloggi_n_222970.html)



Ahmadinejad seemed to declare a victory by the state over the revolution saying; "Speaking before employees of the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, Ahmadinejad said the election served as a referendum on taking the country in the direction he had set for it. That includes, he said, a foreign policy focused on "breaking the monopoly" of world powers.

"The enemies were not able to reach their objectives for the soft overthrow of the system," he said, according to the semiofficial Iranian Labor News Agency, or ILNA. "The enemy is pursuing the objective of undermining the nation's capabilities after the 85% turnout at the polls."" (http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran1-2009jul01,0,4811927.story).

Allahpundit sees Ahmadinejad's aforementioned comments as a not so veiled threat against the Western countries that supported/support the protesters (http://hotair.com/archives/2009/06/30/ahmadinejad-kinda-sorta-vows-revenge-on-western-states-that-supported-protesters).

Ed Morrissey sees another not so veiled threat from Ahmadinejad against the protesters promising a violent crackdown on further unrest (http://hotair.com/archives/2009/06/30/iranian-mullahs-well-assume-protests-will-be-violent-from-now-on).

"Iran Khodro car workers take action against regime" (http://raymankojast.blogspot.com/2009/06/ran-khodro-car-workers-take-action.html). A signs of the protest shifting from street marches to economic undermining?

A report says that Mousavi will not be allowed to run for president again (http://niacblog.wordpress.com/2009/06/30/iran-updates-june-30). No big shocker there. Also at that source is a link to people who believe that Israel is behind the revolution and a disturbing description of the treatment the protest prisoners are receiving. Full description at http://50mbuffalos.mono.net/11370/Evin%20Prison.

Most of the countries comprising the European Union are preparing to withdraw their diplomats over the Iranian detention of the British embassy workers; (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/cbe7aa64-6598-11de-8e34-00144feabdc0.html) "Most of the European Union’s 27 member states will recall their ambassadors from Tehran as early as this weekend if the Iranian authorities refuse to free four local employees of the British embassy who were arrested last Saturday.

Amid continuing anger across Europe over the arrests of the employees – linked by Tehran to the opposition protests over the disputed outcome of the June 12 presidential election – senior EU diplomats said a co-ordinated diplomatic protest would take place “within days”.".

Al Jazeera talk about "Obama's strategies failing in Iran" as well as commenting on the length of time it took for Obama to say anything (http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2009/06/200962953642450747.html [via http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/pigs-fly-aljazeera-slams-obama-for-his.html]).

Elizabeth Palmer thinks that Mousavi has/is blown/blowing the chance to force change in Iran (http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/30/world/worldwatch/entry5125321.shtml).

Assuming the protesters do not overthrow the government, Jennifer Rubin opines on what the next step for Obama could be regarding engagement with Iran (http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/obamas-engagement-policy-with-iran-is-dead-whats-next).

Cyrus Farivar calls on Silicon Valley to "step up, help Iranians" (protesters that is) (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/30/ED4318FMT4.DTL).

Your ridicules political shot using (abusing) the Iranian protest comes from Max Blumenthal who compares the murder of Neda to the general 'plight of the Palestinians' (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-blumenthal/neda-in-palestine-sentenc_b_222854.html [via http://americanpowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/despicable-huffington-post-equates-iran.html]). William Jacobson points out fairly succinctly "Neda Never Strapped On A Bomb" (http://legalinsurrection.blogspot.com/2009/06/neda-never-strapped-on-bomb.html).

This is a few days old, but still worthy of a belated mention. Poet Simin Behbahani (aka "the lioness of Iran") tells the protesters "Don't give up the fight for freedom" and wrote a poem for Neda (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/06/poet_simin_behbahani_says_neda.html).

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Iranian Election Viewed as Rigged
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Riots Continue
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Three)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Four)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest at Union Square (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Five)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Six)
Berman Post: Prayer Vigil For The Fallen Iranian Protesters (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Seven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eight)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Nine)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Ten)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eleven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Twelve)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Thirteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fourteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fifteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Sixteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Seventeen)

Coleman Concedes, Franken Wins Senate Seat, Democratic Super Majority

Al Franken is now officially the victor in the Minnesota senate race. Coleman has conceded and Franken has given his victory speech (see links below). His victory means that Democrats now have 60 seats in the senate; the magic number referred to as a filibuster proof "Super Majority". If the Democrats can keep all of their people in line then they can pass anything they want and the Republicans have no ability to stop them.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090630/pl_nm/us_usa_senate_minnesota

Coleman concedes: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=14247517&ch=4226716&src=news.

Franken's victory speech: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=14247455&ch=4226716&src=news.

More thoughts at http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/06/023933.php from people who have been keeping a close eye on this from the beginning.

"National Sovereignty Day" in Iraq

Today is "National Sovereignty Day" in Iraq. It is the day that the United States (and allies) hand over full control of major Iraqi population centers to Iraqi forces. The United States has begun to withdraw from those areas. American forces are not going far and can/will respond when needed. There will still be some American troops in the cities taking on 'advisory roles'. No hard number on exactly how many advisers will remain in the cities have been given.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529510,00.html

"Iraq officially took control of its fate Tuesday as the U.S. pulled its combat troops out of Baghdad and other cities and towns, handing over security responsibilities to Iraqi forces.

