American Socialists show support for Iranian protesters

I consider myself a socially-responsible Capitalist who has respect for some Socialist ideas (I certainly support public education, public post office, public library, and public healthcare.) I'm not as critical of Obama as the author of the following linked article is. And I recently attended a panel discussion of scientists (at the World Science Festival) where a new generation of nuclear reactors that can actually run on what the US stores as nuclear waste was mentioned. Nonetheless, the general tone and thrust of the article are refreshing--especially after seeing some Leftists side with the brutal crackdown by Khamenei/Ahmadinejad/Revolutionary Guards:

http://socialistwebzine.blogspot.com/2009/07/statement-on-iran.html

Here's an excerpt:

"The brutal repression of the popular upsurge against Iran's ruling clique of Islamic clerics only postpones the inevitable. Iran's theocracy has lost the confidence of its people, as militant protests continue on the streets of Tehran.

"The Socialist Party USA stands with the people of Iran in demanding an immediate end to arbitrary rule and the holding of genuinely free and open elections. We believe that the complete separation of religious institutions and the state is an essential prerequisite for a democratic society. Every resident of a nation should have the same rights and privileges, no matter what her or his religious belief may or may not be..."

Almost sounds like Thomas Jefferson.

US tells Iran 'time running out'

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/07/20097162167629318.html

"The US government has sent a strong message to Iran, saying it is running out of time to engage in dialogue over its nuclear programme to avoid further isolation or even military action.

[Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, said that Iran]
"'does have a right to civil nuclear power, if it re-establishes the confidence of the international community that it uses its programmes exclusively for peaceful purposes.'

"'Iran can become a constructive actor in the region if it stops threatening its neighbors and supporting terrorism. It can assume a responsible position in the international community if it fulfills its obligations on human rights,' she said."