I usually find some entertainment in the speeches given by the US, Israel, Iran and Venezuela. Canada, usually as boring as a play by play at a golf tournament, boycotted Ahmadinejad this year in keeping with pulling their embassy out of Iran.
Assange made an appearance via telecast from his embassy hide out. I particularly liked the bit about how the Egyptian dude didn't set himself on fire so Obama could take credit for it. lol
Here's Assange's speech: Assange to UN: 'It is time for the US to cease its persecution of WikiLeaks' (VIDEO) — RT
2012 UN Speeches
2012 UN Speeches
Ug. Apparently Canada won't be making a speech at the UN (nobody would have remembered it anyway) because Harper decided it was more important to go get an award that Henry Kissinger was presenting to him. Can this story get any worse?
If Kissinger is giving awards to my Prime Minister there is something smellier than all our dead fish on the shorelines afoot.
If Kissinger is giving awards to my Prime Minister there is something smellier than all our dead fish on the shorelines afoot.
2012 UN Speeches
Obama's speech at the UN.
Transcript: President Obama Delivers Remarks at the United Nations, Invokes Slain Libya Ambassador Chris Stevens, Iran - ABC News
First point: Obama says "It has been less than two years since a vendor in Tunisia set himself on fire to protest the oppressive corruption in his country, and sparked what became known as the Arab Spring. Since then, the world has been captivated by the transformation that has taken place, and the United States has supported the forces of change."
At the time of the protests Joe Biden told PBS that Mubarak was not a dictator, enunciating that "Mubarak has been an ally of ours in a number of things and he's been very responsible on, relative to geopolitical interests in the region: Middle East peace efforts, the actions Egypt has taken relative to normalizing the relationship with Israel."
The Nation: Biden Is On The Wrong Side Of History : NPR
Though Obama finally started calling for Mubarak to step down, it was a reverse of their previous opinion of the man and in conflict with Israel's position. "Writing in Haaretz, Ari Shavit said Obama had betrayed "a moderate Egyptian president who remained loyal to the United States, promoted stability and encouraged moderation." "
Israel shocked by Obama's betrayal of Mubarak | Reuters
Hillary Clinton said "I had a wonderful time with him this morning. I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family. So I hope to see him often here in Egypt and in the United States."
Secretary Clinton in 2009: “I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family” - ABC News
What do you think? Did Obama help reluctantly or was he really cheering the Egyptians on? Is this just him taking credit for yet another thing during which time he just happened to be the elected president?
Transcript: President Obama Delivers Remarks at the United Nations, Invokes Slain Libya Ambassador Chris Stevens, Iran - ABC News
First point: Obama says "It has been less than two years since a vendor in Tunisia set himself on fire to protest the oppressive corruption in his country, and sparked what became known as the Arab Spring. Since then, the world has been captivated by the transformation that has taken place, and the United States has supported the forces of change."
At the time of the protests Joe Biden told PBS that Mubarak was not a dictator, enunciating that "Mubarak has been an ally of ours in a number of things and he's been very responsible on, relative to geopolitical interests in the region: Middle East peace efforts, the actions Egypt has taken relative to normalizing the relationship with Israel."
The Nation: Biden Is On The Wrong Side Of History : NPR
Though Obama finally started calling for Mubarak to step down, it was a reverse of their previous opinion of the man and in conflict with Israel's position. "Writing in Haaretz, Ari Shavit said Obama had betrayed "a moderate Egyptian president who remained loyal to the United States, promoted stability and encouraged moderation." "
Israel shocked by Obama's betrayal of Mubarak | Reuters
Hillary Clinton said "I had a wonderful time with him this morning. I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family. So I hope to see him often here in Egypt and in the United States."
Secretary Clinton in 2009: “I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to be friends of my family” - ABC News
What do you think? Did Obama help reluctantly or was he really cheering the Egyptians on? Is this just him taking credit for yet another thing during which time he just happened to be the elected president?
2012 UN Speeches
We have taken these positions because we believe that freedom and self-determination are not unique to one culture. These are not simply American values or Western values – they are universal values. And even as there will be huge challenges that come with a transition to democracy, I am convinced that ultimately government of the people, by the people and for the people is more likely to bring about the stability, prosperity, and individual opportunity that serve as a basis for peace in our world.
