The American Spectator

Why would the tin-horn dictators deal with the West when they misbehave with impunity. They have built their foundations railing against the USA. Plus they also have their own mass media to use against their own populations and our own media. Why would they want to change a course of action that has been working for them?

p>If the State and Federal governments sat down with the KKK does anyone think that would have solved anything except to legitimize them? Does anybody honestly think that trying to rationalize with a country that is holding a conference of Holocaust Denial can truly be a reliable partner? Mao was not a tin-horn dictator compared to these modern day dictators. These dictators will see the West as weak. Smoking a hookah with them will reinforce the perception just delivered via the recent elections. br> — Diamon Sforza br> Bartlett, Illinois /p>

William Tucker writes: “By swallowing his pride and treating Mao as an equal, Nixon achieved two things — he accomplished our policy objectives in the Far East and he won the Vietnam War. “

p>Yes. I understand that everything we now consume is made in China, but I think I missed the report about our “winning” the war.” It was a long time ago, I know, so maybe I simply forgot. On the other hand, perhaps I just didn’t have CBS turned on the night when Walter announced our victory on his evening news show. br> — Michael Presley br> Orlando, Florida /p> p> I disagree on a Bush visit to Damascus. Simply put; it won’t work and a comparison to Nixon’s China visit is ridiculous. First; the Chinese were well educated at the time of Nixon’s visit. Where are the Universities in Iran, Syria, Lebanon etc that are open to anything western? And the few that exist what do they teach; hatred of America. And what about the Madrases that pump out little students of hate? Second the Chinese leadership was populated by realists. They understood to become a world power, they needed to engage the U.S. They weren’t waiting for the Seventh Imam! There’s simply no comparison. Iran and Syria’s leaders are radical Islamic fascists who want nothing more than to destroy the U.S. and Israel. Do any realists exist in Iran or Syria? Former denies the Holocaust happened and has an exhibit where you enter by walking on an American flag! George Bush is better off staying home and securing, make that really securing the borders! br> — Bob Montrose