Oops!  Gave myself away!  I’m more than 50 years old.  What a pity!  Totally disqalified myself.  Boo hoo! Now all these young right-wing idiots are gonna take away my precious “authenticity”!

I appreciate your Posts Rico,

  You make very good example of just what is wrong
  with consevative policy, both Democrat and Republican.

thankyou

Rico,  what is your definition of total failure….

U.S. largest prison population in the world…..
U.S. largest debtor nation in the world…......
U.S. has laws on the books that infringe on our rights
    such as the P A T R I O T A C T S…......
U.S. has little or no control over its own military
U.S. gave its manufacturing base away except for some
    military equipment.
U.S. has elections that are bought and paid for, has a
    media that takes money from corporations resulting
    in a an ignorant public like yourself.
U.S. has the ignomineous NEW YORK TIMES and citizens like
    you throwing pot shots out at Hugo Chavez every chanc
    they get that are not based on fact and have little
    to no foundation.
U.S. is the most hated country in the world
U.S. has supported the most brutal dictatorships in the
    history of mankind and continues to do so .
U.S. and its media make up stories and lies to get us
    into conflict and occupation in order to steal from
    weaker but much more culturally rich nations and
    populace.
Please rebuttal…...
I am looking for good reason to say something nice
about all those kindred souls inside the beltway.! ! ! !

gerard:

I see you’re still shilling for the Dear Leader. Would you be as sanguine toward a US coach and/or League who abused their players?

“North Korea ... is extremely on the defensive about everything…” And why shouldn’t it be? It’s a total failure.

And what’s this reference to “the Orient”? You obviously didn’t read the latest Political Correctness bulletin. The proper term is “East Asia/Asian.”

The Soccer Association was wise to stop processing any further criticism or “punishment” (reprimand, negative publicity etc.) against North Korea for alleged mistreatment of players.

North Korea evidences over and over by its public behavor that the country is extremely on the defensive about everything particularly regarding its position in the world.

There is no end to national pride and the defenses it will put up to deny or comopensate.  In this case I believe, on the basis of some slight knowledge of the Orient, that further criticism would be counter-productive and even dangerous to the welfare of team members.  Therefore, the less said the better, and let time heal the wounds. I think that is the better choice, under the circumstances.

To change such situation and attitudes takes time and care, not negative publicity.  Carter’s attitudes and overtures are probably going to be more helpful particularly if pursued with patience and lacking in threat.  There are many times in international relations when non-aggression works best.