DIPLOMACY

I remember an eloquent promise to TALK to some insane leaders of dangerous countries to resolve peacefully, through diplomacy, some very dangerous relationships we have with rogue countries.  This sweet talk, from a sweet talker, was going to bring us world peace.  If you are guessing who that person is and you guessed Obama, you are right.

None of what he promised has come true but, of course, it was a promise no one could have kept.  When you look at the cavernous divide he has created among groups of Americans, you know that "diplomacy" at home is as big a failure at home as it was abroad.  If he can't get the people he represents to cooperate peacefully on any issue, how could you expect that North Korea, Iran and others would respond to his childish naivete?  Powerful countries respect only SUPERIOR power with a will to employ it.

Anyone who doubts that military might isn't the best way to maintain peace, should imagine themselves facing a burly assailant, first unarmed then armed.  Which do you suppose would produce a better outcome for you?  Countries react the same way.  We could prevent much future terrorist attacks if we promised, and followed through just once, to destroy the capitol of any country which supplied, financed or harbored these criminals if we can verify their origin.

To paraphrase a popular quote and embellish it a little, "Speak softly but carry a BIGGER stick!.