News & Politics - Pulling the Plug on Hot-Dog Diplomacy

amazing_paula · 06-24-2009, 07:25 PM

Pulling the Plug on Hot-Dog Diplomacy

It was an attempt by President Obama to reach out to Iran with a classically American invitation: celebrate July 4 with hot dogs and hale fellowship at United States embassies worldwide. Now, hot-dog diplomacy is the latest casualty of the bloody clashes in Tehran.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who had authorized diplomatic posts earlier this month to invite Iranians to their Independence Day parties, sent out a cable rescinding the invitations.

“Unfortunately, circumstances have changed, and participation by Iranian diplomats would not be appropriate in light of the unjust actions that the president and I have condemned,” she said. Embassies that had already invited Iranian diplomats were instructed to disinvite them.

full article

amazing_paula · 06-24-2009, 07:31 PM

Do you think this is a smart move?

Will Iranians care?

Why or why not?

**vc318** · 06-25-2009, 09:32 AM

Um, I'm sure he meant well but "celebrating with hot dogs" is probably the last thing the people of Iran want to do for July 4th. And besides - July 4th isn't exactly celebrated worldwide. It's only a big deal in the U.S., correct?

**Callace** · 06-25-2009, 04:25 PM

Yeah, it is a gesture that only means something to people who are socializing with americans. Which diplomats tend to do

So I take it that it might have mattered a tiny little to them, and not at all to iranians in general. (they have too much trouble already to give a damn in hot dogs, i'd guess

)

**sunnykerr** · 07-06-2009, 05:40 PM

Speaking of reaching out to Iranians, though, has anyone else seen the video Andy Madadian, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora "made/filmed" of Stand by Me?

They don't intend to record it. They just wanted to make it to show their support for the people of Iran.

YouTube - "Stand by Me" - Andy, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora & Friends