CNN

Ah, the hawks are at it again. Stay out of it, gentlemen. We will only be accused of meddling, which will make matters worse between Iran and the West – and hurt the protesters even more.

Thank you Laverne. Very well said. My sentiments exactly.
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Laverne June 25th, 2009 2:20 pm ET
Seems to me we have a lot going on right here in America that the Republicans refuse to address and act on, but can find time to poke their noses in others business. It amazes me how the repubs are so called "outraged" by all that is going on in Iran, but when Katrina hit and our own people was suffering and dying by the droves, you could barely hear anything from the republicans. Our own children are getting killed everyday in the inner cites and we don't see a need to address it, but we are suppose to save the world. I think we should sweep around our own front door before we try to sweep around someone elses!

How can we stop these traitorous Senators? They are giving aid and comfort to the Supreme Leader if Iran by setting up the US to take the heat for his own dictatorial horror. These Senators (and the House traitors and their bil last week) need to be sent to Gitmo, pronto!

Judging from the many comments here we have a lot of Libertarians in denial. I remind you that Libertarians are the only party that would withdraw the USA from the role of world police force. See Ron Paul's lone NO vote from last week.

I think the money and efforts in arguing / battling to do this can be better spent on issues here in the US. I feel for the protesters in Iran (and any country where their voices are muffuled by tyranny) but my concer is stronger for the under nourished, homeless and unemployeed Americans in my country. AOWM get with the program and focus on the US.

So Iran needs the freedom that these jokers threw away for Americans.

Stupid doesn't even begin to describe them.

Seeing as Iran is looking for ANY excuse to demonize America or accuse us of meddling in their affairs (remember, that's a central tenet of the current regime's claim to power), this is hardly the wisest or most prudent course of action, especially as Obama attempts to maintain a neutral position in a potentially volatile situation.

What we should be paying attention to, however, is the Iranian regime's death-grip on the media and realize that that is the logical end for any sort of internet regulation; let's learn from this while we can and try not to stir up a veritable global hornet's nest.

Why don' these republican do-gooders do the same thing against China? After all, China has been using the internet to repress billions of people.

I'm not sure how anyone can be so self-assured when judging legislation like this. Don't get me wrong, I'm by no means a fan of any of these gentlemen, but you've gotta remember that how we look on a global scale is every bit as important as how solid our infrastructure is. The support of a peaceful foreign constituency is invaluable to a country like ours. And it goes without saying that the positive moral and social implications of aid like this (aid that would promote a just democratic social policy) are quite apparent.
It's true, many times the government should restrain itself, but situations like this call for an able nation's help. We cannot ignore such a call.

McCain will SPEND taxpayer money on Iranians, but when it comes to stimulating our economy, health care and revewable energy forget about it! What's up with that?

What is this money supposed to buy anyway? Iran has the technology mentioned "twitter, facebook, you tube...". Do they not understand that that is how we know what's happening over there since the press got kicked out?

John McCain just cannot accept that he lost the election. While we can empathize with what is going on in Iran and hope that the protestors prevail (which sadly is unlikely), I can't quite get over the "Death to America" chants heard almost every day. We don't have the money, the resources, or the troops to enter into another fray that is clearly another swamp. McCain and the others should actually do some work for the States that elected them instead of trying to run the country from the back seat.

Seems the democrats forgot how democratic house members critized President Bush on his every move. That is part of the process people. You democrats have a very short memory. My guess is if President Bush was still President and did what Obama has done on this issue you would be upset with him as would Senators Kerry, Durbin, Obama etc. etc.

Yea lets give them all the tools so they can then turn that around and use it to break into the US missle defense computers just minutes before they send the nuke our way.

Wow, cant say that Im shocked that McCain thinks this is a good idea. But seriously does anyone think that what Iran and the Middle East needs right now is the U.S. deciding that we need to be MORE involved in sticking our noses where it does not belong??? I mean you don't see McCain saying that we need to assist the Chinese in getting around their country's censorship of the Internet. Ditto for N.Korea. I think Mr. McCain and company should stop, sit down and think about what repercussions would come from this type of legislation before they back door us into another Middle East war that we REALLY can not afford this time.

First off, Joe Lieberman is NO Democrat, that guy is a republican all the way!

Secondly, who elected the Republican party or the USA for that matter, the worlds police force. Yes, we all agree that what is going on in Iran is wrong; but, it is up to the people of Iran to change it.
Support means being there when we are asked for help, not by butting in, when we are not asked.

I guess its a good thing that during our revolution, there was no Republican party to whine and complain otherwise there might never have been a USA!

Once again they want to meddle in other countries affairs heres an Idea STAY OUT OF OTHER COUNTRIES BUSINESS! AS LONG AS IT DOESNT AFFECT US Thats the problem we are always sticking our nose in STAY OUT OF IT! THANK GOD MCCAIN LOST OR ELESE WE WOULD BE GOING TO WAR WITH IRAN REMEMBER MCCAIN AND HIS SONG BOMB BOMB IRAN!

Oh Heck NO, Haven’t we learned our lesson yet? We need to fix up what’s wrong in our own yard and quit messing with other country’s.
Its just not our right, and its also not our fight, and besides were still trying to pay for out last ill conceived crusade.
Funny how the guys who want to wreck our own civil rights, seem to feel they apply in another country.

At what point does their meddling cross over the line and become treason? Just asking . . . .

And to all of you posters, (Doug,NJ, obama victim, etc), please stop using every article on the ticker as an opportunity to insult President Obama whether it has anything to do with the discussion or not. Seriously, all it does it make you look stupid and incredibly childish.

The Republicans have no problems spending almost a trillion dollars on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but when it comes to spending a trillion or so on healthcare for 50 million americans without, they start crying and wailing and yelling that Obama is going to sink us into debt. The GOP is all about wars and not peopl. Morons.

This is clearly nothing more than a cynical gimmick and trap by McSane and his lapdog Smokin Joe. They are trying to force the Democrats to approve a measure that is absurd on its face or be sujected to the usual tired "not supporting freedom" attacks. If the Dems are spineless enough to pas this garbage, then it's a trap for Obama, designed to usurp his foreign policy authority as President. It's just shameless.

Those three desperados need to climb up in their cribs and put their pacifiers in their mouths......The irony of their 'movement' is that they have been adamant about not dealing with 'rogue nations.' Now they feel 'a political window of opportunity' has been opened for them, and they go buck wild.....It would be believable if it were a cause closer to home.....But to say that they are all in the tank for Iran is worst than absurd - It's insane......Peace....

"..."Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are the modern-day printing presses...." John McCain is just brilliance bubbling over!

We need to butt out of this Internal Iranian issue. We are being duped by the Iranian exile community. This is not a real revolution, but two sides of the same coin. One is just slightly less nuts. Both are controled by the same religious hard-liners. Democracy in IRAN is a long way off, and attainable only with diplomacy.

This bill for internet hardware will take years to implement, if ever. Morons,

The Natonal Socialist who is destroying this nation will make what we have seen in Iran look like a walk in the park if he is elected to a second term. Millions of Americans will be silenced for thier political views and the so called pacifists libs will not only sit by but cheer as their fellow Americans are executed. Never has any group of Americans been as vile as the Democrats of today, not even Byrd's buddies.

And WHO is going to pay for this stuff in Iran? We are insolvent as a nation. Have we checked with China to see if they want to underwrite all this?
What about our problems in California? Could we please address this? Stop spending !!! Let 's catch up with ourselves before we start another insane committment that we can't keep.

Do the three amigos really think this is do-able without interference from
the Iranian governing powers?

john insane mccain, you need to be worried about your senate seat , which your going 2 loose, shut up,go away, your trying to upstage the president,your so stupid,you lost,stay out of this fool.that other guy is a clown of both partys,liberman is fake as well.we have had it with you ,your a bum.

Bev – NYC June 25th, 2009 12:17 pm ET

How exactly do budget deficits assist Americans?

When has it become a routine for our Senators to start conducting foreign policy on the senate floor in the name of freedom? There are several bills sitting or wating in the chamber for these senators. I will hope their attention could be drawn to Health care bill, immigration bill, climate bill or if none of thes concern them, they should introduce any bill that helps Americans NOT Iranians at this time. The economy is still in a sleepy mode. Wake up Senators and leave the President and his advisers alone to conduct foreign policy. We have a President in the White House to do this job.

These guys want to "authorize funds"? What funds??Keep your nose out of Iran. If the people want a revolution they will do it on their own time & dime.

Once again, we can get symbolic legislation passed, but the American people cannot get healthcare, educational funding, just to name a few things. Are you saying that I have to be a non-citizen of America to get legislation passed that will positively affect me?

When Iranians are thrown in jailed and murdered, because of your actions what is America going to do? Absolutly nothing, as when Bush the father encourage the Kurds against Sadaam and they rose up and were slaughtered by Sadaam and we did nothing, because we couldn't. Threats backed up by actions are strenght, by backed by lack of actions are definite indications of weakness. And thanks to Bush the son and his Iraq fiasco we are military weaker than when he was installed as President.

