The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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June 28, 2009

Your View — Leaders’ greatness measured by their response to crises

Joseph Barnette, Mankato

Mr. President, I appreciate your statements regarding the crackdown in Iran. As a nation we must stand up to this oppressive regime which is not representative of the people. Any government which oppresses its own people and stifles free speech does not deserve to exist.

We have seen courageous men and women take to the streets protesting a fraudulent election. As a defender of freedom, America has an obligation to speak out in favor of these brave men and women. Knowing they have the support of the free world can do a lot to embolden these people and advance the cause of freedom in the Middle East. A movement of this magnitude has not occurred since the revolution of 1979. There is a very limited time to speak out before this movement potentially dies out. Now is the time to speak out forcefully against this government and in favor of the people.

If you choose to come down on the right side of history this can be your “tear down this wall” moment. Greatness on the part of leaders is measured in terms of how they respond to the crises before them. If you do right by the people of Iran this can be your chance to go down in history as a truly great and transformative leader.

At this moment we are standing on the edge of a new revolution. If we end up on the right of it this can be the single most historic moment since the American Revolution. Do not let this moment slip away. Prime Minister Chamberlain pacified an oppressive tyrant and ended up widening a terrible conflict.

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