Tehran Butterflies

Well, if it's any comfort, none of that really matters - as we've seen throughout the history of this country (and indeed the world), what counts is the final tally; however that's arrived at.

I think it's unlikely that the Iranian govt is going to be involved in rigging the polls, especially with so much international attention on them right now. Besides, I also think that the establishment in Iran do not like Ahemedinijad would want to get rid of him so even if there is rigging of the polls, it's unlikely to be in favor of Ahemedinijad.

I like the title to the article. A semi-sly reference to our own infamous butterfly ballots in Tehran. Make that Miami.

Right wing pundits on Iran...
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With a GOP president:
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Ahmadinejad is the next Hitler. Pay attention to everything he says.
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With a Dem president:
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The Iranian president is just a figurehead. The real power lies with Khameini and the clerics. What the presidents says and does means nothing.
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With a GOP president:
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Moussavi's victory is evidence that the Republican plan of freedom in the Middle East through US military strength is working. We scared the mullahs into moderating their stance.
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With a Dem president:
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This election doesn't matter because the clerics control everything and Moussavi is almost as bad as Ahmadinejad. In fact, this whole thing was a setup by the clerics in order to fool the West that Iran is becoming more moderate while they continue to build nukes so that they can blow up Israel.

It is good to hear that Joe is in Iran: getting things first or second hand, but right there. After our Coleman-Franken comedy routine I'd hesitate to criticise Iran. I hope we get more updates. Thanks KT. And Joe, too.

"And why on earth have they devised such a complicated ballot in the first place?"
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Ahhh...oldest political power ploy on the books. Make it so confusing that no one except those in power recognize what is going on.
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In America, we call that political fraud, re-districting. Instead of making ballots difficult and confusing, they simply do a census every 10 years, redistrict to the advantage of the party in power at the time, and get all the votes they need.
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If you don't believe me, just look at Rep John Murtha's district. And you thought he was just in Johnstown. HA!
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http://www.govtrack.us/congress/findyourreps.xpd?state=PA&district=12
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He has totally skirted every Republican stronghold in the entire Western Pennsylvania map.

I'm writing in Xerxes. Now there's a guy who can get things done!

The question is...are any U.S. agents rigging the election for Moussavi? Can't say it hasn't happened before.

newliberty,
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the CIA didn't rig an election, they helped stage a coup partly in order to avoid elections. big difference there.

Looks like Joe's doing more than loitering around poll stations.
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1904343-1,00.html

[...] Joe Klein in Swampland: I’ve just returned from a day of poll-watching in various Tehran neighborhoods. The lines are long…but I’m worried that the votes might not be counted correctly. In fact, we may be headed for a government-rigged Palm Beach County-style election controversy. Here’s the problem: [...]

Joe,
As an Iranian-American, I am utterly frustrated with the lack of understanding by Western journalists of the Iranian political system. It's not as confusing as you all make it sound and you are all so very inaccurate and misdirected.
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For starters, please read the Iranian constitution which does not grant the President authority to make foreign OR domestic policy or to authorize a strike on any country, even Israel. This is a power granted to one man, the SUPREME F'ING LEADER, Ali Khamenei, and his Guardian Council of aging Mullahs (don't get this confused with the 70s band of the same name). The constitution is available in English here: http://www.servat.unibe.ch/icl/ir00000_.html
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So, while the media looks for the President of Iran to change, they should be really looking for a change only in the Mullahs' policies. Stop misinforming the people! And Joe, I am not singling you out, but rather reaching out to you because I find that you're one of the more intelligent reporters out there. Please grab your colleagues by the ears and make them listen to reason. THE IRANIAN PRESIDENT = THE US WHITEHOUSE SPOKESMAN AND NOTHING MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[...] for Ahmadinejad? And why on earth have they devised such a complicated ballot in the first place? [Joe Klein] A vote for Moussavi with the number “4″ could be easily changed to a vote for [...]