Iran's Sticks and Stones
May 11,2006

Iran's Sticks and Stones can break more than bones -- and their words can also hurt us.

Iranian President Ahmadinejad took time from his busy schedule of building centrifuges to write an 18-page letter to President Bush. The letter, the first correspondence of its kind between Iran and the U.S. in 27-years, was Ahmadinejad’s attempt to “open doors to diplomacy.” Or, so he says.

Mahmoud’s letter was not a prelude to peaceful negotiation, but rather an ideological tirade. He lambasted Western values and accused the U.S. of hypocrisy. And, this is supposed to smooth-over relations how? This was a smart move for Iran. Ahmadinejad knew the U.S. would dismiss the letter and he could claim moral victory.

PurpleThink hopes that the appointment of Tony Snow as White House Press Secretary ushers in an era of Bush enlightenment when it comes to media savvy. We aren't holding our breath. The media is a pawn to be played in a giant political chess game and Bush never has figured this out. Problem is, the stakes are higher than election defeat. We cannot afford to lose the battle for the hearts and minds of moderate Muslims, trying desparately to balance intellectual honesty with cultural loyalty.

Instead of dismissing the letter, Bush should have written back and widely circulated his words to ensure Iran scored no political points. Below is our Tony Snow-less attempt at just such a letter.

From: George W. Bush,
President, United States of America

To: Mahmoud Amadinejad
President, Islamic Republic of Iran

Dear Sir,

I read with great anticipation your letter delivered by the Swiss embassy. While we have severed official diplomatic ties with your country because of continued state-sponsored terrorism, I welcome innovative approaches to ending our stalemate.

I was disappointed to find that your letter was not an overture to peace, but rather a list of grievances against free-nations everywhere. I will not dignify your insults with a point-by-point refutation. I will, however, clearly and simply state why the U.S. will continue to oppose your government. It is our sincere hope that the proud people of Iran will come to understand the great disservice you provide them through your continued defiance of the will of the World.

1) You question the moral and legal authority of the West, yet you are the only member of the United Nations unabashedly calling for the destruction of another member. You fund terrorist organizations that not only kill innocent Israeli citizens, but Sunni Muslim citizens in Iraq. Your actions have no moral or legal justification and have no other aim but to increase Iran’s sphere of influence. You have no moral ground to stand upon.

2) You question the motivation of the West in defying your nuclear ambitions, when this position could not be more clear. We will remain resolute in our defiance of any nation acquiring nuclear technology enabling them to fulfill their desire of “wiping from the map” another nation. Your assertion that nuclear technology is sought only for peaceful purposes cannot be reconciled with your continued lies to the IAEA where countless documents and nuclear components have been found to have no other purpose than to promote a nuclear weapons program. Your “civilian” nuclear program continues to be run by the Iranian military. In short, you have provided no basis on which to offer trust. Your actions show a complete lack of honor.

We will continue to push for United Nations resolutions that limit your ability to cause harm to your neighbors. We will continue to consider all options that will ensure regional peace and stability. And, until such time as you decide to refrain from attacks on our way of life and truly express a desire for open dialogue on these issues, we will return all letters from you -- unopened.

In Sincere Hope and Prayer for Peace,

George W. Bush
President, United States of America

In other words, "up yours!."

 

|

 

 

Home|epinion|Purple People Eater

Feedback@PurpleThink.com

©2006 PurpleThink.com