Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to give Alternative Xmas Message on Channel 4.

[Astor]

President of Iran to give alternative to Queen's Speech.

Thoughts, people?

And yes, we know he's trying to get nuclear weapons, and that he's evil, and that he hates Israel. Can we please try to stick to the topic, and not just bash the man in general?

[SW01]

If it is truly sincere, then I can't see how it is anything but a progressive step. As long as there is no particular racial or political propaganda, I have no problem with it. Surely any (sincerely) peaceful message is good?

I do not agree with many of Iran's policies (if any), but in the current climate any attempt to defuse animosity should be welcomed, in my opinion.

All the same, I'll stick with Her Majesty's speech!

[PastramiX]

Alright, that's just... odd. I hope he wears a Santa hat, though.

[Astor]

Originally Posted by SW01

If it is truly sincere, then I can't see how it is anything but a progressive step. As long as there is no particular racial or political propaganda, I have no problem with it. Surely any (sincerely) peaceful message is good?

From what's been written about it, it's not too inflammatory, but they may have only picked out the best parts.

I do not agree with many of Iran's policies (if any), but in the current climate any attempt to defuse animosity should be welcomed, in my opinion.

Agreed.

All the same, I'll stick with Her Majesty's speech!

As will I, but this one's on at night, so both can be watched, assuming it doesn't interfere with Doctor Who.

[Q]

Originally Posted by Astor_Kaine

And yes, we know he's trying to get nuclear weapons, and that he's evil, and that he hates Israel. Can we please try to stick to the topic, and not just bash the man in general?

You forgot to mention "insane."

But seriously, his trying to reach out could be a good sign. And I have no problem with Obama's wanting to sit down and talk with the man.

[jonathan7]

Originally Posted by PastramiX

Alright, that's just... odd. I hope he wears a Santa hat, though.

That explains Channel 4's alternative speech every year, pretty well. Seriously, I like C4, but half the time I think the network is just run by students that want to shock people.

Originally Posted by Astor_Kaine

From what's been written about it, it's not too inflammatory, but they may have only picked out the best parts.

It'll be interesting whatever he has to say.

[Darth InSidious]

Originally Posted by Qliveur

You forgot to mention "insane."

No, no I think Mr. Ahmadinejad is quite rational. That's what makes people like him so worrying - they know exactly what they're doing. And they aren't that removed from you or me. The only difference is that they act on their capacity for evil...

But seriously, his trying to reach out could be a good sign. And I have no problem with Obama's wanting to sit down and talk with the man.

In theory, yes. In practice, it's a cheap attempt to grab ratings by being "controversial". Much like their voyeurism series on the severely disabled.

That explains Channel 4's alternative speech every year, pretty well. Seriously, I like C4, but half the time I think the network is just run by students that want to shock people.

Certainly, it at times seems to be run for the more fatuous kind of 20-year-old...

[jonathan7]

Source; http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle5394204.ece

Originally Posted by President A

“If Christ was on Earth today undoubtedly he would hoist the banner of justice and love for humanity to oppose warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies the world over. If Christ was on Earth today undoubtedly he would fight against the tyrannical policies of prevailing global economic and political systems, as He did in His lifetime.”

-- I love how he seems to of missed that the above would include his own government, far more than any others

[Q]

Originally Posted by Darth Insidious

No, no I think Mr. Ahmadinejad is quite rational. That's what makes people like him so worrying - they know exactly what they're doing. And they aren't that removed from you or me. The only difference is that they act on their capacity for evil...

Yes, I know that he's quite sane. I was poking fun at how the "crazy" angle has been overblown here in the States. Plus, I was joking with Astor because he had specifically requested that no one bash the guy in this thread, and was getting my licks in before a certain someone got here and sucked the joy out of everything by actually bashing him.

Sucks!!! - j7

No, not you, Jonathan.

[Darth InSidious]

Originally Posted by jonathan7

Source; http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle5394204.ece



-- I love how he seems to of missed that the above would include his own government, far more than any others

No doubt he follows the 'faightin' Jesus' model of a certain A. Hitler...

Yes, I know that he's quite sane. I was poking fun at how the "crazy" angle has been overblown here in the States. Plus, I was joking with Astor because he had specifically requested that no one bash the guy in this thread, and was getting my licks in before a certain someone got here and sucked the joy out of everything by actually bashing him.

Ah, sorry. Irony doesn't come across too clear on the tubes.

