An Odd 4th of July Invitation

The AP reported on this a couple of days ago, but I misplaced the link and then got forgetful. Yet I think it is worth a brief mention:

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (AP) - In a new overture to Iran, the Obama administration has authorized U.S. embassies around the world to invite Iranian officials to Independence Day parties they host on or around July 4th.

A State Department cable sent to all U.S. embassies and consulates late last week said that U.S. diplomats could ask their Iranian counterparts to attend the festivities, which generally feature speeches about American values, fireworks, and, of course, hot dogs and hamburgers.

The notice, sent on Friday, said that the posts "may invite representatives from the government of Iran" to the events, a State Department official said Tuesday, quoting from the document. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an internal communication.

It was not immediately clear how many embassies and consulates would actually invite Iranian diplomats to the July 4 parties or whether any Iranians would accept the invitations.

The writer noted that Iran has sent "mixed responses" to the Obama administration's overtures for better relations.

If by "mixed responses" you mean outright hostility, then I guess so.

The question I and many others are mulling is why Iranians would want to go to the "birthday" celebration of the government they consider the Great Satan? The reverse question is why Americans would want to have "wet blanket" diplomats at a 4th of July party?

Quoting Jay Nordlinger, senior editor at National Review: "The Obama administration is eager to make nice with the mullahs. But listen: They are a brutal, brutal, ghastly regime, its belligerent and apocalyptic foreign policy aside: This is a regime that stones young girls to death for the 'crime' of having been gang-raped. There is almost no depravity to which this regime has not stooped. ... Why would democrats want representatives of such a regime at such an occasion? Some people try to persuade themselves that monsters are normal people — and such an attempt can bring great sorrow and pain."