Well at least someone is practicing diplomacy for the US government unfortunately it isn't anyone from the executive branch

This is disturbing...

I can't believe that Nancy is considering doing something this stupid...

I've heard of stupid things in my time, and I confess I haven't been around all that long, but this really seems to take the cake.

This is dire trouble. If she does this ... 'oh my' is all I can say. It seems like our very own are sinking us deeper into a pit. Something needs to be done...

Like John Kennedy said 'Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country...' And I think that really applies to this situation. Over the past couple months I've contemplated going into the military... Sounds almost like a death wish in the current situation, I know, to some anyways. But, even if it would help out some I'd be willing to do it. We all need to pitch in somehow, and we all have to start somewhere. And the way things are going, I'd much rather go in voluntarily than be obligated to go for reasons beyond my control. And the way things are looking, it might end up that lots of guys my age WILL HAVE to go for reasons beyond their control, like it or not. The democrats are in power now, and one of their own tried to instate the draft pre-past election. And whose to say he won't try again, and with them in power who can tell what they'd do. Maybe I'm over-theorizing, but this thing with Iran is really getting serious...

Anyways... I'm sitting here at the moment, looking at a small case of coins that dad got a long time ago. It encases coins of two of the past Presidents, John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln. It also goes on to state similarities between their lives, elections, and how similar their eventual untimely deaths as Presidents were...

But if you look at the back, at the John F. Kennedy Memorial coin made for this little set, there is a quote from him on it. It reads...

'We shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival of Liberty.'
--John F. Kennedy--

We NEED to get back to that mind set.

If it isn't clear already that the Iranian crack pots are foes, then something is terribly terribly wrong. I hope that somehow Nancy Pelosi will wake up to the danger Iran poses. Her and Mr. Lantos as well.

Lucas.

Lucas,

You're so full of H.S. it stinks. Put your money where your mouth is and enlist. Blah, blah, blah. Take Kimmy with you. Make us proud.

Iran was good enough for Reagan (Iran Contra)

why not Bush?

I'd much rather have Pelosi practice her diplomacy on some other country that doesn't sponsor terrorism, maybe send her to Finland or Sweden. Leave dealing with the people that want us dead to someone who already has had plenty of practice.

I can feel the love raker...

If it'd mean saving your scrawny behind, I'd do it. And I really mean that. And I am thinking seriously about it. There are a lot opportunities within the military. But more importantly I'd be helping my country out.

You have the free speech to taunt and make jabs at me and others, and to be honest, I think it's best that you and every one else has that right. Because when it comes down to it, if we were under commy control, we would eventually band togethor and try to get things back to normal ... atleast I hope we would...

Who knows, if you'd join we might end up in the same battalion. Wouldn't you just be over-joyed? :-D

Obviously we can't stoop to diplomacy.

The smoking gun might be a mushroom cloud.

Like I keep asking the left desiring Diplomacy, just what do you advocate America give up to radical Islam?

Diplomacy requires giving in a little, compromise, middle ground. To acheive this, they give and we give. So, just what do we give up that you find acceptable? Israel? The East Coast? Women's Rights? Iraqi Oil Fields?

Let us in on what you desire given away in Diplomacy.

Economic aid? Other incentives for cooperation with international regimes and organizations? All the studies show that the prime motivator for terrorism and radicalism is economic depression. Engaging in diplomacy with Iran and Syria is smart business and political sense.

Pelosi and Lantos want to give the Iranian mullahs nuclear fuel?!? Are Pelosi and Lantos actually trying to help Ahmadinejad nuke Israel?!? That's like aiding and abetting ARMAGEDDON!

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Tom Lantos, D-San Mateo are INSANE! Iran-who calls America the "Great Satan"-is one of our deadliest enemies. Now, Pelosi and Lantos propose to help Iran develop a nuclear bomb?!?

Treasonous bastards!

BOOM! Nice punchline, Leo!

Lucas, you must be patient with raker; he tried to enlist, but his mother wouldn't sign the underage waver. She didn't think his bed-wetting would go over well in boot camp...

If we only knew the intentions of Mrs. Pelosi and her dialogue with the Iranians. Hows Shameful, utterly Shameful.

I know America can wake up, but what's it going to take.
You have blind Pelosi leading blind so called leaders down the pathway to where?
God help us..

I guess I'm waaaaaaay past condemning stupidity on the part of my political adversaries. Best to just get out of their way, and let them self-destruct.

Lew is right, BTW. Diplomacy requires compromise. How do you compromise with someone who wants to kill you?