Seems to me we have a lot going on right here in America that the Republicans refuse to address and act on, but can find time to poke their noses in others business. It amazes me how the repubs are so called "outraged" by all that is going on in Iran, but when Katrina hit and our own people was suffering and dying by the droves, you could barely hear anything from the republicans. Our own children are getting killed everyday in the inner cites and we don't see a need to address it, but we are suppose to save the world. I think we should sweep around our own front door before we try to sweep around someone elses!

Here is an interesting comparison. While these three nit-wits espouse we expand our US position of world policeman – interfering with (like them or not) sovereign countries our economy continues to be weak (hopefully at the bottom and turning for a recovery). Contrast that with China (I know not the best role model) who is very careful to not to complain about other countries leadership and affairs and play regime changer, and instead focus on domestic affairs – infrastructure, et al. And if you are paying attention they are winning empathy through economic development in Africa (although Darfur stinks) and elsewhere. With this their economy continues to grow – albeit not quite as fast (thanks to us), but still growing. Although we do not like all of their methods of governing, it seems we could clearly learn something from their brand of capitalism.

Precisely why McCain, Liberman, Graham, or any other republican will NEVER be president. I wonder what world do they live in? They are so out of touch with reality that it's scary!

HEY CNN WAKE UP JOE LEIBERMAN IS AN INDEPENDENT HE IS NO LONGER A DEMOCRAT ! TRY NOT TO BE LIKE FOX NEWS WILL YA?

These guys are bunch of idiots. Throw them out of office. If they don't read news on the internet Iranian do. Spend the money on poor people in USA instead of trying to change other people government. Former Pakistani Army General Mirza Aslam Beig claims the US CIA has distributed 400 million dollars inside Iran to evoke a revolution.
http://www.daily.pk/world/middle-east/10469-cia-has-distributed-400-million-dollars-inside-iran-to-evoke-a-revolution-.html
CNN is exaggerating the situation in Iran to sell advertisements and also used as propaganda for next illegal war. I do not like Ahmadinejad but he won the election and I respect that. You can see the proof of that in a telephone poll conducted by two American groups which carried out in mid-May, showing Ahmadinejad wining "by a more than 2 to 1 margin” over Mousavi. Read it in Washington post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/14/AR2009061401757.html

We don't have anything to do with Iran right now. If we get attacked by Iran (Not at all likely) it would be because McCain can't shut up.

This is ridiculous. I agree with the President's assessment that we need to give the Iranian government as little reason as possible to blame this on the United States. This would be playing right into the hand of the Iranian government. We’ve already tried the bellicose method of international politics and it’s been a big failure in the Muslim world.

So let me get this straight " it's ok to spend money on Iran but it's not ok to spend money on jobs, education, and health care here in the good old USA?

Thank God we didn't get McWar. .

I get it...this is mccains juvenile reaction to Obama's smack down of mccain last week. When asked by a reporter if McCains yappin' had anything to do with his stronger comments, and he replied..."what do you think." – and then went on to say that he's the only president right now. Ouch!! McCains a cranky old geezer that has long survived his usefulness in government. Shut that man up before he really gets in too deep. Idiot.

@ dominican mama 4 Obama

What is the matter with you? You think congress should sit around and wait for Obama to tell them what to do? That defeats the whole purpose of checks and balances doesn't it. I know you are "4 Obama" but the way you talk, I would think that you want Obama to be the only person running this country. By the way he has failed at keeping unemployment under 8%, preventing Chrysler and GM from going bankrupt and serving as a unifier, he should go back to just being a community organizer because he is ill suited to run this country.

too bad these three esteemed senators, with the power that they can muster, can't find a way to provide the American people with the Freddie Mac report, that was due out in May ( 2009 ), which is a significant piece of financial data..maybe even M. Geitner would get a copy, and of course our President..whats' the secret??

@Squigman "To the G.O.P. Keep your nose out of other peoples business."

Gun Laws, Seatbelt Laws, Smoking laws, Business regulations, Healthcare, State rights, General Motors... Pot, Kettle, Black!

Why can't Republicans stay out of other country's business? This inflated entitlement that has them convinced that they are in charge of every country is tiresome and has already gotten us in enough trouble. Just stay out of it!!

John, how about you and your "Yaya Sister" Joe show your real meddle and invoke your campaign plan... "bomb, bomb, boomb, bomb Iran." Be sure to use the smart bombs to separate the protestors from the bad guys.
What a desperate man to score points off someone else's crisis.

Grandstanding Old Politicains...I love the way they have camouflaged their own political self interests in this crackpot idea. If this was Obama's idea they would be screaming foul!!!

Who cares about them anyway? We have our freedom. That is what we Americans should stand for. We got ours!

Obama Victim June 25th, 2009 12:28 pm ET

if this was Obozo's idea, all you losers would think it was a great plan……….you are all beyond pathetic………..

-----------------------------

See Obama Vitim...that is the difference between democrats and rebulicans. Democrats can and do speak out if they thing an idea isn't a good one regarless of what party came up with the idea, But, if a republican speaks out against something his party is pushing, he is told he is not a real republican.
It's call deversity...the democrats allow it in their party, and the republican party thinks it is a cancer.

These three need to go back to their respective states and work and the problems concerning the american people. They just have not gotten the message that THIS country is in a crisis. Record unemployment, foreclosure rates and bankruptcies as well as skyrocketing healthcare etc., etc.. Senators work on something that matters to the american people.....THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

Sure get tired of seeing the same peoples post every day and you will never post my response to them. whats it take cnn, do i have to be rude?? Just make stupid liberal remarks??? or just put no logic or common sence into what i say!!!!!!!

From bombing them to helping them overcome tyranny such as the republican party inflicted on this country. Death and destruction is not the answer to everything. It's time you war mongers learned that.

How do these technology idiot savants expect this to work?

If the equipment is in IRAN, then they will simply pull the plug on it.

If the equipment is NOT in IRAN ( for example wireless to be used by anyone) then don't try to link it to Iran.

I agree that the democratization brought on my wireless cell phone and internet access is harmful to regimes that seek to repress.

I'd have been more impressed if these knee jerk reaction politicians had shown the foresight & courge to propose this BEFORE the Iranian elections. At this point, the technology won't be delployed in time to make a difference.

Once again ... this is more about the Political Imagery than about helping the people.

You people are ridiculous. People in Iran are dying, being arrested, injured etc. If a woman was being beaten in the house next to yours by her husband, would you sit and say that you shouldn't be in their business, and you have your own problems to deal with? That's pathetic! They need help! What is happening over there is horrendous and if the protesters lose then even more terrible things can happen.

Im mixed opinion on one hand I say we isolate and ignore Iran (i.e. no trading no talking no acknowledging them) but on the other hand Im so sick of President Wacko making veiled threats that I kind of support ensuring that his people can talk and communicate no matter what. Of course I also support the Obama should invite him over and slap him on national TV approach too.

The REPUBLICAN'Ts are up to it again! Chasing their tails around and around. When will these guys start caring for our Country instead of trying to dominate the rest of the world. Get your heads of your (you know what) and start thinking about America and "our" problems.

Hey...that's John McCain!

Question...Now that Bush has declared waterboarding legal...should John McCain be waterboarded?

In a debate last Fall, McCain told all of us that he knows where bin Laden is. But he won't tell anyone. Bush recent said that everything they did regarding torure was legal. So if McCain says he knowns where bin Laden is but won't tell anyone...using Bush / Cheney logic...shouldn't we waterboard him the find out where bin Laden is?

It is highly amazing that they would consider sending money to citizens of Iran for technology when we have so many families sufferering here in the U.S. I am currenly seeking emploment after working for 40 years and excuse me if I don't agree with this stupid decision. Also, where was the outcry for freedom during the history of slavery. I thought that McCain had lost with dignity but its apparent that he's trying to get over losing and is constantly undermining the foreign policies of this administration. I realy wish he would stop this type of tactic. It is getting embarrasing on his part. With all the injustice in this nation, who are we to tell other countries what to do.

It is easy to spot who among the responders to this article truly love democracy, and who among us really does not love democracy including POTUS. Remember that it is because of democracy that we can all spout off at will. When Obomber gets his way, you will be quieted if you disagree with him - and you all will somewhere along the way.

This is crazzy !! Lets get back to the basics and help our own people. What does America stand for ??? MONEY, POWER , CORUPTION?? Stop filling your pockets, and give it to our schools and health care . Thats right we do have health care in this country, the va is that working for us or is it just puting more money in the pockets of our congress Freinds and families ?? Leave the world alone and let the chips fall were they may. HELP AMERICA WE REALLY NEED IT ?? LETS GET ALL THE BUM'S OUT OF OUR GOVT!!!!!!!

The Iranian regime is doing everything it can to tie the protest to the U.S. They're claiming already that western media outlets are stoking the protest. So now you three stooges think it would be a good idea to confirm that for them?!?!?!?!?!?!

McCain wants to earmark our taxes for a foreign country ?????

Can we say VOTE THE RASCALS OUT.

I'm sorry, did you drop the first stick you hit the hornet's nest with and now you have found another? BUTT. OUT. It is none of our business to FUND another country's revolution. Like the Shah, that went great.

