Helen Thomas: "Music Eases Diplomacy--NY Philharmonic Performance In North Korea Is Breakthrough"

TheBostonChannel.com ^ | 5 Mar 08 | Helen Thomas (a.k.a. "hunka hunka burnin' love)

[Sicon]

Bush mostly took a hard-line approach to most leftist leaders, leaving little room for reconciliation

Hmmm, a strategy that seemed to work pretty well for Ronald Reagan, don't you think, Helen?

Honestly, it amazes me that anyone is actually willing to pay this old crow for her brainless drivel.

[Polyxene]

“She looks like death riding a skateboard.”

LOL! Good One!

[exit82]

Gee, Helen, why don’t we send them a couple of nuclear plants and boatload of food and oil? That’ll be a breakthrough.

Oh yeah, your buddy Bildo did that already—worked real well, didn’t it?

Helen, do me a favor—write to Chia Head for me—tell him I want the USS Pueblo back.

[dfwgator]

From Wikipedia:

North Korean pop music is light and optimistic, usually performed by a young female singer in front of a large band. All music is in praise of Kim Jong Il, or otherwise the ideals of Communism, and songs have titles like “Our Life Is Precisely a Song”, “We Shall Hold Bayonets More Firmly” and “The Joy of Bumper Harvest Overflows Amidst the Song of Mechanisation”.

[seanmerc]

Yeah. That skateboard would have to have some heavy-duty shocks, too.

[Savage Beast]

Maybe Madeleine Allbright will attend the concert. I understand she’s particularly partial to North Korean cuisine and likes the quality of champagne and cognac they serve. Helen might like to go with her; I’m sure they’ll have a big time.

[dighton]

15 North Koreans executed as example

[seanmerc]

[Savage Beast]

That’s the most flattering picture I’ve ever seen of Madeleine. She’s better looking than I thought.

[jammer]

Do you have a link? I'm really interested. Contrary to my instincts, I watched the program and was really impressed. If nothing else, Americans should watch the program for the non-musical portion--it's amazing how much Korea is like what I imagine 1965 China to have been (without the population density). It's also amazing how and how much they have been indoctrinated to hate us.

I want to see the article, because I don't believe Maazel implied any inappropriate equivalence between us and Korea. He is an artist and thinks he was opening a small crack in the wall. I agree with him.

Plus, the Wagner was wonderful, even if the New World Symphony is hackneyed and...well, the less said about the Gershwin, the better.

[MrB]

http://s.wsj.net/article/SB120431819799103651.html?mod=most_viewed_leisure7

[jammer]

Thank you. I really like Terry Teachout, and have for years. I think several of his arguments are either not being made by reasonable people or straw men (the notion that there will be more indoctrination is ludicrous--there cannot be any more indoctrination than they have against us), but you cited what I see as a valid argument.

Maazel's parting comments were over the top and unfortunate. You're right.

I still am of the conviction that his remarks don't negate the fact that this may be one grain of sand among many which would go toward opening the country, even if it just stands alone. Certainly, it is more effective than Carter's or Allbright's machinations--and, frankly, the current State Department's.