We can just skip to the end of the spiel about how often he supports the right of people to democratically choose their own leaders by looking at what happened when Palestine elected Hamas in what was deemed one of the most transparent and fair elections in the Middle East. He only supports democracy when the people vote for a leader he likes. Until the Palestinians do democracy less efficiently, the US will continue to let Israel abuse them.
Note to Obama: If you support democracy you must respect a country's democratic decision when they elect someone. Until then, you can stop taking credit for promoting democracy.
We can just skip to the end of the spiel about how often he supports the right of people to democratically choose their own leaders by looking at what happened when Palestine elected Hamas in what was deemed one of the most transparent and fair elections in the Middle East. He only supports democracy when the people vote for a leader he likes. Until the Palestinians do democracy less efficiently, the US will continue to let Israel abuse them.
Note to Obama: If you support democracy you must respect a country's democratic decision when they elect someone. Until then, you can stop taking credit for promoting democracy.
2012 UN Speeches
Obama said "We [value freedom of speech] because in a diverse society, efforts to restrict speech can become a tool to silence critics, or oppress minorities."
But what has he done? "Fair point. The Obama administration, which promised during its transition to power that it would enhance “whistle-blower laws to protect federal workers, has been more prone than any administration in history in trying to silence and prosecute federal workers."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/27/busin ... ation.html
But what has he done? "Fair point. The Obama administration, which promised during its transition to power that it would enhance “whistle-blower laws to protect federal workers, has been more prone than any administration in history in trying to silence and prosecute federal workers."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/27/busin ... ation.html
2012 UN Speeches
The rest of Obama's speech was full of wonderful thoughts on ending religious hate in the world. I don't think he has done anything to contradict that sentiment and it's something I wish more politicians would devote energy towards. There was a nice acknowledgement that more Arabs have died than white folk in the recent wars. After his opening remarks, outlined above, I think he straightened out into a nice, non-hypocritical speech... which is a great direction for a hypocrite to take.
Next on the chopping block, for comparison, is Ahmadinejad.
Next on the chopping block, for comparison, is Ahmadinejad.
2012 UN Speeches
http://www.un.org/webcast/ga/61/pdfs/iran-e.pdf
Ahmadinejad chose the thesis that "By causing war and conflict, some [countries] are fast expanding their domination, accumulating greater wealth and usurping all the resources, while others endure the resulting poverty, suffering and misery."
I don't see anything wrong with that statement.
He outlines his main points like a well structured essay.
"A. The unbridled expansion of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons
B. Occupation of countries and exacerbation of hostilities
C. Lack of respect for the rights of members of the international community "
The only hypocrisy there is the unproven allegations that Iran is developing nuclear bombs instead of nuclear power plants. If the allegations are correct then it stands as an Iranian hypocrisy though his accusers brag of their own nuclear arsenals so that pretty much negates the hypocrisy factor, even if they're right.
He concludes with "We cannot, and should not, expect the eradication, or even containment, of injustice, imposition and oppression without reforming the structure and working methods of the [Security] Council."
Call me a geek but I just love good essays. This was extremely well done. I'll go over the specifics but I wanted to post the outline of his speech in honour of "A" Students around the world.
Ahmadinejad chose the thesis that "By causing war and conflict, some [countries] are fast expanding their domination, accumulating greater wealth and usurping all the resources, while others endure the resulting poverty, suffering and misery."
I don't see anything wrong with that statement.
He outlines his main points like a well structured essay.
"A. The unbridled expansion of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons
B. Occupation of countries and exacerbation of hostilities
C. Lack of respect for the rights of members of the international community "
The only hypocrisy there is the unproven allegations that Iran is developing nuclear bombs instead of nuclear power plants. If the allegations are correct then it stands as an Iranian hypocrisy though his accusers brag of their own nuclear arsenals so that pretty much negates the hypocrisy factor, even if they're right.
He concludes with "We cannot, and should not, expect the eradication, or even containment, of injustice, imposition and oppression without reforming the structure and working methods of the [Security] Council."
Call me a geek but I just love good essays. This was extremely well done. I'll go over the specifics but I wanted to post the outline of his speech in honour of "A" Students around the world.
2012 UN Speeches
He accuses the US, Britain and Israel of various crimes: Intimidation with weapons, invasion of sovereign nations, occupation of territories, and blocking the UN and Security Council from taking any actions including even issuing statements of condemnation.