The withdrawal completed the Status of Forces agreement signed last November, and touched off celebrations in Baghdad and other cities.
...
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki declared Tuesday to be "National Sovereignty Day," complete with a military parade to display to Iraqis — and a still stubborn insurgency — its ability to maintain order in a nation ravaged by six years of war."

Chilling Words of The Mumbai (India) Terrorists

The chilling words of the Mubai terrorists have been released. http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/06/the-chilling-words-of-the-muslim-mumbai-killers-recorded-during-their-murder-spree-keep-killing-keep.html has the transcripts from some of the Mumbai terrorists' phone conversations during the attack. There is also a transcript from the surviving terrorist being interrogated by authorities.

From the interrogation:
"Interrogator: 'And how many people did you kill?'
Kasab: 'I don't know. I just kept firing and firing.'
Interrogator: 'And this job. What time was it supposed to finish?'
Kasab: 'They said as long as you're alive, keep killing, keep killing, the dogs.'"

If there was any doubt to how cold blooded these terrorist were:

"Wasi: 'Do one of them now, in the name of God. You've tied them up, right?'
Akasha: 'Yeah. I'll untie their feet.'
Wasi: 'Just stand them up. If they're tied up, leave them tied up.'
Akasha then raises another objection. He doesn't want to kill the two women in the room where he and Umer are sitting.
Wasi: 'It'll only take two shots. Do it in the room where you are now.'
Akasha: 'All right, yes.'
Wasi: 'Do it. Shoot them and shove them over to one side of the room.'
Akasha shuffles off somewhere but leaves the line open. Wasi holds the line for a full seven minutes. He calls Akasha's name a few times, then hangs up. In the next call, ten minutes later, Akasha seems more upbeat.
Akasha: 'Please don't be angry. I've rejigged things a bit and now...'
Wasi: 'Have you done the job yet or not?'
Akasha: 'We were just waiting for you to call back, so we could do it while you're on the phone.'
Wasi: 'Do it, in God's name.'
Akasha: 'Just a sec... hold the line...'
Akasha places the phone in his pocket. There is a lot of rustling (presumably Akasha crawling over to the hostages) followed by silence. Then a loud burst of gunfire. And then silence. More rustling, then Akasha is back. His voice has changed markedly. It's now a deep, eerie rasp.
Wasi: 'That was one of them, right?'
Akasha: 'Both.'"

Keep in mind that these terrorists brutally tortured their captives before killing them, exerting 'extra effort' on a Rabbi and his pregnant wife including sexually assaulting them before mutilating their genitalia's.

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Terror Strikes in Mumbai (India)
Berman Post: Terror Strikes in Mumbai (India) - Day Two
Berman Post: Terror Strikes in Mumbai (India) - Day Three
Berman Post: Terror Strikes in Mumbai (India) Revelation - Hostages Tortured
Berman Post: Terror Strikes in Mumbai (India) Aftermath - Burial News
Berman Post: Terror Strikes in Mumbai (India) - Video from Sky News

Obama's 'Evil Eye'

President Obama has a new look reserved for those that world leaders who's view differs from his. Drudge has used the term "evil eye" to describe the look. Netanyahu, Merkel, Berlusconi, Uribev and some White House reporter have all been on the reciving end of the look.

Pictures embedded below. (from http://www.drudgereport.com/flashoe.htm)

Obama's Speech Interrupted by ... Quacking

If you are not going to turn your phone off at a major event/speech you should utilize either the silent or vibrate function.

Video embedded below. (from http://www.breitbart.tv/whose-duck-back-there-ringtone-interrupts-obama-during-lgbt-speech)



Some thoughts on Obama's LGBT speech at http://hotair.com/archives/2009/06/29/obama-to-gays-im-totally-going-to-help-you-out-just-not-right-now, which also links to this highlight video.

Iranian Revolution (Day Seventeen)

Update (6/30/2009):Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eighteen). End of Update:

The 'recount' is over and Ahmadinejad has been confirmed as the winner (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090629/ts_nm/us_iran).

Protesters apparently tried to form a human chain (http://shooresh1917.blogspot.com/2009/06/im-ana-darvish.html); "At Mellat park,Valieasr Sq,Vanak Sq and Valieasr street pedestrian way,people have took each other's hands and trying to make a human chain.".

Here is a video that appears to be from yesterdays protests. You can see the guard on the roof appear to fire indiscriminately at protesters (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/amazing-film-captures-basij-thugs.html).



This is a video that appears to show a dead female protester being taken away by an ambulance (http://www.citizentube.com/2009/06/young-girl-shot-carried-away-by.html).



Some of the arrested protesters could be spending a lot of time locked up (http://niacblog.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/iran-updates-june-29); "Intelligence Minister says some of the arrested “will not be released.”

According to BBC Persian, Gholam Hossein Mohseni-Ejeie, the minister of intelligence, just introduced a new criteria for prosecuting arrested individuals.".

Five of the British embassy employees taken by the Iranian government have been released (http://www.politics.co.uk/news/foreign-policy/five-embassy-staff-freed-by-iran-$1307489.htm). There are others still being held.

Hillary Clinton condemned the "harassment" of the British diplomats (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090629/pl_afp/iranunrestbritaindiplomacyus [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/29/iran-uprising-live-bloggi_n_222087.html]).

