by Elizabeth A. Marion

Created on: June 28, 2009   Last Updated: July 02, 2009

The protests in Iran that erupted after a fraudulent election, have been seen all across the world, all thanks to the internet. The Iranian people are seen in youtube and twitter videos gathering in the street, shouting their discontent and holding up signs, many of them in English. I think this makes it obvious that they wanted America to understand what was going on. They wanted to know they had support. They wanted to have hope. Hope is what can carry this revolution through to the end of this repressive regime. Obama could have given that hope and he didn't.

In order for a revolution to be successful, it needs several ingredients: determination, passion, and most importantly, hope. Only a few weeks before the protests began, President Obama gave a speech in Cairo to the Muslim world. In that speech, he said he would support democracy and the freedom of people to assemble and speak freely 'everywhere'.

Despite these moving words, when the golden moment came for President Obama to stand up for democracy, he failed. Obama said on Monday, a day in which eight people were killed in Iran, that he was 'deeply troubled' by the events and that he didn't want the United States to be the main issue in Iran. There was no comdemnation of the government murdering its own people. There was no support for the people in Iran who were standing up for freedom and democracy.

The next day, Obama made another comment about the events through spokesperson Gibbs. In my opinion, the most deplorable comment he made throughout the Iranian protests. Obama said he was encouraged by the 'vigorous debate inside of Iran by Iranians'. People were dying, and the President of the United States of America called it a debate! Again, there was no comdemnation of what was happening. In fact, by calling it a 'vigorous debate', Obama made it seem like he was either unaware of what was really happening or simply in denial.

The Iranian people held up signs in English, looking to President Obama for support, support he had promised them. He did not give this support. He finally comdemned the violence.....weeks after the protests started, after many people had been beaten, injured, and even slaughtered in the streets.

First he denied the events, acted like they were no big deal. Then he says that the 'world is watching', but makes it clear that he doesn't want to pick sides, that he doesn't want to stand up for what's right. Then he finally comdemns the violence, far too late.

This revolution may still be a success, but I believe Obama's lack of support has hurt the protesters. Our president does not seem interested in supporting democracy. If you are, make it clear. Post it on your blog. Send out emails about what's going on. Join a demonstration in support of the Iranian protesters. Show the Iranian people that they still have a chance and that there is still hope.

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