No hypocrisy there. Iran was invaded by Iraq, not the reverse. They have defended their country, not invading and occupying other states. Some say they are intimidating Israel but Israel has nuclear weapons and Iran does not so, lest Israel be called scaredy cats, it's a one side battle and Iran most certainly is not the one threatening. They don't have international veto power so obviously have not been misusing it.
No hypocrisy there. Iran was invaded by Iraq, not the reverse. They have defended their country, not invading and occupying other states. Some say they are intimidating Israel but Israel has nuclear weapons and Iran does not so, lest Israel be called scaredy cats, it's a one side battle and Iran most certainly is not the one threatening. They don't have international veto power so obviously have not been misusing it.
2012 UN Speeches
Part A of Dr A's speech queries "are the inhabitants of these countries content with
the waste of their wealth and resources for the production of such destructive
arsenals? Is it not possible to rely on justice, ethics and wisdom instead of these
instruments of death? Aren't wisdom and justice more compatible with peace and
tranquility than nuclear, chemical and biological weapons?"
If it turns out that Iran is building nuclear bombs, then this is hypocritical but, as said above, it's not really the place of nuclear stockpilers to make the accusations.
the waste of their wealth and resources for the production of such destructive
arsenals? Is it not possible to rely on justice, ethics and wisdom instead of these
instruments of death? Aren't wisdom and justice more compatible with peace and
tranquility than nuclear, chemical and biological weapons?"
If it turns out that Iran is building nuclear bombs, then this is hypocritical but, as said above, it's not really the place of nuclear stockpilers to make the accusations.
2012 UN Speeches
Under part B, Ahmedinejad outlines how Israel came to be through displacement of Arabs and use of force. I don't see anything wrong with his version of history. Some would, and do, debate it but it's a legitimate version of history and one that I agree with. The interesting part, for me, was "At the same time, a Government is formed democratically and through the free choice of the electorate in a part of the Palestinian territory. But instead of receiving the support of the so-called champions of democracy, its Ministers and Members of
Parliament are illegally abducted and incarcerated in full view of the international community."
This is important. Most of the Western aggression in South America, the Middle East, Africa... okay, the rest of the world... is justified in the name of promoting democracy. Yet here Palestine agreed to democracy and had a perfectly beautiful election only to be punished for their democratic choice. That is stunning. What's even more stunning is that the "Democracy Warriors" are getting away with it and have never been called to account.
Parliament are illegally abducted and incarcerated in full view of the international community."
This is important. Most of the Western aggression in South America, the Middle East, Africa... okay, the rest of the world... is justified in the name of promoting democracy. Yet here Palestine agreed to democracy and had a perfectly beautiful election only to be punished for their democratic choice. That is stunning. What's even more stunning is that the "Democracy Warriors" are getting away with it and have never been called to account.
2012 UN Speeches
Part C is a bit whiny, but reiterates that Iran has the right to develop nuclear power and shouldn't be stopped from doing it.
The real point is "Threats with nuclear weapons and other instruments of war by some powers have taken the place of respect for the rights of nations and the maintenance and promotion of peace and tranquility; "
This is true. The US has used the perceived threat of Iran to escalate their arms industry.
"Overseas weapons sales by the United States totaled $66.3 billion last year, or more than three-quarters of the global arms market, valued at $85.3 billion in 2011. Russia was a distant second, with $4.8 billion in deals."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/27/world ... .html?_r=0
Most of the increase was sales to countries that live in Iran's neighbourhood.
The real point is "Threats with nuclear weapons and other instruments of war by some powers have taken the place of respect for the rights of nations and the maintenance and promotion of peace and tranquility; "
This is true. The US has used the perceived threat of Iran to escalate their arms industry.
"Overseas weapons sales by the United States totaled $66.3 billion last year, or more than three-quarters of the global arms market, valued at $85.3 billion in 2011. Russia was a distant second, with $4.8 billion in deals."
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/27/world ... .html?_r=0
Most of the increase was sales to countries that live in Iran's neighbourhood.
2012 UN Speeches
Haha. My bad. The only link direct to the UN website ended up being a 2006 speech. I can't seem to find the transcripts on this year from their site. If anyone gets a link post it. Meanwhile... I'll have to go find the transcript from a less than stellar source.
2012 UN Speeches
His 2006 speech was better crafted. Ended up having to watch it live with translation so here's a quicker summary without direct quotes. Not too much for stunning quotable quotes anyway.
2012 He salutes God, praises his country and gives thanks that he is able to speak for his noble people that day.
Encourages actions of peace and harmony between nations regardless of ethnic differences.