Let us in on what you desire given away in Diplomacy.
Posted by: Lew Waters at April 12, 2007 02:17 AM

Well, Lew, if you have to give away something in the name of diplomacy, why not start with losing some of that American arrogance? It would show them you are sincere and acting in good faith and we all admire those who possess a little humility, do we not?

I guess I'm waaaaaaay past condemning stupidity on the part of my political adversaries. Best to just get out of their way, and let them self-destruct.

Lew is right, BTW. Diplomacy requires compromise. How do you compromise with someone who wants to kill you?
Posted by: Retired Spook

We are compromising with North Korean and they are not giving us anything.
We are doing the giving in that situation.
And I dont here anyone on this blog bemoaning the fact we are giving and giving and giving to an avowed member of the 'axis of evil'. and we are not getting a damn thing in return.

Instead because the NK diplomacy was initiated by the Bush administration we get a really friendly by-line on B4B about 'cautious optimism'.

When instead its Nancy Pelosi (along with several republican congressmen) conducting diplomacy, all of sudden it dealing with the enemy and its going to end in a mushroom cloud.

Bunch of hypocrites.
Thats what I cant stand about my fellow Republicans on here. You criticize what democrats do (Syria), but when the same thing is done by republicans (NK)you dont same a damn thing. Instead its just "cautious optimism"

First of all, I thought Pelosi already rejected any consideration of going to Iran. But that's not what I wanted to talk about. What I wanted to talk about is Lantos' "nuclear fuel bank" idea. I don't know what, exactly, he's proposing, but the basic concept is not really new. There was a good article in the NYT Magazine recently about what former Sen. Sam Nunn has been up to of late. His basic concern is "loose nukes" -- nuclear fuel that remains unsecured in various parts of the world, particularly in what used to be the USSR. As you may recall, he and Richard Lugar put together a bill back in the 90s to try to secure nuclear fuel, technology, and expertise in the old USSR after its breakup. The article is rather long, and downright scary. But in the context of the real world and where it's headed, something like a "nuclear fuel bank" might actually make a great deal of sense. I emphasize the "might" part. I'm not convinced, but I do think it's worth contemplating within the context of other proposals. But unfortunately now the idea has Lantos' name associated with it. And after all, anything associated with a Democrat has to be a bad idea, right? That alone is enough to get some people unhinged.

IT, I think you're comparing apples and oranges in Iran and NK. I'm not aware of any public announcements NK has made that they intend to wipe S. Korea or Japan "off the map" or that their goal is to destroy the US. I do agree that virtually all the diplomacy aimed toward NK by both the Clinton and Bush administrations has accomplished very little. If it were up to me, I'd just ignore them.

Lucas, good for you. Give hell for us. Negotiate with Iran? They don't negotiate in good faith, they lie and cheat and use kidnapping as a diplomatic ploy. You don't negotiate with that. Unless you are a soft headed liberal puke, of course.

If it'd mean saving your scrawny behind, I'd do it. And I really mean that. And I am thinking seriously about it. There are a lot opportunities within the military. But more importantly I'd be helping my country out.

"When instead its Nancy Pelosi (along with several republican congressmen) conducting diplomacy, all of sudden it dealing with the enemy and its going to end in a mushroom cloud."

IT
Why is it that your side can't give Piglosi credit for standing on her own two stumps? She's front and center in this so-called diplomatic quest, and when you bring Republicans into the topic, you discount her motives.

Unless you're aysing the Republican's coerced her into going?

saying...a bit of aixelsyd this AM....sorry!

Again, this isn't necessarily a party issue. Both republicans and Democrats have gone to Syria in recent months. If you really think this is bad, then you need to work to defeat members of both parties who do it. Otherwise, different people will continue to do the same thing. Donating money or volunteering on behlaf of the Republicans while members of that party hold talks with the enemy rewards them.

According to every Farsi speaker I know, you wouldn't threaten to wipe a country off the map. It doesn't really make sense. It would basically mean "we will just erase you from the map." Not destroy you, just remove you from a map. The actual quote was apparently more along the lines of "We wish for them to vanish from the page of history." Which could mean a nuclear attack, supporting terrorism, or just working for their downfall, or just a hope they will go away. We wanted the USSR to vanish from the page of history, but did not want the death of everyone in the USSR. Well, most of us anyway. I wish to see the Chinese government's oppression vanish from the page of history, but don't want 1 billion dead people.

I think their trip is likely a waste of time, since the nutter in charge isn't to be trusted and seems to want war, but it's nice someone else on our side is making an effort.

