Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Opinion

Michael Barone

Colombia's Commandos Perform Remarkably

July 03, 2008 04:52 PM ET | Michael Barone | Permanent Link | Print

Reader Comments

Uribe

Is far from "horrible" as the "hostage show" poster states, above. What facts are there to support such a claim--none are offered; but cynical, paranoid opinion fills the breach.

I suppose this is satisfying to some small slice of the Left, but I feel better knowing I've read extensively about Uribe, Columbia, and know a number of Columbians as well; these sources clearly show that Uribe is 1) successful and 2) well-regarded by his countrymen.

Would that we in this country still appreciated a strong leader, unwilling to cave to fashionable Left opinion, and with the courage to use his military in daring ways.

Well done, indeed.

American support for free trade

I read in the Economist that just a third of Americans support free trade, the lowest in the developed world. A sorry statistic, if you ask me.

Ah, The Trolls Did Show Up

At least the first troll tried a modicum of logic, even if I don't agree. The second, Jeugenen, was more the garden variety inane troll.

But for Fatesrider, you offer no evidence the trade agreement would not be favorable to us, and you imply they want it, and have done a good job in anti-terrorism, which you presume we want. Why wouldn't you support the trade reward? Oh, and by the way, we don't tell France who they can make agreements with, even if you want us to.

URIBE’S WONDERFUL HOSTAGE SHOW

URIBE’S WONDERFUL HOSTAGE SHOW

The wonderful Columbian Hostage Show accomplished was it was intended to accomplish: Columbian redemption in America hearts. Give horrible Uribe credit for making fools of his American critics.

Comparing apples and oranges

While I agree that the Colombian military executed this rescue with exceptional finesse, I disagree with the rest of the column intimating that a good rescue should be rewarded with politically unsavory free trade agreements between Colombia and the US. There were three Americans rescued, yes, but there were many other hostages with no US nationality rescued as well. No one is intimating that France should offer free trade agreements with Colombia, are they?. It was in the interests of the Colombian government to bring those hostages out alive and well, and only peripherally in the interests of the US government (as well as others) and had nothing to do with the economics of a free trade agreement.

Yes, we are 'partners' in the war on drugs with Colombia, but this isn't only because it benefits the US to cut the flow of drugs from Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, et al. Colombia has a vested interest in bringing this element under control as well - far more than the US. And the war on drugs has nothing to do with free trade agreements. This whole thing falls under the heading of 'internal security'' and though the operation was done beautifully, and the US (among others) should be happy for the outcome, rewarding Colombia with free trade agreements is not an appropriate or proportional 'thank you' note.

Much like the US bolstering Iraq during the Iraq/Iran war, these countries in South America are autonomous and while Colombia is currently friendly to the US, that may not always be the case. We send them billions in military aid, arms and intelligence every year already. To me, that seems a more than adequate 'thanks, and job well done' which won't cost us American jobs in the long run.

Job well done, Colombia, but let's not reward this more than is appropriate or warranted.

Where Are the Trolls?

Where are the usual trolls who sign on to tell Michael what a partisan charlatan he always is? Did this story run against the playbook? What will Nancy and the anti-Columbian congress say about this?

DEMOCRATS ARE OUT OF TOUCH OF THE WORLD

By blindly believing in every words of the European socialists (Party of European Socalists) and UN diplomats (partisan), Democrats have been blindsided by the truth.

I've been in Asia and found out these UN NGOs are the ones spreading lies against America, for the politcal correctness of "human rights" and "civil rights".

These socialist groups, headed by American Democrat supporters are infringing on the sovereignty of Asian governments. Given all the reported half-facts by Democrat-dominated MSM, I woud say, it is the same for the rest of the World.

Stop your foolishness Pelosi. You're using the failure of capturing WMD in Iraq as if you were misled by Pres. Bush. Before doing that, remove the webpage in your website indicating your original position forcing Bill Clinton to about Iraq's WMD threats. Sorry but we have saved the webpage already because you are a subtle liar.

Get that treaty signed by Pres. Bush, Pelosi.

Goodbye to your career, Pelosi.

Add your thoughts

All comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.
U.S. News Weekly

Subscribe Today

Order the new U.S. News Weekly digital magazine at a special low introductory price!

Michael Barone is a senior writer for U.S.News & World Report and principal coauthor of The Almanac of American Politics. He has written for many publications—including the Economist and the New York Times.

advertisement

NEWSLETTER

Sign up today for the latest headlines from U.S. News & World Report delivered to you free.

RSS FEEDS

Personalize your U.S. News with our feeds of blogs and breaking news headlines.

U.S. NEWS MOBILE

U.S. News daily briefings are also available on your mobile device.

People who read this also read ...

Thomas Jefferson St.

GOPers Push European-Style Litmus Tests

Some RNC members want strict party platforms. Why do they hate America?

Can Conservative Carly Fiorina Carry Cali?

Ronald Reagan's state is now one of the most liberal in the nation.

Opinions Clash on Wars in Iran, Afghanistan

Fewer favor the effort in Afghanistan, support rises for hostilities against Iran's nuclear program.

Bennet's Senate Seat Is Already at Risk

His vote on healthcare would be less a case of political martyrdom than it may seem.

Bush Airport Reflects Its Namesake

Could Houston's Bush Intercontinental airport be number one because of its name?

Colorado May Tax Medical Marijuana

Remember the old saying about how if pot could be taxed, it would become legal?

Healthcare Deals Hurt Middle Class

Lawmakers' votes should not be based on the government equivalent of a bribe.

It's Not About Race, Jesse

With a changing African-American electorate, Jesse Jackson's comments can be overlooked.

Public Opinion

Should the FCC Regulate Web Fair Play?

The government may step in to prevent traffic-speed shenanigans.

Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our Terms and Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
Make USNews.com your home page.