To: The Dallas Morning News
Date:  July 8, 2006
Subject: Editorial:  "wrongheaded" to want to try new things (N. Korea)
Result: not printed 

Dear Editor,

In your editorial about North Korea, you speak of the "wrongheaded voices" that would have President Bush agree to one-on-one talks with that country. Forget President Bush himself talking directly with Kim Jong Il, as I think he should do – there at the ranch – you don't even want Condoleezza or an under-secretary talking to them.

I would have liked for you to provide a good reason – any reason – why. What do we have to lose?

Whatever happened to that old saying, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer"? Maybe by getting close to Mr. Kim, as he says he wants to do – for whatever reason he may have – we could influence him far more than he could be influenced in the 6-party talks that he doesn't want. That's something you won't even consider. You say the very idea is "wrongheaded". It grates against some great and wonderful principle you have, but which you forgot to explain in your editorial. Please enlighten us.

Dear Editor, there is a spirit of daring innovation and forward-thinking that made America great, and you don't have it. Please get it.

Thank you, John Vehon