Spook,

RE: "Best to just get out of their way, and let them self-destruct."

I find myself thinking the same thing. We can tell the American people who and what Democrats (Liberals) really are. We can warn them against the consequences of falling for the Democrat's "believable lies" and misleading propaganda. We can warn them against the damage and harm to American which Democrats can and will cause.

Unfortunately, however, the reality is that most Americans cannot think for themselves and understand or comprehend something they can't see for themselves. Even then, as has been the case with the World Trade Center, where they saw the planes strike the towers, a third of Americans have still fallen for the Democrat's (Liberal's) claims that it was an "inside job" by our government and President Bush!

Americans need to see and understand the Democrats for what they are, and that can only be done by allowing Democrats to proceed with their destruction! But, can we really permit and allow that to happen without doing all we can to stop it? A real catch-22!!!

RE: "Diplomacy requires compromise."

And, Diplomacy works best when one is negotiating from a position of strength -- not weakness. Diplomacy works best when it is backed up by sure and certain consequences. People and nations are more inclined to negotiate when they are faced with overwhelming strength and power, and they can appreciate the consequences of not negotiating! It's just harder for some, like Iran, Syria, and North Korea to get that message -- especially when we have Pelosi and the Democrats weakening our position!

Even then, we may still be forced to act when continued diplomatic efforts fail.

AAR

Obviously negotiations doesn't work on getting enemies to do what we want.
Think of the precedents:
Libya- talks beginning in the Clinton admin. had Ghadafi give up WMD without a war
N. Korea- Same story. Only, after the Clinton talks, we had Bush running around waving a big gun and yelling at them. Then he went to the Clinton method. And it worked.
Iran- war didn't get the hostages freed. Dialogue did. (Am not talking about the more RECENT hostage thing, but the earlier one, with those 400 people in Tehran).

But on the war front (Iraq, Vietnam, Korea) at least in recent years, it hasn't resulted in things going our way.

Come on, Rep.'s. I'd think that your desire to have peace in the middle east would be stronger than your partisan hatred of any and all Dem.'s. Evidently, I was wrong.

Well Lefty Fool, it's because your so-called facts are totally bogus!

First of all, Libya caved after we invaded Iraq when they realized that "they were next" and any other conclusion would be a dilluional wish.

Secondly, please take a minute and refresh your memory on the NK nuke standoff, and you'll find that the Clinton Adm. was bamboozled into thinking they (NK) had shut down their nuke program....riigght!!! Even Maddam Dulbright bought their rhetoric.

Thirdly, Jimmy the peanut farmer Cartier was totally unsuccessful with diplomacy in 1979 and in fact every attempt failed, until Reagen took office. The economic pressure, and fear of invaison was the deciding factor that led to the release of the hostages....not total diplomacy. Pressure was the deciding factor.

Could you imagine trying to use diplomacy with Hakmadumbojob? The kook that has preached the destruction of Israel....what a freak!

I'm with Leo we can't even talk to these people; just nuke every country that has a male population that is not predominately white and over the age of 50.

You people are absolute lunatics and will destroy our nation. Please God help us survive until 2009.

Did Pelosi break any laws with this trip? Can anyone obtain a transcript of the meeting? Maybe some type of freedom of information request? I would like to see an investigation. Why is it the Republicans are too scared to look into things like this when the Democrats investigate anything and everyone? What exactly was she saying to Assad?

All the studies show that the prime motivator for terrorism and radicalism is economic depression.

And just where did you get "All the studies?" My guess is that you got them from unnamed sources. Good try, easily amused observer.

"....primary motivator for terrorism and radicalism is economic depression."

If this were really true, then bin Laden and Saddam and the Saudis, etc. could end terrorism by helping their own people. If terrorism has its roots in economic disparity, then look to those in the countries involved who have amassed vast wealth and do NOTHING to help their own people. Instead of helping, they incite their own people. Economic disparity is the root of terrorism? I say paper tiger.

"....primary motivator for terrorism and radicalism is economic depression."

Many of the granddaddys of terrorism, are, in fact rich. OBL was far from dirt poor. Don't even get me started on Yassir Arafat.

And Josh Keaton, I won't even grace your inane comment with a response.

Quit donning the tired, old canards. They don't quack anymore.

Ya know Leo, I went right past Josh's post, because, for some innate reason, I just knew it wouldn't be worth reading.

JOIN LUCAS JOIN!!!!

Not sure where you're coming from conscriptor... but I'll take that as incentive to pursue something note-worthy. ;-)

On Another note...