Rasmussen poll - 42% say Obama's response to Iran is just right, 40% say no aggressive enough, 5% say too aggressive, 13% not sure (http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/general_current_events/40_say_obama_not_aggressive_enough_in_supporting_iranian_reformers_42_say_his_response_has_been_just_right). More interesting, if slightly disheartening, info at the source.

Iranian state media is once again trying to shift the blame for Neda's death (http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/06/29/world/worldwatch/entry5121532.shtml). I do not think anyone will buy this version who did not fall for their last pathetic attempt. Meanwhile, Ahmadinejad is calling for an 'investigation' into her death (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529391,00.html).

Afghanistan is starting to clamp down on media coveradge of Iran (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/71009.html); "Last week, however, the Iranian Consulate in this Afghan city near the Iranian border complained to the Afghan Ministry of Culture that the student newspaper, "Pegah," was inappropriately critical of Tehran's crackdown against pro-democracy demonstrators.

The newspaper was closed for 10 days, the university fired the responsible journalists and the paper was reopened with no news of the protests.". Hopefully this is just one misguided official and as the incident is publicized it will be reversed instead of spreading.

Fareed Zakaria thinks this revolution will come to an end without overthrowing the government, though it may have struck a fatal blow long term (http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/fareed_zakaria/2009/06/no_velvet_revolution_for_iran.html).

A. Savyon thinks opines similarly (http://www.memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=IA52909).

The Iranian soccer players may not have been punished by being 'permanently retired' for wearing green (http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=99287).

Bon Jovi has voiced his support for the protesters (http://www.newsmax.com/us/ml_iran_musical_protesters/2009/06/28/229455.html). This could be the start of a number of high profile people openly voicing their support.

Trying to put a face on the dead and detained at http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2009/jun/29/iran-election-dead-detained (via http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/06/iran-day-16-of-the-revolution-vultures-proved-wrong.html). Head over to see if you can help, they need it.

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Iranian Election Viewed as Rigged
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Riots Continue
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Three)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Four)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest at Union Square (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Five)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Six)
Berman Post: Prayer Vigil For The Fallen Iranian Protesters (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Seven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eight)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Nine)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Ten)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eleven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Twelve)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Thirteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fourteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fifteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Sixteen)

Bernard Madoff Sentenced to 150 Years

Bernard Madoff, the man who pulled off the largest private Ponzi scheme in history, has been sentence to 150 years in prison. Given his age, even a 30 year term would have likely been the equivalent of a life sentence. 150 years may be seen as excessivexzc and reduced, but he will likely spend the rest of his life in jail.

More at http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/29/news/economy/madoff_prison_sentence.

Sotomayor's Ricci Decision Overruled by The Supreme Court

In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court ruled that the firefighters who were denied promotion because not enough (any) black applicants scored well enough on the test to deserve a promotion, were unfairly discriminated against (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/29/AR2009062901608_pf.html). Well, the ruling is more nuanced then that, but the ruling is in favor of the firefighters who were denied promotion. Sotomayor had ruled against the firefighters.

The Obama administration is saying that the close ruling shows that Sotomayor is not an activist (http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D994HS400).

In one sense this decision supports the notion that Sotomayor would not change the ideological balance of the court. The fact that it was close (5 to 4) will not hurt her chances of being confirmed to the supreme court as much as if the decision was more lopsided. While the actual vote may not have a significant impact, there is another potential problem she may face from this case.

Ed Whelan explains that while the ruling was 5-4, all nine supreme court justices sided against Sotomayor (http://bench.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTBhOTEzMTZhMmMyNDczNTE5MjA4MTI0Mjk1Zjc5MDA=); "Ginsburg doesn’t believe that final disposition of the case is appropriate. She and her fellow dissenters therefore believe that Sotomayor and her Second Circuit colleagues and the district court were wrong to grant summary judgment to the City of New Haven.".

Jonathan Adler opines similarly (http://volokh.com/archives/archive_2009_06_28-2009_07_04.shtml#1246287417); "the fact that it took the Court nearly 100 pages to resolve this question does cast a shadow over the Second Circuit panel's handling of the case, and may raise questions about her judgment. Initially, the panel upon which Sotomayor sat was ready to dispose of the case with an unpublished, unsigned summary order. Whatever the reasons for this (and we've seen some speculation), it's difficult to argue that this case was a simple no brainer of the sort that would justify that sort of resolution — and it's difficult to square the justifications for this disposition with the panel's subsequent decision to affirm the district court with a one paragraph, precedential opinion. The length of the Supreme Court's opinions (a 34-page majority, 39-page dissent, and two concurrences) is evidence that the case raised difficult and weighty issues. It reinforces the position of Judge Sotomayor's colleagues who criticized the panel's initial disposition and, on their own initiative (and without the filing of a petition for rehearing en banc), sought full court review of the case.".

Basically; Sotomayor's main potential problem from this case is not her decision, it is the process she used.

Will this be disqualifying, probably not. It will likely provide some fodder for the Republicans who will question her during the confirmation hearings.