Rewords John Lennon's song "Imagine" making a bunch of utopian wishes including Israel not displacing the Palestinians, the US not backing Iraq's invasion of Iran, the US not dumping Bin Laden's body at sea but doing a proper trial and investigation into the 9/11 events, the Security Council not being dominated by US veto power, and economic manipulation not be allowed to determine the fate of other countries... what a wonderful world it would be.
Specifically criticizes bankster fraud being empowered and other financial crimes creating poverty. A lack of ethics in politics. Tyranny of the wealthy over the poor. Double standards applied to different countries. Military threat by superpowers and Zionists (only the uncivilized ones lol) in search of hegemony. Capitalist destruction of the environment gone unchecked. These things won't make happy people.
Sweeping comments about humanity, justice and dignity.
Criticism against greed and tyranny.
Poverty being imposed by a few nations acting inhumanly. Believes people of all faiths (Jews included) bear no ill will against each other without the political interference. Blames slavery thinking and neo-colonialism for world evils. Also blames Consumerism as a driving force for conflict.
Criticizes the millions spent on American election campaigns and believes that money determines policy, not the will of the people. The only time they listen to the majority is when it's time to get their votes. Agrees the world needs a new order but not that of PNAC (implied not named)
Another John Lennon type list of ideal positive qualities that should dominate the behaviour of people in the world. Interestingly includes that leaders should remember they serve their people instead of serving their own interests. Also interestingly, he is requesting a stronger international governing body instead of discrediting the UN or wanting to disband the Security Council. (You'd think, if he was evil, he wouldn't want the UN or Security Council at all)
Love, Freedom, and Amity.
He wants more equality in the UN for all countries. Calls upon all countries to step up and become more active in making global management more universally fair.
Happy Happy Joy Joy, God is Good, God is Great, Happy Happy Joy Joy, One day God will relieve all suffering. On and on praising God and predicting the return of a prophet who will bring happiness and joy to all.
I think a lot of the waxing on is because this will be Ahmadinejad's last speech at the UN. This seems to be his version of an emotional entreaty and last hurrah.
Oh, well. Canada didn't even show up for our own speech.
2012 He salutes God, praises his country and gives thanks that he is able to speak for his noble people that day.
Encourages actions of peace and harmony between nations regardless of ethnic differences.
Rewords John Lennon's song "Imagine" making a bunch of utopian wishes including Israel not displacing the Palestinians, the US not backing Iraq's invasion of Iran, the US not dumping Bin Laden's body at sea but doing a proper trial and investigation into the 9/11 events, the Security Council not being dominated by US veto power, and economic manipulation not be allowed to determine the fate of other countries... what a wonderful world it would be.
Specifically criticizes bankster fraud being empowered and other financial crimes creating poverty. A lack of ethics in politics. Tyranny of the wealthy over the poor. Double standards applied to different countries. Military threat by superpowers and Zionists (only the uncivilized ones lol) in search of hegemony. Capitalist destruction of the environment gone unchecked. These things won't make happy people.
Sweeping comments about humanity, justice and dignity.
Criticism against greed and tyranny.
Poverty being imposed by a few nations acting inhumanly. Believes people of all faiths (Jews included) bear no ill will against each other without the political interference. Blames slavery thinking and neo-colonialism for world evils. Also blames Consumerism as a driving force for conflict.
Criticizes the millions spent on American election campaigns and believes that money determines policy, not the will of the people. The only time they listen to the majority is when it's time to get their votes. Agrees the world needs a new order but not that of PNAC (implied not named)
Another John Lennon type list of ideal positive qualities that should dominate the behaviour of people in the world. Interestingly includes that leaders should remember they serve their people instead of serving their own interests. Also interestingly, he is requesting a stronger international governing body instead of discrediting the UN or wanting to disband the Security Council. (You'd think, if he was evil, he wouldn't want the UN or Security Council at all)
Love, Freedom, and Amity.
He wants more equality in the UN for all countries. Calls upon all countries to step up and become more active in making global management more universally fair.
Happy Happy Joy Joy, God is Good, God is Great, Happy Happy Joy Joy, One day God will relieve all suffering. On and on praising God and predicting the return of a prophet who will bring happiness and joy to all.
I think a lot of the waxing on is because this will be Ahmadinejad's last speech at the UN. This seems to be his version of an emotional entreaty and last hurrah.
Oh, well. Canada didn't even show up for our own speech.