March 3 - Obama on Iran and Spider man

Yesterday, Barack Obama said he regards Iran as a threat and that Iran can not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons. His proposal is to engage Iran in dialog in much the same way that the U.S. did with the U.S.S.R. during the cold war.

Truly stunning. This man with his keen insight into geopolitics need only sit back, wait 22 months and take the oath of office. So astounding is his proposal, the electorate has to realize that they could do no better.

What better way to bring someone around to your way of thinking than flattery. Engaging the U.S.S.R. on nuclear arms reduction was an act between relative equals. By engaging Iran similarly, the U.S. would be suggesting that Iran is its equal in negotiation. AND THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE NUCLEAR WEAPONS, YET. Sorry for yelling. What a moron.

This can not be. Maybe the U.S. should talk to them. Maybe the U.S. should engage in negotiation. However, during the negotiation, the true disparity in power should always be evident, if not looming. Iran should be allowed to find the a rational way to give up their nuclear program, the sole repayment for which is keeping the U.S. from bringing it's power to bear at great loss to Iran, perhaps while simultaneously permitting Iran to save their dignity. That is the greatest extent to concession which any negotiation with Iran should have.

The U.S. has great power. As Spidey's uncle said, "With great power comes great responsibility." Spider Man puts his suit on every day and uses his power to fight crime even as J. Jonah calls him a criminal. To not use his power, to pretend it doesn't exist, would be to abrogate his responsibility. It turns out, there is a lot to be learned from comic books.