Weapons of Mass Discussion is a forum that challenges the liberal media and defends the honor and integrity of America.
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N. Korea Softens Stance on Nukes
North Korea said Tuesday that it is willing to resolve the dispute over its nuclear program "through dialogue," in an apparent softening of its stance following last week's six-nation talks in Beijing. This story is by the Associated Press
Matt's Chat: While my collegue will encourage a military pressure (and I do think that is important), I advocate a diplomatic solution. So long as there is REAL PROGRESS being made, I believe strongly that talks should continue. The reality is that we are already engaged in two theatres of operation already (Iraq and Afghanistan) in addition to protecting the homeland. I don't believe that is a good idea to stretch our forces too thinly as action in North Korea would do (in my opinion). The stakes are too high now for direct military action and North Korea knows that.
Mark's Remarks: I think we need to duplicate the Reagan model here of peace through strength. We need to continue to be hardline on North Korea. The Reagan model works! We used it to defeat the Soviets, and we can use it here as well. We need to be willing to take the hard stance, because it has caused already North Korea to waffle on the need for more talks. However, we must not let this become merely a stalling tactic for them to develop more nukes. We need to be strong and determined, plain and simple. REPLY TO MATT'S CHAT: My colleague is correct, and I did not mean to intimate we should simply walk from the bargaining table. I agree that our forces are stretched thin at this point, but at the same time we can show peace through strength not just militarily. We can also bring diplomatic and economic sanctions to bear. This has softened N. Korea in the past. I advocate peace through strength, but not blind charging into war. We have to get them to realize diplomacy is the best option.
Iraq Chaos (?) May Cloud Bush's (?) Sept. 11th Legacy
Two years and two wars after the Sept. 11 attacks, George W. Bush's aura of invincibility has faded and his challenge may be to keep his presidency from being more associated with Americans dying in Iraq than with his dramatic pledge at Ground Zero to battle terrorism. This story is by Adam Entous of Reuters.
Matt's Chat: Unlike Bill Clinton, President Bush isn't worried about his legacy. Bush has lead the country through our darkest of days and has shown himself to be a man of outstanding character and conviction. The fight against terrorism is the single greatest thing a modern-era president has endeavored to accomplish. This task is imperative and just. Failure is not an option because of what is at stake: freedom and liberty, not just of America but for the world. It is a bold statement about the way people address their issues. Terrorism is a cancer for humanity and it must be cured. The losses are tragic, but neccessary, and history will remember President Bush as a dynamic leader who had the strength and courage to fight back.
Mark's Remarks: Mr. Bush cares deeply about our troops. If you have read or heard his thoughts on this matter you must know that. Friends, whether you want to believe it or not, we are in a war for no less than civilization. Terrorists and their ilk seek to turn us back to the 12th century. We cannot let that happen. Unfortunately, war is hell. People die. That is not to lessen their loss. It is tragic, however, look what they have done. They have liberated people from a terrible regime that was akin to Hitler in its evil. Have you seen the mass graves found in Iraq that dwarf those found in the Balkans? Have you not heard about the rape rooms, etc? This guy was pure evil. So was the Taliban. We need to realize that even though he is not the greatest speaker, or the greatest looking chap; that we have the right man in place for the war we are fighting. Mr. Bush, I am sure, would rather focus on other things, but 9/11 changed all that. For better or worse, we are in war: but this war is different. It is not against municipalities or nations, but against hatred and ideas that are flawed, against people scattered and hard to find. It will take time and unfortunately, lives. However, this is a battle that needs to be fought. The fact that folks are continuing to die in Iraq tells me we need to keep fighting to live up to his pledge, rather than turn tail and pull a Somalia-like withdrawal.
Lieberman Proposes Health Care Plan
Lieberman said 31 million of the nation's uninsured will get coverage under his plan. He says his plan will cost less per person than the plans proposed by his rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination. This story is by the Associated Press
Matt's Chat: This isn't a plan. I saw no plan outlined in this article. This is a campaign promise. And there was no indication in the article on how Mr. Lieberman planned to pay for it. I am against socialized medicine...I'll be curious to see more details on this plan as we learn more.
Mark's Remarks: I must agree with my distinguished colleague, Mr. Lieberman does not put forth a plan. He has not researched it. It is merely another campaign promise. Socialized medicine is not a good thing. If you want a big danger to life and liberty, it is socialized medicine. Read the Clinton health plan. Talk about endangering choice and liberties. Also, look at our friends to the North, and the French in Europe. Both are facing huge healthcare crises. Both engage in socialized medicine. If socialized medicine works, why are so many Canadians coming here for treatment? I have many Canadian friends through my hockey fandom, and they hate their medical system. It is inefficient, and uncaring bureaucracy. People have been turned down for treatment because the government does not want to spend any more money on them. Do we want that to be the case here in America? I do not think so. What we really need is to reform the insurance industry, and to put a stop to the frivolous lawsuits that cause prices to rise with their filings and costs. That would be the greatest boon to healthcare reform.
