[anobjectivist]

What? You want me to defend Carter's Presidency? All I'm saying is that he's in a good position to do some good in the Middle East now. How is he in a good position? Just 8 years ago he made a deal which involved trusting NORTH KOREA not to develop nuclear weapons and was completely, horribly incorrect in the use of judgement. That was actually a better deal long-term for the N. Koreans. I hardly see how the shortsightedness of Kim Jong-il can be blamed on Carter. Carter TRUSTED Kim! That's the thing! He has no sense of judgement that is worth any kind of respect. Of course that was a good deal for NK. "Hey guys, they want to build nuclear reactors for us if we promise not to develop nuclear weapons...I know, let's do it behind their backs and save some money!"

[Zeroisanumber]

Carter TRUSTED Kim! That's the thing! He has no sense of judgement that is worth any kind of respect. Of course that was a good deal for NK.

First off, Carter probably didn't trust Kim any further than he could throw him. But Carter understands the art of the deal. You give someone something valuable, you get something valuable in return. At some point "Trust but Verify" breaks down and you just have to hope that the other guy understands his best interest.

"Hey guys, they want to build nuclear reactors for us if we promise not to develop nuclear weapons...I know, let's do it behind their backs and save some money!"

Have you read the treaty? Or are you just going on what you've heard?