This is exactly what I need to convince my people that the USA is resposible for all our problems!! Thanks Mr. Mc Cain, you just handed me more control and more ways to scapegoat your country. Totalitarians such as myself allways need a scapegoat and now we have one, Thanks!!

please say it ain't so.

Hey wait a minute, its OK for China a communist country to do it and I don't see you Sen. or Rep doing anything about that. Shut up and let the people of Iran stand or fall for themselves.

These 3 fools can't get together to solve Americas biggest problem but they sure want to stick their ignorant nose's deep into another country's civil war.
If it includes Graham you know it's rediculous.
Lets see, you have a war monger, a loser with his head so far up the war mongers back side, and an anti racisit senator of the biggest racist states in the country. PT Barnum couldn't have done better.

What in the world are these guys doing. The old and blind leading the blind. The GOP needs to mind it's own business and to know it's place in the minority party. Stop trying to undermine the president and step the heck back. No one cares about you three Joke of a senator.

What a BIG gray headed JOKE.

So if our country had banned something or some action and the legislature of another country vowed money to help us circumvent that how would our country react.

This is completely insane. I am not a supporter of censorship, or anything Iran is doing. But this is not something we as a nation need to be doing.

Think about about, the Congress of the US is proposing spending US tax money to help Iranian citizens circumvent the law and will of their on government.

It was'nt too long ago that McCain sang the infamous "Bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb .............. Iran" song which basically quipped about indiscriminate bombing of Iranian civilians.
All of a sudden he and his neocon pals have developed a strange "love" for the Iranian people.
They must be wanting the same "shining beacon of freedom and democracy" in Iran that they caused in Iraq.

We need to focus on America first. There are plenty of Americans that need help too. How about we fix Katrina's mess to start with, then we can fix the Public Education sector second, and the list goes on.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Yes, let’s spend money on other countries and not our own. These senators should stop trying to meddle in other countries affairs. USA is NOT THE WORLD POLICE!! We can't even police our self correctly, especially with that flawed second amendment we have. Why not we try to build our Network Infrastructure here since were below other western countries. What will it take for senators to pay attention to US!!

John at 12:10 pm.

I couldn't have said it better.

It appears that the Republicans, in particular, and Congress, in general, have plenty of money to meddle in other countries (unfortunately always unsuccessfully) but can't seem to manage health care.
The U.S. can learn a lot from the Canadians. They don't seem to be driven to manage the world. They are content to watch the U.S. blunder from one crisis to another spending money like a drunk sailor on shore leave.

Hold on! DONT WORRY! Obama will hold another news conference. He sure as hell hasnt done anything else but give away money.

willard bullock June 25th, 2009 12:47 pm ET

I dont understand why obama are trouble blame on bush president cause he is blame evil on presdient bush so i belived that bush are great catched against terroist im belived that obama will not great his presdient so he have too big problems.

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WHAT!!!!!WHAT!!!!!!WHAT!!!!!!! YOUR FUNNY DUDE

Ok, Lets all stop crying bush and obama have destroyed our constitution or bent it into what they want. Lets have a heart stop yelling. Get off our behinds ,and help people when they need help. After all Obama went to Egypt and said that's what he going to do.

Obama said ,"we will behind you".

So stop lieing and start practicing what you are saying. SIR.

Didn't McCain want to bomb Iran. Now he want to give them a hug?

When are we going to quit funding the great democracy experiment in the Middle East? We will eventually go bankrupt as a nation trying to force a lifestyle on those that could care less about our form o f democracy. Anyone think this money could be better spent on issues in this country?

We have our own economic issues here. Why does the US have to do everything and get involved in a revolution that has nothing to do with us. Allow the Iranians to work this out and if other Muslim countries want to meddle, then allow them to. This is not our place and not smart diplomacy. Again, McCain can't seem to 'get it' that he lost the election. McCain, the campaign is over! Now, go work on getting healthcare reform for all Americans. We need every dollar to pay for it!

wow what a great idea thanks to all dems for thinking of this, oh wait a minute it was a republican idea, bad bad idea then.

R U kidding me. we have money to fund this, but we don't have money for health care. I cannot believe McCain is introducing this legislation. Out of all people he knows better, this is more tax payer dollars being spent, and this time by the main Republican leader. Talk about wasting money.....

What a weak president our progressive media elected..

These three IDIOTS should keepo their mouth shut, get involved in this important debates and help President. Obama to bring economy, health, energy, education and job create for American, let the people and their politician to work out their differences . You war mongers only think and try to create problem among each other ( People and government) of Iran. It is their country and there are smart people who can think rationaly & find out what is best for them & for the country. They are smarter than you old thugs are thinking..

Do these old cooks know the election is over and John Mccain is no longer a candidate. Why dont they sit down and work on the Health Care Bill so American lives can be better.

This is just a silly game to seem as if they are stronger on security than Pres. Obama. John McCain already lost that argument; its time to move on!!!

No wondeer nothing gets done!! talk is cheap-talk about bi-partisan!! these guys have their own agenda..not working for the american people..

I think Obama has played this very well. Although early indications were that things would get ugly (the govt. reaction to the protests), Obama remained quiet UNTIL things did get ugly. The Republicans would prefer to jump the gun and condemn actions before they occur, but our President remained collected. He ramped up his denouncements AFTER there was something to denounce (there was never any proof of voter fraud, so there was no legitimate reason to condemn it). This way, there can be no blame on the U.S. for being the stimulus for the crackdown.

I do, however, think that the time has come to be more adamant about condemning the actions of the Iranian government and, perhaps, finding ways (such as this proposed legislation) to help the Iranian people undermine their govt. It seems like a good opportunity.

Please, we need to just stay out of this! It may sound heartless, but we can't interfere with their fight for freedom if we want any sort of relationship with Iran. They need to do it themselves to achieve stability.

Hopefully China will have access as well.

So is Iran-Contra now Iran-Cyber...

Get over thyself "Bomb, Bomb, Iran" triplets of tough and dumb. They should be spending their time on DoD readiness, repairing the Military that has become so broken. We have some real defense to call on instead of MERCs, no-bid contractors, stop loss, IRR and lowered recruiting standards.

PS: No F-22s either, spend the money on what the troops need.

Why are you so hateful? I am speaking to those who use hate filled language on these pages day in and day out?

You have not the right to be like that. Are you like this in your daily lives or just when you are behind a keyboard? I am worried about the youth of this country, you are the ones who can make a diffrence and make things better. However being filled with hate and anger is not the way.

The fact is that Moussavi has a long history of being a hardliner, has also been selected personally by the Supreme Leader as a hardliner candidate, and has engaged in anti-American and anti-Israeli protests and rhetoric repeatedly. It is a fact that from the standpoint of US interests there is no difference whatsoever between him and Ahmadinejad. Which is perhaps why this could be an opportunity for us to demonstrate that we care more than just about ourselves, we actually care about the Iranian people. That we are willing to support the Iranian people's choice, even if that choice is not in our interest.

Another purely political ploy to try and benefit themselves. I agree that maybe PRIVATE CITIZENS COULD DONATE to a fund to help the Iranians, but not the US Government. John McCain is intent on getting his chance to BOMB BOMB BOMB IRAN. Let the people of Iran fight for their freedom; like all Americans have done and still are doing.

One more try................ @ Doug, New Jersey:

You DO realize that the U.S. supported the evil Shah of Iran? That we sent millions to support his regime that was basically a reign of terror on the Iranian people?!

How about Reagan selling weapons to Iran?

And wasn't it McCain who wanted to "bomb........bomb.......bomb Iran"!?

Doug, your comment is proof of the lies, hate, fear and division the GOPers spew daily.

Senator John McCain ,R-Arizona, Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Connecticut, and Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina need to go to Iran and personally tell the Ayatolla to let his people be free and if they need assistance maybe they should take House Member Cantor-R of Va with them.

Those guys need to keep their noses out of Iran. If it was left up to them we would be at war with Iran and North Korea before July 4th.

Here's a thought, mind your own business, let the President deal with Iran, that twit Achmadenjerk is no match for Obama and if you ppl would just wait, you'll see. Mr. Bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran all of a sudden cares about it's ppl, yeah right! All Republicans are good for is starting wars, hypocrites.....

@Eileen
Ahmadinejad to Obama: Stop 'interfering'

Guess your precious Obama will be apologizing all over himself about this one too.

You don't have money for health care for American but you have money for this.

Lets stay out of this. We had our own disputed election in 2000 decided not by the voters but by the court and we would have fought anyone who tried to intefere. If we do intervene in Iran they will stop battling each other and join together in a shared hatred of us and our meddling ways. This is the Iranian's revolution and we should stay out of it. Obama is doing the right thing and his noninterference has got to be frustrating to the powers in Iran who would love nothing better than to have some good sound bytes of Obama getting involved in thier affairs. Leiberman, Senator Droopy Dog, is not a democrat and I wish the people of his state would see fit to stop sending him to Washington. We have no business in this battle and I do not believe Senator John McCain, who sang "Bomb Iran", is lookin out for the best interest of the Iranians. I am so glad he did not win.

