Hamas is not a state. Iran is. Obama said he would speak to leaders of countries. I suppose that's his distinction.

Ben: And the U.S. government lies. So what's the point? Leading the world is not easy. Leading the world and refusing to speak to certain world leaders makes it even more difficult and dangerous.

I agree that the U.S. president's starting point should always be one of distrust……that's always my starting point…..however, my point was about our often sighted American exceptionalism mindset. Yes, we should love our country, but we are not that much different from other countries when it comes to scheming, lying, manipulating, and doing violence.

And larry: Take the tinfoil off. There was no subtlty, I love my niece…..and sometimes "grilling" is just grilling.

Your comment about the creepy followers of Obama is ridiculous……particularly coming from conservatives who have worshipped the Commander Guy and turned a drunken, coke snorting, burnt out cynic into the "War President" warrior.
Talk about blind followers.

Now I'm wondering what you meant by, "I did the grilling."

King, of course you are right. The next time I hear an Obama supporter express any kind of concern or disagreement about any Obama policy, stance or statement (no matter if he took the opposite stance a week ago) will be the first. That's a little too creepy for me.

Bumbling old Bush is looking better by the minute, considering what we might have next year.

"That's why I have a fundamental difference with President Carter and disagree with his decision to meet with Hamas," Obama said. "We must not negotiate with a terrorist group intent on Israel's destruction. We should only sit down with Hamas if they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist and abide by past agreements."

I assume you now believe Barack Obama is, by your own definition, a member of the "blinded right".

Also, how do you reconcile Obama's position vis a vis Carter with Obama's own position of negotiating with Iran, another terrorist state committed to the destruction of Israel ? Could it be that Obama is just another politician who will say whatever it takes to get the vote of a particular faction, even if it contradicts his own previously stated positions (like he did in Ohio with NAFTA) ?

I await your spin.

North Korea lies to everyone – US included. The Bush Admin did try talking to them. Guess what, they didnt keep their promises.

I dont think that is going to change anytime soon.

It's a matter of perspective.

Talking is not killing. That's as basic as it gets. If we have never dealt with these alleged rogue countries, how would we know whether they kept promises or not?

Talking to Chavez and Castro and Ahmadinajab one on one may defuse any potential future problems. My point being, of course, that America is in no moral authority position to speak scoldingly towards other nations.

I can think of one example. Libya in 2003. That is it.