I think it's great that the people of Iran are beginning what appears to be the start of a revolution against their oppressive theocratic government.  That said, I am always equally disappointed in the American politicians exploiting this situation, where innocent people are dying, using it as a chance to grandstand.  Every American politician that calls for American intervention in the uprising has blood on their hands right now.  The mullahs want westerners to call for Iranian revolution.  It adds credence to their myth that westerners are meddling.  They want any excuse possible to put this thing down.

I also find it very ironic that the same politicians calling for western assistance for the revolutionaries were, not a month ago, supportive of bombing the crap out of Iran.  I'm looking at you, Senator bomb-bomb-bomb McCain.

All that said, if the Iranians ask for help.  I hope they get help...

But we should never forget that this is not just a series of interesting twitter feeds.  There are real consequences and real lives -- innocent lives -- at stake.

Good luck, Iran.

Update (June 23, 2009): Excellent op-ed here on this subject; h/t ginandtacos.com