The American Spectator

A. Robinson br> Lowell, Michigan /p>

There is, I believe, a coda to the Castro caper.

p>JFK, unable to fight the communists in Cuba, cast round for another venue and found it …in Vietnam. The need for “action” against the communists — thwarted in Cuba after the missile crisis — as much as anything energized the Vietnam caper, which then metastasized. br> — Greg Richards /p> p> INDURAIN PAINS br> Re: Lawrence J. Henry’s Time Capsules : /p> p>Fantastic article, Mr. Henry! To the naysayers who spout off negatively about watching reruns of classic sporting events by saying “but you already know how it turned out,” I can only roll my eyes and take pity at their lack of appreciation for such things. Already knowing the results of the event is part of the appeal. Mr. Henry doesn’t mention it, but I think any golf fan, and some non-fans, could watch the final 9 of the 1986 Masters and still be blown away at the drama of Jack Nicklaus’s thrilling come-from-behind victory at the age of 46. Even though you already know the outcome! Mr. Henry does mention Muhammad Ali. Who wouldn’t thrill to see the “Thrilla In Manila,” watching two giants of the ring throw haymakers at each other for 14 rounds, until Smokin’ Joe just couldn’t drag himself out of his corner anymore? Or Ali’s masterful rope-a-dope strategy in Zaire, knocking out the “invincible” George Foreman in the 8th round? I have Dale Earnhardt’s last Winston Cup race win on tape, the October 2000 race at Talladega, Alabama. Knowing that the Intimidator is going to blast his way from 18th place to the lead in just four laps, then hold off the field for the final lap of the race to take the checkered flag, INCREASES the pleasure of it. I could go on and on, but I won’t. (You’re welcome, by the way!)