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Supreme Court Justice David Souter Will Retire
Berman Post: Obama Comments On Supreme Court Justice David Souter's Retirement
Berman Post: Specter's Defection May Hurt Obama in Picking a New Supreme Court Justice
Berman Post: ObamasFrontrunners.com
Berman Post: Obama Nominates Sonia Sotomayor For Supreme Court Justice
Berman Post: Is Sotomayor a Racist?
Berman Post: When Life Experience Apparently Matters (in Politics)
Berman Post: Harry Reid on Sotomayor - "She's Written Hundreds And Hundreds of Opinions. I Haven't Read a Single One of Them"
Berman Post: Sotomayor Made Other Sexist Comments
Berman Post: Aide To Sotomayor - "Don't Answer Any Questions", Sotomayor to Aide - "I Know"
Berman Post: Sotomayor Was a Member of La Raza For Six Years
Berman Post: Sotomayor's Senior Thesis
Berman Post: Sotomayor Repeatedly Made 'Wise Latino Woman' Statements
Berman Post: Sotomayor Questionnaire Omits Death Penalty Memo, Said Death Penalty Is Racist
Berman Post: Sotomayor And Liberalism (She Said She Does Not Know What Liberalism is After Calling Herself One)
Berman Post: Does Sotomayor's Past Shows a Propensity to be Swept Away by Radical Causes or Theories That Relate to Her Identity?
Berman Post: Sotomayor Fractures Her Ankle
Berman Post: Confirmation Hearings For Sotomayor Start July 13
Berman Post: Sotomayor - "I Am A Product Of Affirmative Action"
Berman Post: 300 New Boxes of Sotomayor's Work Discovered

Iranian Revolution (Day Sixteen)

Update (6/29/2009):Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Seventeen). End of Update:

Protesters took to the streets today again in substantial numbers. An estimated 7,000 to 20,000 people turned out. That is way down from the initial waves. The lack of needed support from the outside world and the absolute slaughter appears to be continuing to cut down on their numbers. This could still be a case of the word not getting out about more, but it seems highly unlikely that the number from today is even close to the start. Hopefully this just signals a general shift from street marches to undermining the government economically as apposed to the revolution coming to a brutal end.

José Maria Aznar opines similarly "Silence Has Consequences for Iran" (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124605649582063489.html).

The Iranian government has arrested eight British embassy workers in Tehran. They are accused of "playing major parts" in the uprising/protests (employeeshttp://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-iran-britishembassy28-2009jun28,0,7411437.story).

Two videos from today (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/7000-protesters-clash-with-police-in.html):





Here is an arrest reportedly from today.



Here is a picture (http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/06/iran-revolution-day-15-and-thousands-take-to-the-streets.html).



Despite everything that has gone down over the last two weeks, the Obama administration is still open to talking with the Iranian government (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/1117883.html [http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/34057_Obama_Officials_Say_Talks_with_Iran_Still_Going_Ahead]); "The Obama administration is open to discussions with Iran over its nuclear ambitions despite protests questioning the legitimacy of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election, U.S. officials said Sunday."

Sudarsan Raghavan on the 'Role of Women In Iranian Protests' (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/27/AR2009062702416.html).

China, Cuba and Burma have been censoring the news regarding Iran in their country (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/26/AR2009062604343.html).

Thoughts on Twitter and the situation in Iran (http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1245845988303&pagename=Zone-English-HealthScience%2FHSELayout [via http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/80970]).

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Iranian Election Viewed as Rigged
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Riots Continue
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Three)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Four)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest at Union Square (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Five)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Six)
Berman Post: Prayer Vigil For The Fallen Iranian Protesters (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Seven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eight)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Nine)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Ten)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eleven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Twelve)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Thirteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fourteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fifteen)

Billy Mays Found Dead

Pitchman extraordinaire Billy Mays was found dead in his house this morning. It is not clear what he died from but foul play is not suspected. There were no signs of forced entrance into his house. A few statements have been released;

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/28/billy-mays-is-dead

"Billy's wife Deborah just released the following statement: "Although Billy lived a public life, we don't anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days. Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times."

Discovery Channel spokeswoman Elizabeth Hillman released a statement Sunday that reads, "Everyone that knows him was aware of his larger-than-life personality, generosity and warmth. Billy was a pioneer in his field and helped many people fulfill their dreams. He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend.""

More at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529328,00.html.

300 New Boxes of Sotomayor's Work Discovered

About 300 previously undiscovered boxes of Sotomayor's work have surfaced. They were from when she was working at the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund. The Republicans want more time to go through these documents. No word on if the Democrats will give it to them, but I would doubt it.

http://www.rollcall.com/news/36363-1.html

"Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Sunday said the Senate needs more time to review the record of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor after new material surfaced from her time with the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund.

“Just a day or so ago, we discovered that there are 300 or so boxes of additional material that has just been discovered from her time working with the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund,” McConnell said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday.”

“The committee needs to have access to that material and time to work through it so we know all the facts before we vote on a person who is up for a lifetime job,” McConnell said."

