Wise Winston

Brooks nails it in today's NY Times...

“The fate of nations is determined by glances and chance encounters: by the looks policemen give one another as a protesting crowd approaches down a boulevard; by the presence of a spontaneous leader who sets off a chant or a song and with it an emotional contagion; by a captain who either decides to kill his countrymen or not; by a shy woman who emerges from a throng to throw herself on the thugs who are pummeling a kid prone on the sidewalk.

The most important changes happen invisibly inside peoples’ heads. A nation that had seemed apathetic suddenly mobilizes. People lost in private life suddenly feel their public dignity has been grievously insulted. Webs of authority that had gone unquestioned instantly dissolve, or do not. New social customs spontaneously emerge, like the citizens of Tehran shouting hauntingly from their rooftops at night. Small gestures unify a crowd and symbolize a different future, like the moment when Mir Hussein Moussavi held hands with his wife in public…”

Hillary & Biden disagree with the President on Iran?

Selective leaking from the White House??

From the NY Times this morning…

“Mr. Obama is coming under increased pressure from Republicans and other conservatives who say he should take a more visible stance in support of the protesters.

Even while supporting the president’s approach, senior members of the administration, including Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, would like to strike a stronger tone in support of the protesters, administration officials said.”

What Twitter and YouTube are saying about Iran...

YouTube

“Unless a video clearly violates our Community Guidelines, we will not take it down. In general, we do not allow graphic or gratuitous violence on YouTube. However, we make exceptions for videos that have educational, documentary, or scientific value. The limitations being placed on mainstream media reporting from within Iran make it even more important that citizens in Iran be able to use YouTube to capture their experiences for the world to see. Given the critical role these videos are playing in reporting this story to the world, we are doing our best to leave as many of them up as we can. YouTube is, at its core, a global forum for free expression.”

Twitter

“It’s humbling to think that our two-year old company could be playing such a globally meaningful role that state officials find their way toward highlighting our significance. However, it’s important to note that the State Department does not have access to our decision making process. Nevertheless, we can both agree that the open exchange of information is a positive force in the world.”

On Iran

I’ve followed it more than any other story since the 2008 election. In fact, since the 2008 election, new media had been my principal area of focus. Iran is the perfect story for new media.

A sampling of concern for @persiankiwi

shortyman77 @persiankiwi thank you for highlighting the problems you face. My thoughts are with you and your sources. Keep safe.

ATProductionz has any one heard from #persiankiwi MIA 5hrs now?!!!

makesalt @persiankiwi r u ok? Been silent for too long. we are getting worried here in twittervese and are pulling for you guys.

maryannelewis maybe @persiankiwi is getting some sleep.

Stevyncolgan Is anyone else following @persiankiwi? It is both disturbing and compelling reading to hear from someone in the heart of darkness in Iran.

gatewaypatriot @persiankiwi good luck, be safe, God speed… reply to me if you need an American media outlet. I have my radio show…

thereitis @persiankiwi if you die, I will kick your ass. Keep the news coming #iranelection