The bill, which has not been drafted yet, will authorize funding to allow Persian-language broadcaster Radio Farda — funded by Radio Free Europe and Voice of America (VOA) — to "expand its reach across the country," . . .
______________________
What is wrong with that - whether a Republican or Democrat recommends this? Radio Free Europe and Voice of America have been successfully used for decades. No one HAS to tune in - but believe me, in Europe during WWII these were virtually the ONLY voices of reason that gave people the hope to keep going.

In the world scene US has been seen acting like big brothers of the world. We get into other nation's business acting like heroes and savior. No doubt we should be kind and compassionate. However, we must have a clear priority and wisdom in doing so.
Why are they doing this? Are the politicians working for the people?

McCain, Lieberman, Graham...Three wrongs don't make a right. To the House and Senate...vote NO on this or know it will not be forgotten come election time...signed American Voters/ Taxpayers...our government...YOUR BOSS !!!

Who are we to criticize others' elections? We routinely disenfranchise millions of Americans, we use electronic voting machines that register votes even before polls open, and our Supreme Court selected a guy for president who lost the nation-wide popular vote! Still confused why other countries reject our version of 'democracy?'

When is the US government going to learn, that throwing money at a problem, solves nothing, nor does it get you any allegiance, from those you provide the monies to.

The Islamic world is so brainwashed by the false "prophets", that the people cannot see what is truth and what is lies. The more uneducated they are, the more they will follow the false religion to the ends of the earth, or be killed in the effort.

The biggest problem, is that much of the planet is going to be decimated and destroyed, in the process, and many innocent people murdered, by this religious fanaticism.

Islam is the most dangerous thing in the modern world.

@ Doug, New Jersey:

Your comment is typical of the far-right. Continue to condemn your fellow Americans who disagree with your ideology and the GOP will continue to lose elections.

Its high time the GOP learns to stop meddling in other countries!

THIS IS IRAN'S FIGHT NOT OURS! The U.S. can not afford to be the world's policeman any longer!

Hmmm, so much for the Republican mantra of cutting spending. Complain all you want about Obama spending money, but at least he is spending it on the US.

Republicans seem to only want to spend on other countries and wars.

Good job guys, way to focus on Iran instead of focusing on the USA.

And I see them Repubs love sticking their noses in another countries business. Why wont we just worry about our country? Theres people HERE that need aid why dont we worry about them first? If Mccain were elected we'd be kicking down doors in Iran already...

It's amazing – one poster below asks how much money have we sent to Iran in that past 30 years? UNBELIEVABLE!
The answer is ZERO!
Perhaps you have mistaken Iran with Iraq – one Persian and the other an Arab country. Bet you did not know that.

What US needs to do is to help the Persian Satellite TV stations with technology so that the brutal regime can't jam their signals into iran. They are the ones providing coverage and awareness in Iran. The State TV/Radio has kept people in the dark since the uprising.

Remember the magic word all you pick up truck, SUV lovers and energy hogs:
O I L....

If they get this crazy idea approved by Congress, I hope our ever wise President vetoes it. They are already blaming the US for getting involved now this would prove it. I agree with Obama's stance on this to support the Iranian people but stay out of it and stop trying to imitate Bush's bullying. When McCain said the Congress was on equal footing with the Admistration, I don't agree. Only the President has veto power.

I am thrilled to see this being introduced. I want to know how I can help?
I think there are quite a number of people in Iran who do not share the views of their government and do not know how to get out from under their control.

Maybe they should first set an example by getting our government out of snooping on our emails, telephone calls and whatever else they're monitoring. Sanctimonious scumbags senators.

These are just more republicans doing the only thing they know how to do. Start conflict, hostility and war no matter where they are. I am so happy that we have a 'thinking' president.

Thank God John is not Pres. He just does not get it!!! He and his 2 buddies refuse to be wrong...are these the same guys who were for the Iraq war??

Oh I bet that will just make our relationship better with the EXISTING regime...you would think somewhere, we would learn not to mess with other countries choices

It is simply hilarious that when George W. Bush campaigned in 2000 he said that the US should not be involved in nation building and regime change, criticizing the Clinton Administration for its foreign involvement in the former Yugoslavia and Somalia. Bush obviously lied and took us into Iraq under false pretenses.

And here is the GOP calling yet again for us to get involved in another country's business. I don't get it – what's changed?

Oh, Ik now, the GOP is now the party of political expediency, regardless of the consequences, to heck with everyone and everything else, as long as they can be in power and promote their disasterous financial, military, domestic and foreign policies.

What a joke!

Well, this wouldn't be such a bad idea if they didn't make public statements about it. This is something we might actually be able to help them out with. Unfortunately, this was more about making press than about helping people. I assume this means Lindsey Graham will be running in 2012?? God help us!

Oh, and I'm sure we have tons of this equipment laying around some government storage locker, so there should have been no need for $$'s to be spent anyway.

Pat,

We're more sorry that you don't get it

OK, so we pass the legislation, Iran accuses us of meddling (which they have already done), so what? Why do we care what they think. they will go forward with their nuclear program no matter how much butt kissing Obama does. You libs need a dose of reality. They are killing their own citizens in the streets with the world watching. Do you seriously think they care what we say or do?

Pat, CA June 25th, 2009 12:20 pm ET

pat c June 25th, 2009 12:16 pm ET
why can't john mccain understand he lost the election.
__________________
John McCain is still a duly elected member of the U.S. Senate. He has every right to express his opinions. So do Frank, Pelosi, Reid, etc. — who are not exactly MY favorite people. Sorry if you don't like it, pat c.

***************************************

The problem is that they are yelling "fire" in a crowded political theater. Undermining out foreign policy and playing into the hands of the Iranian government.

Whoever called McCain a Judas should look at the "man" in the oval ofice now. The biggest liar in history, the least qualified President this country has ever had, and the most hypocritical person ever to grace the political arena in the U.S. John McCain is a proven patriot and war hero. Obama isn't fit to shine McCain's shoes. Our new "president" has presented nothing but one lie after another with the backing of the left-wing media (everyone but Fox News). Now Obama says he's going to spend another trillion dollars on government health care without raising the deficit. Another HUGE lie that won't be reported on by the mainstream media when it's proven to be a open, blatant LIE. This on top of the 1.8 TRILLION dollar deficit that he's already generated. Obama is nothing more than a crooked Chicago con-man lawyer.

Great idea! We'll just dock a cargo ship and off-load thousands of mainframes, PCs and network switches. And, oh, why not give them an FCC manual to teach them about public access to the airwaves.

They will implode on their own schedule. Don't spend a dime on such a wasteful, cycnical attempt to position the US behind the demonstrators.

This is EXACTLY the type of meddling the Iranian regime is PRAYING to see - and even announcing the PLANNED introduction of the legislation feeds into their paranoid ramblings to the people of their country.

Right now the PEOPLE of Iran know better. That's why they're upset and taking things into their own hands.

If we start PUBLICLY meddling...it justifies the ramblings of Iran's leaders.

Sorry, John - you found out Americans aren't idiots this last election. Now you're assuming the average Iranian is an idiot - which Obama knows full well they are not.

A Song for McCain, Graham & Lieberman:

Three blind mice, three blind mice,
See how they run, see how they run,
They all ran after the farmer's wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
Did you ever see such a thing in your life,
As three blind mice?

Stay Out of Iran Boneheads!

Please stop the US government involvement into the affairs of other countries...Please let the US government help the people in this country...We need universal health care, jobs and retirement money for the next generation...Can we work on our stuff, before we start to tell another country what to do?

How courageous of these Senators to take a firm stand against someone that everybody hates while gooning for the cameras.

What about China? What about American corporations that help the Communists there monitor their people's thoughts and expression? What about the Patriot Act?

Doug as a liberal nonparty affiliating American I am disgusted by you. If I lean anyway it would be Democrat, but your statements are opinion not fact about Democrats. While most of us want to keep matters in our own country and solve our own problems it is "often" Republicans who go around and stir up trouble with terrorists or fear monger us about what is going to happen.

John McCain is just trying to grandstand, still not able to admit to himself that he was rejected by the American public for president.

Now he is willing to be used as a 'tool', by the Iranian government in an attempt circumvent the policies of the Iranian government who Iranians elected.

Leiberman is not a Democrat, but hiding in the Republican half way house called "Independent'. This enables him to continue to play both sides of the fence and not take responsibility for either side or be trusted.

These are the same two nut jobs who are violently against our own government ensuring Americans have access to the internet.

Ever notice how you havent seen these 3 buffoons sponsoring meaningful legislation in years? It's like they are fighting to be relevant again.

This bill better fail with a resounding thud. How can you justify openly flooding Iran with propaganda? And who's message would it be? John McCain's? What's he going to tell them, where he would bomb them? Stop trying to be Daddy-know-it-all!!! What works for us in America, doesn't work for them. Let them decide their own future.

oh, and Doug (NJ), I dont want to execute anyone but, I wouldn't mind the CIA waterboarding you to see if ur stupidity is a threat to national security.

Now now...why should we be suprised that our elected officials want us to stick our nose in other countries' business all the time? After all, the Clinton, Edwards, Sanford, Ensign, etc., "scandals" all highlight that it's PRECISELY what we love to do most as a people, don't they?