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Supreme Court Justice David Souter Will Retire
Berman Post: Obama Comments On Supreme Court Justice David Souter's Retirement
Berman Post: Specter's Defection May Hurt Obama in Picking a New Supreme Court Justice
Berman Post: ObamasFrontrunners.com
Berman Post: Obama Nominates Sonia Sotomayor For Supreme Court Justice
Berman Post: Is Sotomayor a Racist?
Berman Post: When Life Experience Apparently Matters (in Politics)
Berman Post: Harry Reid on Sotomayor - "She's Written Hundreds And Hundreds of Opinions. I Haven't Read a Single One of Them"
Berman Post: Sotomayor Made Other Sexist Comments
Berman Post: Aide To Sotomayor - "Don't Answer Any Questions", Sotomayor to Aide - "I Know"
Berman Post: Sotomayor Was a Member of La Raza For Six Years
Berman Post: Sotomayor's Senior Thesis
Berman Post: Sotomayor Repeatedly Made 'Wise Latino Woman' Statements
Berman Post: Sotomayor Questionnaire Omits Death Penalty Memo, Said Death Penalty Is Racist
Berman Post: Sotomayor And Liberalism (She Said She Does Not Know What Liberalism is After Calling Herself One)
Berman Post: Does Sotomayor's Past Shows a Propensity to be Swept Away by Radical Causes or Theories That Relate to Her Identity?
Berman Post: Sotomayor Fractures Her Ankle
Berman Post: Confirmation Hearings For Sotomayor Start July 13
Berman Post: Sotomayor - "I Am A Product Of Affirmative Action"

Top 100 Movie Lines in 200 Seconds

This is exactly what you would expect given the title, though you may disagree with the lines chosen. Most of them you will recognize even if you never saw the movie the line was uttered in.

Video embedded below. (from http://www.liquidgeneration.com/Media/Videos/LG_Originals/Top_10_Lists/100_Best_Movie_Lines_in_200_Seconds)

NATO And Russia to Resume Military Relations

Russia and NATO will resume the military relationship they had before it was broken off because of the war Russia fought with Georgia. The NATO-Russia Council is already running.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/06/27/nato.russia/index.html

"NATO and Russia have agreed to restart their military relationship, nearly a year after it had been frozen over the war in Georgia, the top NATO official said on Saturday.

"The NATO-Russia Council is up and running again also at the political level," said NATO Secretary- General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, speaking at a meeting of ministers in Corfu, Greece."

Iranian Revolution (Day Fifteen)

Update (6/28/2009):Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Sixteen). End of Update:

Is the revolution losing steam (http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/27/world/main5118600.shtml and http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2009/06/26/the_end_of_the_beginning)? It is hard to keep up the intensity while unarmed and being massacred watching the rest of the free world act as curious bystanders instead not getting involved or offing support.

The fight spread as people in Sweden attacked the Iranian embassy (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090626/ap_on_re_eu/eu_sweden_iran_embassy). The Iranian embassy in Switzerland was attacked as well (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/protesters-attack-iranian-embassy-in.html).





Ahmadinejad attacks Obama again (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529246,00.html).

The night raids continue (http://www.reuters.com/article/Iran/idUSTRE55Q1V720090627).

Candle light vigil for the fallen in Tehran University (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/battered-body-of-iranian-activist.html).



Overall it seems to have been a relatively quite day. It is hard to tell if that means that the government crackdown is starting to have a real impact or if the information flow has been clapped. Either way, a few more days in a row like this is likely a bad sign.

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Iranian Election Viewed as Rigged
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Riots Continue
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Three)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Four)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest at Union Square (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Five)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Six)
Berman Post: Prayer Vigil For The Fallen Iranian Protesters (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Seven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eight)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Nine)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Ten)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eleven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Twelve)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Thirteen)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fourteen)

Take a Friend to Your Next Job Interview

What good friends are for.

Video embedded below. (from http://www.theospark.net/2009/06/job-interview-take-friend.html)

Sneeze

Sneeze is a virus spreading game. You move your person around various rooms with the arrow keys and then sneeze by pressing the space bar. You only get one sneeze, but the people you infect with your sneeze will continue on their path for a moment, then sneeze themselves in turn potentially infecting others. To get to the next level you have to infect a certain percentage of the people in the room. There are three different types of people divided by age and signified by their shirt color. Each type reacts is worth a different number of points and helps you spread the disease differently.

You get a virus or sneeze 'fun fact' at the beginning of each level.

Play at Sneeze http://www.routesgame.com/games/?challengeId=2.

Iranian Revolution (Day Fourteen)

Update (6/27/2009):Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fifteen). End of Update:

Clerics are broadcasting the message that some of the protesters should be executed (http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D992DNJO0&show_article=1 and http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=7935256). This could be a signal that the bloody crackdown may move from the violent streets to the courtroom.

Videos embedded below. In the first one (VERY Graffic Warning) you see a man shot dead. The second video is a few days old, but you can see the government forces shooting from the roof top (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/killer-iranian-regime-shoots-man-in.html).





Picture of courage or photoshopped (http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/06/iran-revolution-day-14-makeshift-hospitals-news-blackout.html)? http://iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk/2009/06/oh-no-she-dint.html says photoshop [via http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/80843].



The protesters put together a 'beat it' video.



Protesters are asking Israel for help (http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/132073)

Obama makes another statement, once again stronger then past (http://hotair.com/archives/2009/06/26/wow-obama-kinda-sorta-backs-mousavi). Once he gets over excusing his past statements (mistakes) Obama says what he should have said over a week ago.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

More on his comments at http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D992FBVG0&show_article=1.

McCain (R), Lieberman (D) and Graham (R) to introduce legislation meant to help the protesters get around the government's internet blocks/restrictions (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/25/senators-to-introduce-iran-legislation).

Charles Krauthammer on how the protesters need their Yeltsin for the revolution to succeed (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/25/AR2009062503361.html).

John Bolton advocates for regime change (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-bolton26-2009jun26,0,5709858.story).

