Sometimes, you have to stand back and let people and countries take care of themselves.

I don’t think allowing a person or a nation to heal themselves is paramount to apathy or weakness.

A delayed or non-existent intervention is not just a matter of self preservation for the United States.

It’s also a matter of mutual respect.  In some ways, not interfering illustrates that we have faith in the people of Iran to sort their own matters out in the manner of their choosing… in the way that they think is best for them. Why should we shield them from the trials by fire that a people must endure in order to appreciate truly their right to self rule and governance?

These are a people that have endured thousands of years.  I believe they can work this out.

The United States, as a nation, should afford them that dignity.  And, of course, fervently hope that their hopes and ours converge in ways that minimizes despair, destruction and chaos. As the situation changes, we can always reevaluate.

But history, especially with regards to this nation, teaches us that our interventions in their affairs have not always been noble and that they have little reason to trust our government’s motives.  Even a good choice that may be made as a direct result of our intervention would most likely be questioned to the point of being ineffective.

Watching, in my opinion, is the right thing to do at this moment.

But, it doesn’t mean we don’t see.

I see.  I feel for them.  I’m sure we all do.  And we should let them know.

And, I’m proud of them.  Well, some of them, anyway.  Obviously not the ones who are acting like petulant children who refuse to share their toys.  And who shoot people who disagree with them.

Additionally?  I think we should all stop calling New Jersey the Garden State and start referring to it as Bon Jovi Land.