Good For you AIPAC soldiers. Iran as bad as it is, I do npot see the outrage when Israeli soldiers shooting at Palestinian demonstrators. This shows you how much this country is for sale. I just do not understand the Hypocracy. ARe not those the same Iranians demonstating against the US?

How about using that money for AMERICA......remember McCain (Country First).

Oh well there goes another home in the USA that could of been saved from forclosuer, GO GO GO SEN spend that money on things that are meaningless.

Don't these idiots realize that by pushing this legislation they are endangering the lives of Iranians protesting on the streets? This is not about the United States. Its about the evolution of freedom in Iran.

Doug, New Jersey: It is hyperbole like yours that has marginalized the GOP and made many a moderate Republican ashamed of the party's current leadership.

What you have posted is absolutely nuts. I suggest you go live in a theocratic/totalitarian county and witness first-hand what true oppression is.

Not getting your way is not oppression; just because someone doesn't agree with you does not mean they want to kill you; just because your party is out of power does not mean you will be rounded up and executed.

Take a deep breath, for goodness sake and be thankful we live in a country where the transfer of power is NOT accompanied by violence and assassination.

Good For you AIPAC soldiers. Iran as bad as it is, I do npot see the outrage when Israeli soldiers shooting at Palestinian demonstrators. This shows you how much this country is for sale. I just do not understand the Hypocracy. ARe not those the same Iranians demonstating against the US?

What brave men!! Why not do the same to China and North Korea. Idiots.

You cannot expect Obama to crack down on ahmadenijad when Obama wants to treat his opposition in this country the same way.

A majority of his supporters, liberal Democrats, care about the lives of terrorists far more than the lives of their fellow Americans who are honest and fair. A majority of Democrats in this country would fully support executing their fellow republican Americans and their families. Only hate, lies and selfishness consume the hearts of Democrats these days. It is not just their hateful liberal words on the net at sites like this, go to an ultra blue area and witness their total disregard for human life.
--------------------------------

False as false can be...Im active duty military, democrat, and DO NOT view terrorists lives as more important then the average american...watch what you say...get mote facts beofre you spew nonsense...

In addition, why must we keep nudging these countries who would like nothing more than to wipe us off the map? Don't we have enough to worry about with North Korea? Aren't we still up to our waders in Iraq and Afghanistan?

BUTT OUT JOHN!!!!!

Hey Arizonans, do something smart for once and get rid of this senile old man.

These three stooges need to give it a rest! Since when do they suddenly support Iranians? The have considered Iran the "Axis of Evil" since their fuehrers Bush/Cheney decided to call it such. Now all of a sudden they are on Iranians' side? They are interfering with an internal matter. We have a President, and it's not John McCain, whether he wants to accept that or not. Butt out, John!!

McCain and unfortunately MSM believes he won the election. The combination of a delusional Senator and Corporate$$$ media will be the ruination of our country. Of course CNN will be the first to lead the way.

Never mind what is happening in Iran. Lets get down to the business of fixing our country!

Don't these idiots realize they are endangering the lives of Iranians by pushing for this legislation? Its not about the United States. Its about the evolution of freedom in Iran.

For all of you hiding your head in the sand. Iran's struggle is our business because 1) we have to negotiate with the people who win this struggle. Would you rather deal with Ahmedinejad, who has sworn to wipe Israel off the map, or with more reasonable people? 2) If we support a more open society we will stop Iran's nuclear ambitions and stop the export of terror through Iran's support of Hamas and Hezbollah, which affects our ally Israel and have destroyed Lebanon, as well as other nations 3) help stop the spread of militant Islam throughout the world.

But more importantly it is our business because we are supposed to be the standard bearer for freedom in the world.

That's why it is our business.

I don't understand what this is suppose to other than adjetate the Iranian government. This is absolute interfering. Also, why would they reference Facebook and Twitter, when they are basically talking about funding radio stations? Lets fund radio stations so that we can get the word out? Last I remember, its been possible to jam radio waves since WWII. Lets spend millions to broadcast, and they can spend thousands to jam it. This is pure genius...

I think this is very unwise. Private organizations around the world should be encouraged to help out, but for the United States to do this in an official capacity will only be considered meddling. Iran is very volatile right now and the last thing we need to do is fan the fire.

This move by McCain, Lieberman and Graham is an ill-conceived ploy to be able to claim that while President Obama did "nothing", they stepped up and did "something".

Obama is taking the correct course regarding Iran; the Republicans (and their lackey, Lieberman) are once again putting party ahead of everything and making wrong-headed decisions.

Are the Iranians going to have to pay it back? Why not just use the money from the TARP fund? Heck – the federal government is loaded – just give the mullahs a 500 billion dollar bailout and maybe they will open access again.

The dumbocratic libs piled on the Palin story so fast in demeaning her I did not even have a chance.

This is a terrible, terrible idea.

Well, at least the GOP is now pushing to provide technology to help Iran's democratic activists keep information flowing ... that's a far cry from their usual position of sending US troops to invade sovereign nations.

It's funny. There is not mention of the cost of this legislation. We are always willing to give money to other countries, but not when it comes to US programs.

FIrst, the reaction by the Iranian government to the protesters is wrong. We learned that with the Vietnam protesters, and I hope we never use violence against nonviolent protesters again.

That said, however, we do not know, and probably will never know for sure, who won the election and by how much. The protesters may be the vocal minority after all. Unless someone can prove vote fraud on the part of the Iranian government, we need to be careful what we say and do. As far as we know, Ahmadinejad really did get 60% of the vote, and we need to learn to live with him as the Iranian leader for now.

If we didn't learn anything else in Iraq, we should have learned the U.S. needs a new mantra; "No Meddling".

John McCain, with his old self and his side kick, need to retire their you know what to a nursing home. They are so out of touch with todays society until need to be put down.

Insecurity of someone to deface a photo such as that shows how insceure the person is. Can you imagine if the pasted face was that of an African-American? We would have the NAACP and the Rev. Al Sharpton coming out in full force.

The majority of experts agree with President Obama to
stay out from Iran issue. It will do more harm than good if US see as meddling.
These busy body doesn't seems to get it.

I suggest that McCain, Liberman, and Graham get back to work for the AMERICAN PEOPLE.....American's are in dire need of HEALTH CARE...why don't they work on the numerous problems facing America? Why can't they get it through their thick skulls that....IRAN IS NONE OF AMERICA'S BUSINESS?

What ever happened to letting the President handle foreigh affairs as the constitution demands. republicans need to keep their mouth shut and follow the rules for once.

Democrats have been crying election fraud for the last eight years and when they get a genuine "election fraud" in Iraq, they don't have the courage to speak out. I bet if your president were to speak out against it many of the sheep that follow him would too. The blind following the blinder. I want my president to be a leader, not continue to vote "present".

Doug in New Jersey....what do you call the killing of innocents civilians in Iraq and the more than 3400 brave soldiers who have died in the war for profit war you the repugnant reptiles started?

answer this: where are the 8 billion dollars that went missing in Iraq that your reptiles said didn't have to accolunt for any funds used in the war?.....WHOSE POCKETS????

You, TCM and the hissing idiots who blog in this intelligent forum should get more knowledge, intelligence and not be a ditto heads to your leader king kong rush....get a life

CNN still cropping its replies pro obama i see. Only brainwashed cool aid drinking zombies would complain about trying to help the Iranians -or anyone -get around state controlled sensors .

Its the foundation of freedom vs censorship. Kinda like deciding which posts to read or discard. Right Cafferty ? .............

Do any of these three have a clue how the Internet works?

@girlymen love the GOP

Obama seems like a deer in the headlights and he is going to get smacked by reality just like everyone who voted for him. Just like you believe McCain has to look to the clouds to get Obama to listen to him. What in the world is wrong with you people. You are blind to the fact that everything he has done so far has been an utter failure. He should be begging at McCain's feet for at least a drop of wisdom. FACE THE FACTS! Obama does not know what to do! He is LOST!

Just tell me why the Senators have a hard time of living by the "Do No Harm" mantra.....this should have never been in the media....this singels out the comptuer estute and puts them in danger.
I'm glad they are getting assistance but you must use common sense and not blab about this.

As long as republicans don't have to spend money on Americans they are all for spending. They had no problem supporting bush in rebuilding Iran but the minute President Obama tries to rebuild this country he's called a socialist and fiscally irresponsible.

i have an idea.... lets spend our own money right here at home! Instead of giving free internet :S to the people of iran! If u want to pay internet and etc for people! PAY MINE!

Mich Wrote June 25th, 2009 12:35 pm ET

Who cares if the Iran goverment calls it meddling Obama and the other need a back bone. Lets stop turning our backs on people who are suffering. Lets get some courage in our heart ,and help people who need help. This holding out just so you can have a conversation with a mad man in crazy. Lets get some courage please.

============================================

You just don't get it! We have people here in the country that are suffering. Iran doesn't want our help and this plea came from the protesters.

This is exactly the type of action that gives the regime the ammunition to say that the US is meddling in Iran's affair. We have a president how has responded very appropriately to this event. We don't need 3 senators pushing legislation that has no hope of helping the people who need it. It will only serve to make the regime take more drastic measures.

I'm sure they were singing a chorus of Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran while they were drafting this.

