U.S. House votes overwhelmingly for Iranian resolution

CNN by Paul Steinhauser, Deirdre Walsh, Peter Hamby, Dan Lothian | Jun. 19, 2009 (News Report)

The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a resolution Friday that says it supports "all Iranians who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law."

The resolution was approved by 405 lawmakers, while one -- Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas -- voted against it. Two others, Reps. Brad Ellsworth, D-Indiana, and Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, voted "present."

In a statement on his Web site, Paul said he ... Full Story »

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Derek Hawkins
3.5
 by Derek Hawkins - Jun. 19, 2009

Fairly thorough report on the House resolution to endorse the opposition in Iran. Ron Paul, the only Congressman to vote against it, is quoted up top, but sourcing overall could have been better.

On the surface, given Obama's refusal to take a stand on the demonstrations, I can see how this could prove a helpful symbolic gesture. But my impression is that this is pure theater and I worry that others will see the resolution as disingenuous.

In a statement on his Web site, Paul said he voted against the measure because he is “always very cautious about ‘condemning’ the actions of governments overseas.” “I have always hesitated when my colleagues rush to pronounce final judgment on events thousands of miles away about which we know very little,” said Paul, who attracted attention last year during his unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination. “And we know very little beyond limited press reports about what is happening in Iran.”

This makes me wonder whether Ron Paul has been reading the news at all. I don’t know if he’s being cowardly or stupid.

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