Ion Mihai Pacepa pens an open letter to Pásdárán (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Generals) (http://spectator.org/archives/2009/06/26/an-open-letter-to-the-psdrn-ge); "I appeal to you, generals of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, the Pásdárán: Do what I did! Defend the people, not the tyrant. I am a two-star general who was once at the top of communist Romania's version of the Pásdárán, the Securitate, and I learned the hard way that no tyrant can keep a country's people enchained for ever.

I have been in your shoes. In December 1988, the Romanians took to the streets to overthrow their two-bit Dracula dictator, Ceausescu, just re-enthroned at the end of a rigged election, just as the people of Iran are trying now to get rid of their Hitler-style dictator, just re-enthroned at the end of another rigged election. Like Ahmadinejad, Ceausescu also ordered his security forces to open fire against the population.

I sided with the people."

Neda's father has apparently been forced to say that the protesters killed his daughter (http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NzViMjQ0NDUxODhhYzRkYjRiMjQ3ZTk2ZjFiODJlMDU=).

"Arab Activists Watch Iran And Wonder: 'Why Not Us?'"; the dominoes are falling... (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/25/AR2009062504415.html).

"U.S. denied Iran official visa for U.N. meeting: envoy" (http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Iran/idUSTRE55P4RG20090626)

Could Ahmadinejad be better for the United States than Moussavi would be (http://www.esquire.com/the-side/war-room/ahmadinejad-vs-moussavi-iran-policy-062509)? My vote is always for freedom.

If this involved Israel, the UN would be acting a lot more forceful and would have done so quickly (http://frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=35365).

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Iranian Election Viewed as Rigged
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Riots Continue
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Three)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Four)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest at Union Square (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Five)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Six)
Berman Post: Prayer Vigil For The Fallen Iranian Protesters (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Seven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eight)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Nine)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Ten)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eleven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Twelve)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Thirteen)

One Billion Dollar For the F-22 And F-35 to Much For Obama

Obama has threatened to veto the defense bill if it contains a billion dollars in spending for the F-22 and F-35 combined. This seems a bit strange at first stroke. Is Obama trying to take some sort of position against waist full spending by indicating great concern over a relatively small sum of money given all his other programs? Does he not care as much about military spending? He could just think that the spending is not needed. All things considered, I would much rather spend a bit to much and be a bit to prepared in the defense sphere than the ridiculous overspending and waist we have seen in many of his other bills.

http://hotair.com/archives/2009/06/26/white-house-threatens-veto-over-defense-systems-in-budget

"Jake Tapper reports that the inclusion of money for the F-22 and an alternative engine for its competitor F-35 fighters may get a presidential bounce for the entire defense budget:

Congress and the White House appear headed for a collision. The White House this week threatened to veto a defense bill if it includes military spending that Defense Secretary Gates outlined as wasteful and unnecessary. The House passed the $680 billion bill with those provisions Thursday, by a vote of 389-22.

Specifically, President Obama opposes the inclusion of $369 million in the bill for more F-22 fighter jets and $603 million for development and procurement of the alternative engine program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.

If the final bill presented to the president contains either of those provision, a White House statement released Wednesday threatened, “the president’s senior advisors would recommend a veto.”

Um, seriously? For the record, the combined total of these two programs amounts to:

• 0.13% of Porkulus


• 0.14% of the defense bill


• 0.0972% of what Obama claims ObamaCare will cost


• 0.075% of what the CBO claims ObamaCare will cost


• 0.024% of what ObamaCare will actually cost

"

Obama's Health Care Plan

Two points of particular interest.

First:
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/06/023894.php

"With the advent of Obamacare, there will be a lot more of this:

President Obama suggested at a town hall event Wednesday night that one way to shave medical costs is to stop expensive and ultimately futile procedures performed on people who are about to die and don't stand to gain from the extra care.

In a nationally televised event at the White House, Obama said families need better information so they don't unthinkingly approve "additional tests or additional drugs that the evidence shows is not necessarily going to improve care."



He added: "Maybe you're better off not having the surgery, but taking the painkiller."

And remember, in the words of singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen, "there ain't no cure for love."

"

Second:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/HealthCare/story?id=7919991&page=1

"Dr. Orrin Devinsky, a neurologist and researcher at the New York University Langone Medical Center, said that elites often propose health care solutions that limit options for the general public, secure in the knowledge that if they or their loves ones get sick, they will be able to afford the best care available, even if it's not provided by insurance.

Devinsky asked the president pointedly if he would be willing to promise that he wouldn't seek such extraordinary help for his wife or daughters if they became sick and the public plan he's proposing limited the tests or treatment they can get.

The president refused to make such a pledge, though he allowed that if "it's my family member, if it's my wife, if it's my children, if it's my grandmother, I always want them to get the very best care.".

Obama likely did not want it to come across like this, but it seems the plan to keep costs down is to deny treatment, exactly what most conservatives are afraid off. That is that the government would have the final say over if you live or die. Importantly, those connected enough (like Obama's family) would not have any need to worry. If the system is not good enough for Obama and his family, why is he trying to push it on everyone else?

Amazing Picture of an Erupting Volcano From Space

Sarychev Peak volcano erupting as seen from the International Space Station.