I have a serious question, and if one of our leftist posters on the board could please elaborate and give a sensible answer I would appreciate it. Note, I'm not trying to degrade you guys with this question, I just want to see where you are coming from and what you would do. Because I honestly, in all seriousness, do not know.

Here is the question: How do you propose we negotiate with the Iranians?

Oh, here's another one. What is there to negotiate? I thought we had already came to the conclusion that based on their actions that they really don't like freedom, democracy based countries. Surely we don't want nuclear capabilities in the hands of these types of people.

I'll be monitoring all night long for some honest answers, that make sense.

Lucas ... you rock! I know the military would be proud to have you if you do decide to enlist. Your post was excellent.

Lefty Fool better go back to school ... and take Raker13 with you.

I seriously doubt the nutjob in Iran wants to take Israel off the map literally. He really means he wants Israel gone, eliminated, disposed of. And with a nuclear bomb, he is crazy enough to carry out his wish.

Sanctions were working until Iran kidnapped the British soldiers. We need to put more economic sanctions on the country until they falter. Talking to them won't work. Carter proved that.

Lucas,
You're wrong friend! When you have cowards, they're always cowards regardless if in battle or out.
I wouldn't turn my back on someone who dispises our government (George Bush) the way these people do. They are blind sided and leading others blindly.
That would be like turning your back on John Kerry in Battle or Nancy Pelosi in Iran Iran????
The only ones that band together when things get tough are the brave, and willing.
People like Raker will run and hide under the covers praying to God that someone would protect them.
God help us..if the Democrats keep blindsiding the rest of the government leaders who know best
and really care about our country.
Pelosi is leading us down the Primrose Path and it's not going to be easy.
You posted a great post.
Our former Presidents would agree with you wholeheartedly and most of the American people do.
I know that for a fact.
Don't worry about the pollsters.
George Bush doesn't. And we will all STAND, those who are willing to be brave and coureagous against the terrorism and those who purposely mingle with their darkened minds.
God help us.

Lucas, just ask Canadian Observer. All we have to do is give up our "arrogance."

I wonder what he is willing to give up as well when the Islamofascists go after Canada.

Lucas, just ask Canadian Observer. All we have to do is give up our "arrogance."

I wonder what he is willing to give up as well when the Islamofascists go after Canada.

Lew,

You made a good point about the nut jobs going after Canada. And the way things are going, those guys might just well be in Canada's back yard if Nancy Pelosi keeps it up. I think CO and others with his mind set really need to think about this situation.

Btw, thank you Kimberly for those uplifitng comments. I really appreciate that.

-------

Truth,

You're right. John Kerry displayed his patriotism when the heat was on. He turned tails and ran back to America to try to smear his own comrades, and brothers in arms. This proves the way the liberals think, and how they act.

Whoever said 'keep you friends close, and your enemies even closer' wasn't joking. It's just a shame when sometimes it's hard to differentiate who the enemy is in such a situation.

Anyhow... still waiting to hear from the democrats as to my previous questions. :)

Leo: I think he said " should be wiped off the face of the map." Don't recall him " vowing" to wipe Israel off the face of the map. The Soviet Union, East Germany, South Vietnam, East Pakistan, Malaya, Burma and few more have been wiped off the face of the map in recent years, and don't recall any outcry when Palistine was wiped off the face of the map.

Lucas,
Don't hold your breath.
When serious questions are presented for consideration the Democratic Leadership in this Nation absolutely has no clue.
If their names are lifted up for glory and honor they will jump in there.
For instance Mrs. Pelosi taking the name "Speaker of the House", who made her the speaker for America? Who I tell you?
John Kerry, Robert Byrd, John Murtha, Ted Kennedy, ..who??
With this leadership and the route they are going America is headed for dire consequences of mistakes.
And when you confront these so called leaders they take the blame game.
It's sad indeed that these leaders could lie in such darkness of thinking.
They will allow the terrorists a great headway into the political system and to prepare for their agendas all the time using them (The Democrats) as pawns because they are dumbfounded as to the grave consequences and death that await the American Citizens.
How dare Mrs. Pelosi take that office and secretely meet with terrorists leaders.
Shameful I say Shameful.
And now she's planning a trip to Iran.
The Bush Administration needs to put a stop to this blatant injury to the American people.
The Democratic party that is so silent needs to awaken to the dangerous political agenda of Mrs Pelosi and those blind guides.
God help them to come out of this great darkness and see the dangers.
God help us all and God have Mercy on America.