[MississippiMan]

Treat Red China the way Reagen treated and brought down the Soviet evil empire, and do it forthwith. It will be painful, but not nearly as painful as the consequences of failing to do so.

Jeff, I fervently agree. But it ain't gonna happen. We have NO leadership now or on the horizon that appears remotely interested in dealing realistically with China. I know that's an ominous statement, but it's true. And the longer we maintain the status quo, the more difficult--if not impossible--it will become to deal with in the future. I never cease to be amazed by people smart enough to rise to the presidency and other national leadership positions, who conversely haven't the ability to see the most blatantly obvious truths.

MM

[Jeff Head]

I pray you are wrong and that such a leader does come along. Reagan came along when many beleived someone like him was not possible.

As to the leaders not knowing...I believe they do. They either fail to act because they believe it would be a political disaster...or they have interests of their own tied up with the economic situation that they fear to lose...or they have issues in their past or present which have neutered them through blackmail...or they feel that the threat is overblown...or they are side tracked by other issues and do not put enough effort into it...or, they are seeking to profit from their (the enemy's) gain...or, finally, they are are abjectly and ideologically aligned and in bed with the enemy and represent manchurian candidates and the worst sort of sappers within our own perimeter. But I do not personally believe they can get to where they are and be wholly ignorant of the situation.

[superiorslots]

Quote: But it ain't gonna happen. We have NO leadership now or on the horizon that appears remotely interested in dealing realistically with China.



Their pursestrings are controlled by big business who want cheap labor. Big corporations today have loyalty to no nation.

[GOP_1900AD]

Or, they see the truths, but are precluded by systemic issues much larger than even The President, from taking action. For example, look at the realpolitik regarding the 2006 and 2008 elections. If the GOP pisses off the fair weather Transnational Progressives of the business community by cracking down seriously on the entire group of - as Bodansky calls them - sponsoring states - of terror (including the PRC) then they'll support the Dims. How can one reconcile the need to keep the Dims out with national security needs that would mean sacrifices by the business community? It's not completely straight forward.

[Quix]

Too true.