Pictures embedded below. (from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1195215/Stunning-pictures-hole-clouds-astronauts-witness-volcano-eruption-International-Space-Station.html)

Michael Jackson Dies of an Apparent Heart Attack

Michael Jackson, the 'King of Pop', has died from a suspected heart attack. He was 50 years old.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/06/25/michael-jackson-dies-death-dead-cardiac-arrest

"We've just learned Michael Jackson has died. He was 50.

Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. We're told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back."

Iranian Revolution (Day Thirteen)

Update (6/26/2009):Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Fourteen). End of Update:

Mousavi defied the crackdown (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8118783.stm and http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran-mousavi26-2009jun26,0,2461818.story), and was arrested (house arrest) because of it (http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/breaking-mousavi-placed-under-house.html).

Aftermath of some rioting and some video from the protests yesterday (http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/06/the-revolution.html) (Mild Warning for the second video).





Of the 290 MPs that were invited to Ahmadinejad's victory party only 105 turned up ; snub, siding with the protesters, waiting to see who win... (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8118139.stm [via http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/80794]).

The protesters deserve full support (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124588821030550761.html), but does that mean that US soldiers will end up on the ground in Iran (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0609/24154.html).

If the government crushes the protesters would that make an Israeli strike more likely (http://ace.mu.nu/archives/289003.php). I do not think it really has any bearing except that a strike would not be necessary if they stop trying to develop nukes which might happen if the protesters win.

Ahmadinejad warning Obama not to turn into Bush (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/5634999/Irans-Mahmoud-Ahmadinejad-hits-out-at-Barack-Obama.html).

The events in Iran are proving once again how useless the United Nations really is (http://networkedblogs.com/p6574613).

For the power structure of the Iranian government, head to http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/mapping-illegitimate-coup-detat-regimes.html.

More on the cyberwar at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124588664257550551.html.

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Iranian Election Viewed as Rigged
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Riots Continue
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Three)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Four)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest at Union Square (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Five)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Six)
Berman Post: Prayer Vigil For The Fallen Iranian Protesters (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Seven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eight)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Nine)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Ten)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eleven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Twelve)

Gilad Shalit to be Released?

Captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit may be on his way back home to Israel. He was captured exactly three years ago today. Perhaps the most promising aspect in the news is a word that is missing; that word is 'body'. It does not say that his 'body' is being transferred, but that he is. Hopefully I am not reading to much into it, but that could mean that he is still alive.

No word on if this deal/agreement will ever be made public, but it would be interesting to see what it says. The problem with any deal is that it may encourage more cross boarder raids with the goal of capturing more Israeli soldiers to make deals with.

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1095663.html

"European diplomatic sources said Thursday that kidnapped Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit will be transferred to Egypt in the coming hours or coming days.

This information has yet to be confirmed by Israeli officials.

According to the European sources, Shalit's transfer is the first stage of an agreement between the various Palestinian factions, assisted by Egyptian mediation and done in coordination with the United States and with the support of Syria."

Anonymous Declares War on Chinese Internet Censorship

The hacker group 'Anonymous' has issued a manifesto. In it they declaring a cyberwar on China to fight the internet censorship. That battle royal is set to begin July first. That day every computer sold in China must have 'Green Dam Youth Escort' installed. While others are choosing to mark that day with protest (http://government.zdnet.com/?p=5018), 'Anonymous' instead is refusing to accept what the Chinese government is imposing on its citizens on their behalf.

http://government.zdnet.com/?p=5022

"It is now clear as day: what you want is the complete control and censorship of the Internet. We hereby declare that we, the Anonymous Netizens, are going

to launch our attack worldwide on your censorship system starting on July 1st, 2009.

For the freedom of the Internet, for the advancement of Internetization, and for our rights, we are going to acquaint your censorship machine with

systematic sabotage and show you just how weak the claws of your censorship really are. We are going to mark you as the First Enemy of the Internet. This is

not a single battle; it is but the beginning of a war. ...

NOBODY wants to topple your regime. We take no interest whatsoever in your archaic view of state power and your stale ideological teachings. ...

We are the Anonymous Netizens. We are the sum of the world’s entire online population. We are coordinated. We are dominant. We are innumerable. For every

one of us that falls, another ten joins. We are omnipresent. We are omnipotent. We are unstoppable. We have no weaknesses. We utilize every weakness. We are

the humanity under every mask. We are the mirrors of conscience. We are created equal. We are born free. We are an army. We do not forgive. We do not

forget.

LIBERTY LEADS THE INTERNET.

WE’RE COMING."

Obama to Reestablish Diplomatic Relations With Syria And Venezuela

No surprise here as this has been part of Obama's plans from when he was in the Democratic primaries.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/24/obama-return-ambassador-syria

"The Obama administration has decided to return an ambassador to both Venezuela and Syria after a diplomatic hiatus with both countries, FOX News confirmed Wednesday.

The United States and Venezuela have been working to reinstate ambassadors to each other's capitals since Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in April at the Summit of the Americas, a State Department official said. The move would reverse a tit-for-tat the countries had last year, when Venezuela kicked out the U.S. ambassador and the United States did the same to Venezuela's envoy.
...
The diplomatic freeze with Syria dates back much further, and a restoration of ties with the Middle Eastern country is seen as part of a broader effort to achieve a comprehensive peace between Arabs and Israelis in the region."