Earth to John?! Iran is none of our business......stay out of it and don't make things worse. There are people in our OWN country that need our help. Keep the money here, John!

To the G.O.P.

Keep your nose out of other peoples business. Your want and need to become a part of modern history, has past it's prime. I doubt I'd even consider a republican candidate qualified for any office now, unless the office was dedicated to the study of infidelity and hypocracy. Your party and the people who claim to be a part of your party need to open their eyes to the fact that the American people, are some of the best informed on the planet. We also have memories of your misdeeds, and outright lies that brought you to power 9 years ago.

Please, who would want advice from these three men? They are three angry men. Let me remind you that Obama won, and he is the President of the United States.

So just how much money has already been spent on Iran over the past 30 some years...........and what has it gotten us? Someone please ask McCain and his boys for me.

???Their doing what????

Why can;t we just leave those people alone and let them change their own country..........

More like a cast for Grumpier Old Men IV

yea, people are losing their homes, jobs, livelihood, so lets send some funds so the iranians can keep going on their internet, and watch iranian porn, cant these ssenators just go away already. Arent they 100 years old each?

Her we go again with THE THREE STOOGES!!!!!!!! Trying to change the news cycle! McCain you didn't WIN!!!!!

What is going on in Iran right now is definitely unjust. However, who the heck are we to go in there and change things that their governement has put in place? Our elected officials certainly wouldn't like it if Iran helped the citizens of this country find a way around some of the assemine orders Bush and his thugs put on us. This country has a right to manage it's own affairs. We aren't the world police!!!!! What is wrong with you people

Doug from New jersey, why do you hate our troops? Why are you so Anti-American? Are you part of the right-wing Taliban ?

Doug in New Jersey:

What are you talking about? Seriously.

Freedom isn't free! Freedom isn't free!

(But the USA will pay to give those Iranians freedom won't we?)

This is the very definition of meddling. What we our response be if another country was aiding one side in an internal civil matter against the government. Obama need to veto the bill if it ever sees the light of day. On the surface, this idea sounds like posturing from a person who joked during his campaign that he wanted to "Bomb. Bomb. Bomb. Iran."

John, Lindsey, and Leiberman.

What on earth are you three thinking? This isn't our business. This isn't our concern. We have enough of our OWN concerns to deal with. Why don't you three do your jobs and help fix the debacle you've helped to place us in instead of sticking your fat noses into other nations business. And I always love how republicans cry about spending here in the United States but when it comes to spending money on OTHER nations they quickly start handing out checks.

Why don't you three start working for US and stop worrying about what everyone ELSE is doing.

@Erik "Can you believe that Mahmoud compared Obama to Bush?"

Sometimes you have to go outside our borders to hear the truth. First the world saw Dubya steal an election, like in Iran. Then you have the Obama Chicago style back-door politics. Now, after you clear away all the nice words, Obama policy towards Iran is essentially the same, with less clarity. And we are still at war and escalating in places. Of course there is going to be suspicion. They do start to look more alike than different by what they DO.

Oh you think Obama is SO Different because he said so? I have some swamp land to sell you!

I think Liebermann and McCain are trying to start a war with Iran.

how does this effort of theirs benefit our country in our time of need. this is just one more sure indicator that the GOP (and i do place lieberman in that category) are out of touch with our countries reality. this latest attempt for legislation goes beyond just pandering to the right and is just irresponsible.

James, Ho. TX June 25th, 2009 12:47 pm ET

The Three Stooges, McCain, Grham and Liebermen; See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil ! This is your Clan, Cheney !
===============================================

Funny, I thought the three stooges were Harry, O, and Girly.

(Reid,Obama,Pelosi).

I see Senile McCain is yelling at clouds again. Poor old man. Obama isn't going to listen to you, you pathetic old loser.

Wouldn't that legislation be a waste of Tax Payer money? Wasteful spending right? How about using that money to improve our Communications here!
We can not help those in Iran, they must help themselves.
We have lead by example with our own revolution many years ago, let them have their own.

What happened to your famous"bomb ,bomb Iran theory,McCain?Just get Liebermans country,Israel, to do it,whats a little collateral damage,you will still have your oil,which is really what you want.

Get a doctor the are ready for medical check up. Mc Saine is time to get a dose with more streagth, just a thought

What is it with these Senators? They want to put more power into the hands of a minority group in Iran so that they can be imprisoned/killed by the oppresive regime for using the power of the internet to level the playing field! Though I invite the leveling, I think it's very short sighted and ignorant for them to continue to push the square peg into the round hole! I think we all need to shut up about it and let the pieces fall where they may as it relates to Irans election results, but we can still be supportive of the Iranian's loss of life, freedom & voices during an election that was for the most part predicatable!

Last I checked, we had some issues in this country that need to be addressed.

This is absolutely the last thing we should do.

C'mon right wingers. The sharing of wealth is bad, but you'll get behind these guys on a diplomatic IT rescue mission!?

Great work, on the other hand Obama is a follower not a leader...

Need a tin foil hat Doug, New Jersey?

Only when the free peoples of the world unite in opposition to tyranny can tyrants be permanently dispatched. Mealy-mouthed ambiguous pronouncements by our leaders will only encourage the tyrants to escalate the oppression of their people. History has taught us this lesson over and over again, yet there are still many out there who have yet to learn it. If not World War II, 9/11 should surely have demonstrated that our leaders can no longer afford to leave murderous dictators to their own devices.

I don't want anything to do with anything theses three are proposing....even if it might make some sense.

First the right (and yes Joe is on the right) wants to drop bombs on Iranians and now they want to give them money?

I thought we needed that money in THIS country?!

I wish the right would make up their minds.

Is it just me or does John McCain kind of remind you of Schleprock? Wowzy wowzy woo woo. Have a nice day!

Ahmadinejad to Obama: Stop 'interfering'

This is exactly the type of response we were trying to avoid – and why the McCain theory on Iran is so wrong. Butt out McCain, this isn't your battle – it isn't OUR battle.

Congress needs to introduce a bill recognizing Joe Lieberman a faithful Republican, get rid of this guy.

The Three Stooges, McCain, Grham and Liebermen; See No Evil, Hear No Evil and Speak No Evil ! This is your Clan, Cheney !

Oh my, let's refer back to Roland S Martin's well written article from yesterday. Let's look at history and stay out of Iran's business.
If it were not for the oil, we would have NO humanitarian interest in Iran, as evidenced by our lack of humanitarian interest in Africa where genocide has run rampant.

I dont understand why obama are trouble blame on bush president cause he is blame evil on presdient bush so i belived that bush are great catched against terroist im belived that obama will not great his presdient so he have too big problems

Obama NEEDS TO WORRY ABOUT HIS OWN COUNTRY, NOT ABOUT A FOREIGN COUNTRY. He has problems to deal with HERE. Stop warmongering.

REPUBLICANS

WE CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER WAR.

My god, you're so obsessive about Christian caring and spending too much money, but you want us to go into a completely unaffordable war that will kill thousands of people when the country is bankrupt?

What in hell is wrong with you?

Tired of the hypocrisy. Enough is enough.

How about time and attention spent on Americans and our challenges! President Obama is working the issues of immigration and health care while the republicans are more concerned about Iran. Who has better agenda here? Why is the GOP budget all about money for the military and none for domestic issues?

Note: Iran is an independent country! They remember when the CIA put the Shah back on the throne: now how well did that work?

Obama Victim Wrote June 25th, 2009 12:28 pm ET

if this was Obozo's idea, all you losers would think it was a great plan……….you are all beyond pathetic………..

========================================

So your saying you like this idea?
This pathetic loser likes Obama and thank god he is in power, but I would be the first one to say this is a stupid idea, McCain is grandstanding with the other two stooges. We has a country cannot afford to be giving money to other countries and especially a country that told us to say out of there business and my president is doing the right thing.

Doug NJ – where do you get your information from? The racists in this country that go out there killing innocent folks or doctors are Republicans like yourself. Get off the moral high horse and see it for what it is – this country was run into the ground by a Repub and now the "Liberals" will have to clean it up. The US needs to mind their business and focus on the issues of this country.

OLD FARTS with no new ideas....thank god McCain did not get voted in!!!

Leave it to these bastards to try to start another war anyway they can!

McCain you should be ashamed of yourself!!!!

Just remember Senator McCain, you are not dealing with a fair and just government. You may end up suppling those in power with more tools to use against there own people.
Would you have wanted foreign governments involved in the Bush/Gore election discrepancy?

The likes of these three were in the driver's seat when they wrecked our country with their unwavering support for the invasion of Iraq and other outdated foreign policy decisions under the last regime. Why the hell would we want to let them drive again? There ideas are so 19th century and won't work in a 20th century world.

The Republicans (in congress) want to make Obama look bad, because they know that as of today Obama will win the next election, so if they can blame Obama for say... going to war with Iran or North Korea that will be progress for them. I mean what do Republicans in congress stand for? they do not even want healthcare reform when americans here at home are dying because of lack of healthcare or lack of money to buy the healthcare.

Please tell me, are they going to offer the American people the same equipment to prevent our own government from their illegal surveilance of us?

