Comments on: More tweets from Iran

By: Sawgunner

Sawgunner — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:13:52 +0000

Michael, I’m with you. TWITTER in any other context does seem superficial. I was told that the xerox photocopier helped shatter communism’s grip on East Europe. (It was used to create “underground” publications).
Twitter is the one means of media no dictator or state police seem able to control

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By: Sawgunner

Sawgunner — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:10:20 +0000

At first when I saw them I thought I was watching Iranian demonstrators successfully “go limp” as Americans do at abortuary protests. It looked to be a successful application of the Ghandhian passive resistance tactics used to bring down the brutal oppressive British colonial regime in India.
But then on closer examination, it appeared that the demonstrators hadn’t merely “gone limp” but had been shot by govt forces.
One can almost hear Ahmadinejad speaking like the character from South Park: “Respect My Authority!”
So far only Syria and Venezuela have sent congratulatory notes to Ahmadinejad.

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By: Michael Martin

Michael Martin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:04:16 +0000

I have some disdain for Twitter as a vehicle for frivolous chatter. However, in this context it does seem to be serving a good purpose, even though we should still be cautious about rumors, mass hysteria and emotional exaggerations.

Yet, the overall terrible situation is undoubtedly authentic. The news of Islamic security personnel in plain clothes infiltrating the crowds is particularly disturbing to me. If you are a protestor, Satan may be right at your side taking your name and picture, and ready to bring retribution to you and your family at the first opportunity. Chilling, to say the least. As a protestor I would be tempted to wear one of those ski-masks as a prudent measure of caution.

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