[Astor]

Originally Posted by Qliveur

You forgot to mention "insane."

True, but remember, we're not bashing him .

I was poking fun at how the "crazy" angle has been overblown here in the States.

He's portrayed as crazy over here too, but in every TV interview i've seen he's nothing short of polite, and honest.

I'm hoping his message is first step to better relations with the rest of the world, but i'm also a pessimist, so I doubt it'll do much.

[Det. Bart Lasiter]

Originally Posted by SW01

All the same, I'll stick with Her Majesty's speech!

that sounds truly electrifying.

at least if you watch ahmadinejad's speech there's a chance of him going off about something or another which could be somewhat more amusing than an ancient woman with an oversized crown on her head that looks like it's about to crush her ramble on.

[Rev7]

Interesting, but I can't take him seriously ever since I saw SNL's spoof- Iran So Far.

[Q]

Man, I saw that and about wet myself laughing.

[Jae Onasi]

With Hanukkah coinciding with Christmas this year, I think this channel's choice of Ahmadinejad to give the alternative message was in very poor taste. I hope he doesn't say something horribly anti-Semitic.

[Darth Avlectus]

Not sure what I make of it exactly. Wierd. Too wierd.

I think it would have the same quantity of effect as not: There would be a number of people complaining about ignorance to christianity customs if he wore no santa hat; if he wore a santa hat, others would say he's only being phony.

Originally Posted by Astor_Kaine

From what's been written about it, it's not too inflammatory, but they may have only picked out the best parts.

Hence part of the reason I decided not to go into journalism and TV production. No objectivity. It's all sugar coated.

Originally Posted by SW01

If it is truly sincere, then I can't see how it is anything but a progressive step. As long as there is no particular racial or political propaganda, I have no problem with it. Surely any (sincerely) peaceful message is good?

IFF it is genuine. If not...well, the cynics would be right.

Originally Posted by SW01

I do not agree with many of Iran's policies (if any), but in the current climate any attempt to defuse animosity should be welcomed, in my opinion.

All the same, I'll stick with Her Majesty's speech!

I'll relax my adrenaline, but it's one of those sorts of situations where you still keep your eyes sharp, and your stance ready. Nobody knows whether diffusion is genuine or if it is merely a distraction so they can catch you off guard. Yes, I am one cynical mo-fo.

Originally Posted by Darth InSidious

No, no I think Mr. Ahmadinejad is quite rational. That's what makes people like him so worrying - they know exactly what they're doing. And they aren't that removed from you or me. The only difference is that they act on their capacity for evil...

He can lie and still look you in the eye. No flinch.
Agreed! I like the way you think! It's the sane evil ones to worry about.

Originally Posted by Darth InSidious

In theory, yes. In practice, it's a cheap attempt to grab ratings by being "controversial". Much like their voyeurism series on the severely disabled.

OH, you mean like Eminem?

Voyeurism + severely disabled?! I'm not sure I like the sound of THAT...then again, everyone ought to be allowed to get theirs on at some point I suppose. Still, that's just creepy.

Originally Posted by jonathan7

Source; http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle5394204.ece

-- I love how he seems to of missed that the above would include his own government, far more than any others

Which makes me think it is all a stunt. Still, strange stuff does happen. I HOPE it's for real.

If he has nothing to fear at a time of reckoning I guess it's all good. OR at least he has balls 'o' steel.

Originally Posted by Astor_Kaine

True, but remember, we're not bashing him .

Oh darn!

Originally Posted by Astor_Kaine

He's portrayed as crazy over here too, but in every TV interview i've seen he's nothing short of polite, and honest.
---
I'm hoping his message is first step to better relations with the rest of the world, but i'm also a pessimist, so I doubt it'll do much.

Meaning what?
---
I hope so too. I'm a realist, not a pessimist, but I do agree.

Originally Posted by jmac7142

that sounds truly electrifying.
at least if you watch ahmadinejad's speech there's a chance of him going off about something or another which could be somewhat more amusing than an ancient woman with an oversized crown on her head that looks like it's about to crush her ramble on.

Yeh.

Originally Posted by Jae Onasi

With Hanukkah coinciding with Christmas this year, I think this channel's choice of Ahmadinejad to give the alternative message was in very poor taste. I hope he doesn't say something horribly anti-Semitic.

...OY! Poor indeed. All the more aggravating given I have jewish friends and family--heritage roots. Though religiously I'm not a jew.

I'm debating whether to watch live or not. It might only drag things down.