WHOA. NO. STOP HIM. John "bomb Iran" McCain shouldn't be sticking his nose in thins.

To Obama Victim,
I bet you were one of the "great americans" who condemned people for criticizing our former president. Remember...criticizing a president during wartime was unpatriotic. Well, we are still at war. That makes you one serious unpatriotic jerk.

You rarely offer anything new to the conversation so please stop chiming in every day to insult the President of the United States.

MEDDLING!!

This three-headed monster is an example of the GREAT SATAN!

As Tom Petty said, everybody's had to fight to be free . . . not America's had to fight for everybody to be free!

What dangerous egos!

I'm surprised the GOP hawks aren't trying to supply weapons to the people of Iran. Come on McCain, if you want to meddle then do it big time. Idiots, just idiots.

To Obama Victim – hell no we wouldn't. I don't care who or what party – this country needs to keep it's nose (and soldiers) out of other countries business. Period.

These 3 senators are just always thinking of these kinds of "stunts" to try to appease their far right base. It'd be nice if they were even slightly concerned with their own citizens.

Nice to see Lieberman looking out for Israel's interests! What country does he work for again?

Another McCain gimmick. McCain is a bitter old man and he's mad that he lost to Obama...he's mad as hell. For some reason he thought it was his turn to be president.

Well folks, start paying attention to his Senate race coming up. He just might lose to a man named Chris Simcox. Arizona voters are fed up with McCain. He has not represented them and they may turn to the founder of the Minutemen. Maybe Megan can help save her father's election...doubt it.

They are three troublemakers, and should BUTT OUT! Vote these jerks out once and for all!

As a result of these 3 meddeling, why doesn't someone draft a resolution prohibiting US Senators from interfering in politics and issues that undermine the President's message. when it comes to nationl security issues..These 3 idiots are crossing over the line , and are just trying to be obstructionits as usual...if they cared so much about the human rights of these people , then why did they not do all of this 8 years ago ?? Oh, thats right Pres Obama wasn't in the WH at that time, they had oe of their own Bush, and look where that got us..If they had called these people the Axis of Evil for past 8 years, as well as isolate them, we may have been in a position to communicate with them and at least have a dialogue..But no, thanks to the past 8 years and now these 3, we have to start from scratch.. Somebody please tell McCain he lost and to let if go and move on !!!! Please !

Iran is none of our business. Why are we legislating a foreign country? Please Washington, stop with the bully tactics.
Why are these clueless idiots in Washington wasting time on this when we have enormous issues to deal with right here.

To Doug, NJ: Nobody is talking "execution," in either party. Your hyperbole is off the wall. 33% of Americans oppose the death penalty for murder, as do 40% of Democrats, but only 20% GOP per Galliup Poll in 2007. So who cares more for life? Perhaps you misspoke and meant "censor" Republicans.

l certainly don't want to kill anyone, or censor you, but I wish the name-calling, emotional chest-pounding, paranoia, and lack of facts from both the left and the right would cease among CNN bloggers, so we might have adult civil dialogue, as Pres.Obama asks. Yelling may get my attention, but a two-way rant does not foster understanding nor give us a "more perfect union.".

Where is the money coming from for this?

And why is American tax dollars being used to help anyone other than Americans?

I am so sick and tired of these Republicans that will bend over and take it up the yin-yang wazoo for 'foreigners' – but hate their own. This is good money that could be used in AMERICAN schools for computers, books, materials, etc. etc.

Again- putting foreign children ahead of American children. Typical Republican behavior.

Why can't we just stay out of it. The last thing we need is to give Iran and other countries more fuel for hating America.

They don't have time to work on USA problems, but they have time for personal affairs AND

They have time to stick their noses in every countries' business.

Kick the bums out and put people in there that will earn their salary working on OUR problems.

These Congressional Clowns find the money to help people halfway around the Earth but can't spare a cent for American citizens. I think being a neocon should be classified as a mental disorder and disqualifies those possessing it from holding public office.

If we help the Iranians bypass government censorship of the internet, don't we also have to help the Chinese?

Joe "Judas" Lieberman and his republican colleagues. He shouldn't even be called an independent. What are his democratic values? Everytime I look up he's supporting his old buddy and pal McCain.

@ All three Senators – get off your moral and patriotic high pedestal already. The Party's "Moral Values" are in the toilet, or don't you read the papers and magazines, either?!
Cry the values of our Constitution, uh, wait a minute, exactly where were you three when Cheney said the office of Vice President didn't fall under the Executive Branch, where was your outrage and your oaths to protect and defend the Constitution, both foreign and domestic?
So the three of you would still wave the flag ( "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel." – Ben Franklin) and give "I'manutjob" all the free media attention and justification he could ask for, courtesy of you three blundering idiots!

so... how 'bout we also get involved with the internal disputes in china, saudi arabia, zimbabwe, and so on... while my heart goes out to the protesters in iran– and i def hope they achieve more of the freedoms they seek and deserve!!!–, there will be many unintended consequences of such legislation...

...of course that legislation has no chance of passing, though... and these three senators know that... so, all this is is grandstanding and showboating, in my humble opinion.

Who cares if the Iran goverment calls it meddling Obama and the other need a back bone. Lets stop turning our backs on people who are suffering. Lets get some courage in our heart ,and help people who need help. This holding out just so you can have a conversation with a mad man in crazy. Lets get some courage please.

Wasn't it the GOP that has been yelling about the costs involved with all the big-business bailouts; and here these bozo's want funding to help a country on the terrorist watch list?? These guys are idiots, and we need to toss out the Growing Old Party before they mess up more.

Fair is Fair – NJ does not have one of the highest car rates, matter of fact they are lower than NY , PA, CA etc. go look up for yourself.

Doug, New Jersey wrote:

"A majority of his supporters, liberal Democrats, care about the lives of terrorists far more than the lives of their fellow Americans who are honest and fair."

LOL, are you republicans ever going to get a clue? Ever?

mccain and lindsy grahm.what a pair of idiots.then you throw in lieberman wow.now we have a threesome.get lost all three of you loosers.i am sick of you retards.oh take palen with you now its complete.

Ridiculous–"fiscal conservative" is a farce.

This wasteful nonsense would only aggravate an already volatile situation with money these neocons do NOT have!

This is exactly the type of foolish legislation that gives Ahmadinejad fuel for his argument of US interferenace in internal affairs if Iran. The legislation accomplishes nothing, the internal affairs of Iran are going to have to be taken care of by the Iranian people, not a couple of washed up has beens.

Why are these Senators getting involved with this? It seems that any way they can, they are hellbent on contradicting the stance that the POTUS has adopted in regards to Iran. They want to be involved, they are going to create political controversy and animosity, and then like the punks they are they are going to sidestep and let Obama deal with the political fallout. Its is so transparent to me.

They are fighting the new foreign policy tone that the POTUS is trying to implement tooth and nail. They own't let go of old habits that HAVE NOT worked for us, but only created more enemies. What anyone in U.S. politics does is seen by another country as a direct reflection of the policies of the POTUS. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS SENATORS!

We need to butt out.

Did you hear me, McCain? JUST BUTT OUT!!!!!!!!

We're all tired of fighting the Worlds wars for them. This time....let them fight it out among themselves. We'll deal with the winners.

I have so had enough of the Republicans. Why won't they go crawl back under their rocks?

When will we learn to stay out of other peoples business??? Are we going to re-build every nation?

And this is going to work how? It will be a waster of money that we don't have.

Randolph Carter said, "Doug, New Jersey, you forgot to mention what bad drivers liberals are. Have a nice day!"
________________________

You might be on to something there, Randolph. NJ and MA have the highest car insurance rates – and they're both ultra-blue. Having a nice day!

Oh my God, this is all we need, is another war..What is with these people, especially McCain and Graham...Why are they so hell bent on interfering in Iran..Its as if they are trying to deliberatly undermine Pres Obama..Instead of being on the same page, once again they are the party of NO..To bad they cannot take this much interest or time as they have on the Iranina issue and apply to Health care..They don;t seem to undestand these people , even the protesters do nt want helpt especially from the US..And to make matters worse we McCain who just last year was yelling BOMB, BOMB BOMB BOMB IRAN !. No suddenly he is all Mr symphathy..Aparrenlty he is still in denial that he lost the election and is not the President..Would somebody please give thees people something constructive to do to occupy their time with, instead of meddeling where it does not belong..PLEASE BEFORE THEY FOOL AROUND AND START ANOTHER WAR !!!

Didn't the Three Stooges lose the election? They remind me of women who need to all go to the bathroom together when they are out for dinner.

Reza Aslan (one of the experts that CNN constantly uses to explain Iran and the Tranian situation) stated on the Daily Show yesterday: "

"All I can say is thank you God for Barack Obama."

I second that statement and wish CNN would give equal time to the MANY people mostly experts on their shows that do indeed support the President's approach.

Aren't these the same people who say we don't have any money to fix healthcare, provide a better education to our children or to increase services to our veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan? Why does this get priority over services for our own citizens? If they are so worried about making sure everyone has technology to communicate worldwide, why not fund infrastructure to provide free internet access to all Americans?!?!