Monkey Urinates on Zambian President Rupiah Banda

Zambian President Rupiah Banda found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time; under a monkey who 'had to go'.

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE55N3YD20090624

"A monkey urinated on Zambian President Rupiah Banda as he spoke to journalists at a news conference on Wednesday.

Banda softly shouted: "You (monkey) have urinated on my jacket," and paused as he looked up to see the animal playing in a tree just above his chair."

Iranian Revolution (Day Twelve)

Update (6/25/2009):Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Thirteen). End of Update:

Massacre!?! Baharestan Square becomes the modern day Tiananmen Square (http://threatswatch.org/rapidrecon/2009/06/unimaginable-horror-in-tehran); "From the live blogger's eyewitness account:

>More than 10.000 Bassij Milittias get position in Central Tehran, including Baharestan Sq.
>Army Helycopters flying over Baharestan and Vali Asr Sq.
>The streets, squares and around BAHARESTAN (Approx. South-eastern of Tehran) is swarming with military forces, civilian forces, the security motorists
>The croud have moved to the south of baharestan, the situation is bad, the shooting has started
>In Baharestan Sq. in the Police shooting, A girl is shot and the police is not allowing to let them help
>In Baharestan we saw militia with axe choping people like meat - blood everywhere - like butcher

This is the Iranian regime, wading into its own unarmed people and axing them to death, bludgeoning women (seen as the greatest threat to the regime) and throwing them to their deaths from pedestrian bridges."

More at http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D991643O0&show_article=1

Heart wrenching...


Very Graphic Warning (from http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2009/06/iran-day-12-of-the-revolution.html)





Protesters do their best to fight back. Here a woman does what she can throwing a rock instead of handing it off to her male counterparts as is generally seen (from http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2009/06/rock-on-female-iranian-protester-chucks.html).



PJTV has a Special Report "Tehran Goes From Bad to Much Worse" at http://www.pjtv.com/video/Specials/PJTV_SPECIAL_REPORT%3A_Uprising_in_Iran_Tehran_Goes_From_Bad_to_Much_Worse/2063 (hat tip to http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/80745).

Saeed Mortazavi pegged to interrogate the captured protesters; this is very bad news (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article6570089.ece)

Obama contacted Ayatollah Khamenei via a letter before election (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/24/us-contacted-irans-ayatollah-before-election); "Prior to this month's disputed presidential election in Iran, the Obama administration sent a letter to the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling for an improvement in relations, according to interviews and the leader himself.

Ayatollah Khamenei confirmed the letter toward the end of a lengthy sermon last week, in which he accused the United States of fomenting protests in his country in the aftermath of the disputed June 12 presidential election."

Representative Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) talks about her and Obama regarding the situation in Iran (http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/tgmccotter/2009/06/23/her-name-was-neda-a-generational-chance-for-freedom) (transcript as source).



Liz Cheney explains that Obama is putting America on the 'wrong side of history' (http://www.therightscoop.com/video-liz-cheney-obama-is-putting-america-on-the-wrong-side-of-history-hannity-june-23-2009).



Obama has finally started to reconsider the invitation to the Fourth of July barbecue to the Iranian diplomats (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/24/officials-president-obama-reconsidering-july-4-invitations-to-iran). He then revoked it (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/24/iranians-responding-july-th-embassy-invite).

Michael Barone opines on Barack Obama's 'adolescent angst' in large part referring to his handling of the situation in Iran (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/The-adolescent-angst-of-Barack-Obama-48934402.html).

Roger Cohen seems to be channeling Winston Churchill declaring this "The End of the Beginning" (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/opinion/24iht-edcohen.html).

Here is the full transcript from Obama's press conference yesterday http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/06/barack-obama-news-conference-transcript.html.

More on Neda at http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/23/iran.neda.profile/index.html.

Now there are reports that Neda's family are being forcibly evicted from their home (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/24/neda-soltan-iran-family-forced-out).

Iranian hackers successfully gained access to the Oregon University System and posted a message directed at Obama. It told him to not to interfere in Iran (http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D9916K9O0&show_article=1); "Hackers broke into the computers of the Oregon University System and posted a message telling President Barack Obama to mind his own business and stop talking about the disputed Iranian election.

The message, which asserted there was no cheating in the election, was up for 90 minutes before technicians took it down Wednesday morning.". Not exactly a high profile target, but it has to be ruled a success for the pro-government hackers.

Mark Pfeifle, Deputy National Security Adviser to President Bush, said that 'the founders of Twitter should get a Nobel Peace Prize' (http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/06/22/former-deputy-national-security-advisor-twitter-founders-should-get-nobel-peace-prize). He followed that up by tweeting (http://twitter.com/pfeifle/status/2255506334) "RT JBergsman,M. Pfeifle on FNC: Nobel Peace Prize for Twitter founders for #iranelection? Why not. @ev & @biz > deserving than Arafat.Carter".



Track the protests using Google Maps (http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/06/google-maps-track-iran-protests).

Past related posts:
Berman Post: Iranian Election Viewed as Rigged
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Riots Continue
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Three)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Four)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Protest at Union Square (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Five)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Six)
Berman Post: Prayer Vigil For The Fallen Iranian Protesters (NYC)
Berman Post: Iranian Election Fraud Riots (Day Seven)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eight)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Nine)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Ten)
Berman Post: Iranian Revolution (Day Eleven)