In a surprise to absolutely no one at The Glenn Beck Program, protests are starting to break out in more Middle Eastern countries, as protestors have been emboldened by the success of Egypt’s revolution. But why hasn’t President Obama come out in support of these new riots in countries like Iran? Glenn gave his reaction on radio this morning.
“Iranian police used tear gas and electric prods to crack down on the country's biggest anti‑government protest in at least a year. Demonstrators, booed by activism in the Middle East returned to the country's streets by the tens of thousands yesterday. The opposition reported that tear gas had been used and fired near Tehran University and the day planned for anti‑government rallies began largely peacefully, according to witnesses, with protestors marching silently or sitting in chanting,” Glenn read.
“But as common demonstrators' rank swelled, police and antiriot forces lined the streets, ordered all the shops to be shut down and responded at times with force, according to witnesses and opposition websites. In a repeat of the official crackdown that helped snuff out months of spirited opposition rallies years ago, by day's end, online videos showed garbage bins on fire, protestors throwing rocks at police, and crowds clashing with motorcycle‑mounted members of the pro‑regime Basij militia.”
“Monday's protest came as calls for the regime change has led to the popular ousters of Egypt's Hosni Mubarak and the leader of Tunisia. They mark a broadening from Iranian rallies that drew hundreds of thousands through 2009 and early 2010.”
“The rallies targeted what opposition leaders say was flawed presidential election. They say it was ‑‑ they say unfairly returned President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power. The protests yesterday demanded that the supreme leader Ayatollah Khomeini, the core power in the Islamic republic, step down.”
“Isn't it amazing that the administration has nothing to say about this?” Pat asked.
“No, no, no. They sent Hillary Clinton out.”
“Only the president of the United States has the bully pulpit. When the president of the United States comes out and says we support the people of Iran, we support the people of Iran on the street, that sends ripples all the way across the world. That emboldens the people on the streets in Iran. For him to say nothing is an outrage,” Glenn said.
“He's such a cost‑cutter and now he's doing the same thing with words. He's just cutting them out. For more impact.” Stu joked.
“Where is the president? The silence on that question is deafening.”
UPDATE: After Glenn discussed this on radio, The President finally made mention following prompting by reporters.