As more US politicians clamor to show their "strength" to the Iranians, the corrupt regime in Iran can and will rightfully claim that our nation is interfering in their internal election process. Mr. Obama has been tempered and thoughtful in his response, objecting to the violence, while acknowledging that the election process is not his to control. When will these other US politicians begin to understand that Iran and other countries have a right to elect as they see fit. They also have a right to protest their elections as they see fit. If Iranian politicians were scrambling to send funds and equipment to any US party who felt their votes did not count in a US election, the US would probably send troops in to Iran in response. When will American politicians learn that the whole world does not revolve around their own personal interests?

Back in the day before the dumbocrats neutered the CIA, that agency would have taken care of this sort of thing behind the scenes. That was a much more effective way to deal with it but, of course, dumbocrats live in a utopian world where everyone holds hands and sings songs so they decided that the CIA is evil and needs to be declawed so...here we are.

What a stupid idea.... why are we getting involved in this? Maybe they can send some stamps and envelopes too?

You people just can't keep your cool can you? Just got to have a knee jurk reaction to everything in the world even though it has "NOTHING" to do with us.

Iran is somebody else's country. We have no interest in it at all other than to watch and bear witness to their brutallity. In the next few years we must try to work with them to stop their nuclear program, which doesn't mean at the point of a gun. That, obviously never works!

So here we go again, the good old GOP trying to get points for pushing something that will end our negotiations for another 8 years. It would be nice if these children would sit down for once and let the president and other grown-ups handle matters of state, something they fail at each and ever time.

LIEberman, still palling with McCain?

if this was Obozo's idea, all you losers would think it was a great plan..........you are all beyond pathetic...........

McCain lost the debate on how to handle foreign policy last November. He continues to weaken our countries message and putting our troops at risk with his weak ideas on handling foreign Policy. Obama is working through this by thinking it through and using a measured response. The Bush, Cheny and McCain knee jerk reactionary type responses that have put us at war in two counties has proven not to work. They need to stop campaigning and think of what is best for us and our troops.

These GOP's losers need to focus on other issues affecting Americans!

I hope the Senate will carefully consider ALL the possible results of this action. Especially the unintended consequences.

This is not an issue to go into emotionally.

stay out of other countries business. look what happened in iraq. use the money for americans.

Lieberman makes me sick!

Ok, so later they can use this same technology against us? Are these GOP's numb-skulls for real? Leave Iran alone! Let them take care of their own business!!

Pure showboating... These Geezers in Congerss are worried about poll outcomes and how they look to their constituencies, so they come up with something as lame as this?

What're they going to do? Have soldiers in Iraq lob cellphones over the fence?

Besides, this would just validate Ahmedinejad's claims that the US is interfering. I'd rather not give his delusions a leg to stand on.

By calling President Obama timid and weak, the GNOPers are saying they believe we should just ,"Bomb,Bomb, Bomb, Bomb-Iran". Wasn't that McCain's chant during the 2008 campaign? This funding proposal would add just another layer to the accusations by Iran that the US is meddling and further exacerbate a tenuous situation in that country's effort to obtain a nuclear weapon. I guess the GNOPers don't really care about the proliferation of nuclear weapons and are just looking for an excuse to use one on Iran. Keep up the good work GNOPers. I'm not so sure you have the safety and well-being of all Americans at heart by your moronic behavior. For the sake of my half-Iranian grandson's relatives in Iran, McCain and Company, please sit down and shut up as soon as possible. I'm begging you as a grandmother!!!

there corporate friends can see coin to be made here in a month or two thet will be crying bomb-bomb- iran killing the same people they are behind today tommrow they read the news paper to see witch way the wind is blowing

Ummm.... where are we going to get the "funds" to throw at another country? Weren't these same Republicans just complaining about Obama's budget and him spending too much? So it's okay to spend money on a country in which America has exactly no stake, but it's wrong to spend money on American citizens? These people are ridiculous. No.

Doug from New Jersey – you and your holier than Thou fellow Republicans are nothing but a bunch of warmongering imbeciles!

When will the US stop interfering with foreign domestic issues?. There is enough problems here, joblessness, high medical etc. after all I don't trust the skewed media reportage. I saw how the media fanned animosity in Kenya and how people killed each other after that!! only to make headlines!! and sound bites!!! shame on you !!

Erik S.
Truth hurts. He is not that different.

Let's get the truth out here. It's not coming from these guys in the photo. Our government is funding some of this to the tune of $400 million. This is money that was set aside to fund much of the CIA effort to undermine the current iranian government. And this is a clear spark to set it off. They were going to cry fraud regardless. And the opposition leader, Mousavi, is a terrorist that oversaw the killing of the US Marines in Beirut. The US government's goal is to install the shah of Iran's son in to be a cronie for the West. Of course, I say our government but in reality they are doing the bidding for the international banks and corporations once again.

If we interfere in this manner, does that not contribute to the instability in the region and endanger our armed forces overseas?

What are these fools doing? What happened to WE DON'T HAVE THE MONEY? can't fix health care, can't fix education, can't fix energy policy, we can't even afford improved cyber security here in the USA but we can spend money on Iran? Where is the fiscal conservatism that the Republican Party was supposed to have rediscovered?

pat c June 25th, 2009 12:16 pm ET
why can't john mccain understand he lost the election.
__________________
John McCain is still a duly elected member of the U.S. Senate. He has every right to express his opinions. So do Frank, Pelosi, Reid, etc. - who are not exactly MY favorite people. Sorry if you don't like it, pat c.

It is nice too see that good ole John wants to spend the U.S.'s money on a foreign country while Obama is spending money IN the U.S. to try and get us out of the recession that BOTH parties got us into. Who is the real patriot?

You know, if we had wanted Mccain making important decisions for us we would have voted him into office.
If he had control we probably would have already "bombed, bombed Iran".
These idiots do not know the meaning of diplomacy, negotiating and striving for peace.
Thank God and the American people we had the sense to not support war mongers.

These three need to stop trying to meddle in this, and Liberman needs to be canned , you can't trust him.......if it were up to these three and the republicans we would have already invaded and started another war......

I feel for the repression of these people and the blatant election fraud that put this a*%hole in office. I also am very concerned about us getting involved. Seems we have a few strings to tie up before getting involved with another mess. Afghanistan, Iraq, N. Korea, on and on.

these old guys need to stop their messing around with international politics. They would take us to war in a new york minute. Hopefully the people who elect these guys wake up and realize that they are not serving their constitutents or the country – totally self serving.

That is not our country and not our business! Deal with the problems we have here please Senators.

Let me get this straight, the same GOP senators griping about a budget deficits that assist Americans, don't mind adding to the deficit for Iran? Because that approach has worked so well in Afghanistan. Americans are already helping for free, by haking the Iranian government's system and erasing their detainee lists. Mccain and Lieberman once again following behind the curve.

This bill, which has not been drafted yet, will authorize funding for Radio Farda to expand its reach across the country, and will provide VOA's other broadcasts more time to broadcast.

Let's see what happens to this.

You're a moron, McCain.

McCain doesnt even know how to check E-mail and he's writing legislation about circumventing internet security!?

Iran is setting the table for a confrontation with the U.S. I think the Supreme leader picked Mahmoud Amadenajad because he seemed to be more hardline conservative than the opposition,

Doug, New Jersey – funny, you sound like every rethuglican hateful, lying blogger on here. You must be looking in the mirror. And no, us PROUD LIberals don't like terrorists anymore than you do but we don't like war either like you warmongering republicans.

why can't john mccain understand he lost the election. he is not OUR president. he is trying to play big wheel to a country that he once said bomb,bomb,bomb iran. does he not realize bombing iran would hurt and kill people quicker than the protesting? so now he wants to be a savior to the country he wanted to start a war in....hummmm.

Doug, New Jersey, you forgot to mention what bad drivers liberals are. Have a nice day!

what are they talking about?? spend money on some healthcare or education!! why are we spending money on iranian elections??! let them handle it until they go too far!!

Three War mongers butting in where they have NO business.

[...] funding a package of assistance to help get around the Tehran regime's information block,” CNN reports. "The Iranian government recognizes that Internet is a threat to its stranglehold over [...]

See what bothers me is next thing the warmonger rethugs will be wanting us to invade Iran.

These old idiots wont stop at anything to try and stay relavent. Even though experts are telling them that assistance like this will hurt the protesters, they just can't help themselves.

Sure, lets play into the Iranian Government's hands and give them someone to blame besides themselves for the violence. As Pres. Obama is the one with the degree in international relations, I would listen to him. Republicans and Democrats who want to interfere... you should think things through before making things worse.

You cannot expect Obama to crack down on ahmadenijad when Obama wants to treat his opposition in this country the same way.

A majority of his supporters, liberal Democrats, care about the lives of terrorists far more than the lives of their fellow Americans who are honest and fair. A majority of Democrats in this country would fully support executing their fellow republican Americans and their families. Only hate, lies and selfishness consume the hearts of Democrats these days. It is not just their hateful liberal words on the net at sites like this, go to an ultra blue area and witness their total disregard for human life.

This doesn't sound like bad legislation but the Iranian government will definitely call this meddling.

Can you believe that Mahmoud compared Obama to Bush? I mean, that right there shows you where Iran is coming from.