The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[scaeagles]

In certain situations I would agree with you, but this is not one of them.

Bullies and terrorists only understand force. Ahmadinjad is interested in self preservation and certainly does not want Iran obliterated. What Iran and North Korea and Syria and the like are interested in are negotiations with other countries that will honor those agreements while they subvert and violate them.

Certain people only understand force and threats of force.

I regard it a lot like parenting. I tell my kids that if they make choice A, there will be consequence B. I let them know what my reaction will be to them doing something so they know upfront that they have a choice which will involve consequences. And yes, for my two younger ones, that choice can involve in extreme situations (gasp!) spanking. Haven't had to spank them (thankfully) in literally years, and no, they don't fear me. (not that I want this to become a discussion on spanking, but there is a certain parallel)