Haven't written in a while. Been super busy. Ex father-in-law had his foot cut off, so I've had to step in to keep his business running. Also am now a stay at home dad again, so questions every five minutes. Missed a major deadline that will limit my choices for interviews in the fall, but it couldn't be helped. And I will get back on my dissertation in 45 minutes when I put my son to bed, and finish up these thoughts.

1. The people of Iran are so close to realizing that the power of government is derived by a mandate from the people. They are in charge. Proving it will be bloody. I hope they have the will.

2. Our president is a coward. Waiting for the dust to settle, and saying you were on the side of the victor all along is a coward's way out. I guarantee you the American people are on the side of the Iranian people. As a country we should be shouting it from the rooftops. We should be air dropping food, medicine, and AK47's as fast as we can get them there. But this president is no 'cowboy.' He doesn't shoot from the hip with a comment, or a bombing run. Everything is measured. And that's why we elected him, but sometimes you have to put the white hat on and beat hell out of those that richly deserve it. It's like Kenny Rogers said in Coward of the County: "Sometimes you gotta fight when you're a man."

3. If they do get it together and win, let them have the government they want. As much as I'd like to whip my Objectivist-libertarian views on them this is their country. If they want a more tolerant religious theocracy, or a pure communist state, or a full democracy, it's their decision. I hope that they receive good advice, for in a multitude of counsellors there is wisdom, but in the end, the decision is theirs. For my left leaning friends: Wouldn't it be great if Iran beat Iraq to being a stable bastion of freedom and goodwill in the middle east? I'd gladly eat crow if it happened.

Back to Matthew now. Take care all.