In my view, the paragraph below, from this CNN story, is the perfect description of what appeasement looks like in the 21st century. Appeasement leads to conflict and war. Strength is the foundation of peace, specifically American strength. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is America’s Iron Lady, and her demonstration of resolve and strength against Chinese belligerence and the ambitions of President ‘For Life’ Xi are long overdue by a global leader. Some appeasers think Nancy Pelosi should cancel the visit. What do you think?
I’m going to write more about Speaker Nancy Pelosi tomorrow.
Once upon a time, I would have been an appeaser myself, trying to do everything possible not to roil the international waters and upset the hypersensitive tyrants who rule throughout the world. I would have done this because I considered nuclear war and holocaust the worst possible outcome and believed we should do anything to avoid it. Now, in my 75th year and far more aware of mortality than I was when younger, I realize that there are some things, some values for which even the horror of nuclear war must be risked. Among these are peope’s right to choose how they will live, as the Ukrainians are doing who prefer the rule of law characterizing liberal democracies overr the rule of corrutiom characterizing Putin’s Russia and perhaps Ohrban’s Hungary. So too the Tawainese have a right to the form of government they want to live under, as do the Uighers and the Tibetans and other groups. America either stands for something or it stands for nothing. Those who threaten war are usually the bullies of the world and if the bullies have their way there will be no freedoms for anyone. So it isin the United States, and so it is around the world. The Maga crowd and others may not like that we are a global power stil, they might believe that if we just left other nations alone, they would leave us alone, but history and basic human psychology does not bear this out. Where people will not fight for right to be free, they will either be conquered or they will be destroyed by the inexorable appetites of the world’s bullies and sadists. So long as there is a drop of democratic spirit left in the United States, the U.S. will be perceived by China and Russia as threats because they know how attractive democratic principles are to their people. Prejudice is fear, whether it is the fear of African-Americans and Mexicans among America’s white supremacists or Russian fears of Western liberal democracy, or Hungarian fears of hordes of Muslims coming from the Middle East, or Chinese fear of any value system or belief that challenges the State’s value system. And fear is a cruel master, justifying cruelty in the name of achieving security against whatever evokes that fear. I believe that those who refuse to be bullied may be hated, but they are less likely to be attacked. And, if they are attacked, they/we will understand that their values and principles-- our values and principles--the things that make us who we are--are important. For surely, if they are worth attacking, they are also worth defending. Even at great risk. Because as important as life is, the meaning we give life is more important. Life means little unless there is something worth more than life that gives it meaning. I do not believe Pelosi is “playing” with fire. I believe she’s trying to contain the fire that is already raging throughout the world. But to contain fire requires risking exposure to fire. The fire could consume us all. We have to pray that it does not.
These things are fraught, dicey, and above my pay grade. The outcomes are neither predictable nor knowable. But, if Pelosi goes…..good on her. She’s almost always on the right side of the subject. I admire the woman.
I must admit that I find Speaker Pelosi’s strength against bullies foreign and domestic reassuring and a soothing counter-balance to the seemingly unrestrained tyrants and misfits who seem to evade accountability and repercussions.
Nancy Pelosi has extremely great intuition when it comes to foreign affairs. She has years of diplomatic tact on her side, with a savvy side not seen by those who blatantly blame her for everything.
I trust her. I don’t know her personally, but I would call on her experience over many. Also, she isn’t a old white guy… tired as hell of them.
She is tough as nails. The picture of her standing up to Trump and pointing her finger at him while his cabinet lackeys cowered around him says it all.
I'm with Nancy. She has excellent political intuition and she would navigate the political morass better than anyone sent to Taiwan to show support for its people. Since President Biden will be speaking to the Chinese leader this week she should be guided by his wisdom and the result of that call.
I do not like criticizing Biden, so much pressure, but I trust Pelosi utterly. A group I belong to will be discussing this and we agree she has her reasons and we believe they are valid even if she's being urged otherwise by the Admin. She's a leader, something we need more of.
I think it's riskier not to stand up to China. If we don't we're giving into their bullying. The US should support Taiwan and Speaker Pelosi will represent our interests very well.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the second in the succession line to the presidency. I have not read biographies nor accounts about her time in politics, only the random clips and news when she is a central figure in important and essential matters that demand her lucid voice and firm leadership. Admirable moments for me. And important visual messages when the moment of TRUTH demands it. Such is the case when she received communion in Rome while America was and continues to be assailed by brutal attacks, real and intended, on our human rights and the rights we all share when it comes to privacy and our capacity to choose with the freedom that is our own decision, not the government's. China is an economic superpower and its political regime is Communism. China has penetrated America in the most deviant of ways, by spying at all levels in our democracy. China and Russia are friends, with geographical repossession strategies beyond their borders. Taiwan is a democratic country and Speaker Pelosi is an American politician visiting a free state. When Putin INVADED Ukraine, "America, stay calm" (the words written by Tom Nichols) were among the wisest ones I read. Why would China threaten an American politician traveling to Taiwan in times of peace?
I understand there are risks and the visit may cause discomfort for the Biden administration but I believe she should go. We need to show support for freedom no matter where Democracy lives. If the USA can't stand up to bullies, it is best we find out now. We need to show resolve in the face of dictators and show the world, Democracy may be messy but it is the best form of government that guarantees live, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Nancy knows what she’s doing. It’s not for us to second guess her. None of us is either smart enough or knows enough about the situation, but we all have an opinion. I’m keeping mine to myself as it surely is of no interest to anyone.
I am not saying I know enough about all the intricate political workings going on in that part of the world. I am aware though that Nancy Pelosi has been an advocate for this small vital democratic country for a long time. If she goes to Taiwan with a delegation to fortify our alliance and solidarity with them it will naturally anger China. But I trust whatever Pelosi does will be well thought out and accomplish important goals.
It seems the point needs to be well articulated that this visit is not by the policy making and executing branch of our government. But by the independent legislative branch.
The lady should stay home! I remember when China was serious about taking Taiwan years ago ((almost war) and it has been unstable all these years. Give the Taiwan people a break. We, the US, have a way of messing things up! Stay home, Nancy!
Late to the discussion - but I agree. Appeasement allows the bullies to bully. Especially when there are leaders who are trying to tell everyone else what to do - and flaunt their authority. I am older - and remember the old saying "Give them and inch and they will take a mile."
The key point about Pelosi's trip to Taiwan and Biden's nervousness about it displays the fundamental problem: Biden is an appeaser. He doesn't want to ruffle any feathers in Bejing. That is the same posture he took in Saudi Arabia with MBS. He is a "go along, get along" kind of person. "Can't we all just get along?" He is as naive as Neville Chamberlain. Even the way he is pursuing the war in Ukraine. We are giving Ukraine enough armaments to contain the Russians but not to win. He doesn't want to appear "too aggressive" in his response. He doesn't act from a position of strength. He always takes the more passive approach. Given the ineptitude of the Russian army, if we were to actually engage in the way to "defend democracy", we would beat them in relatively short order. What would Putin do in retaliation? Resort to nuclear weapons and ensure the complete obliteration of his country? Is he really so crazy that he would want to die? I don't think so. He would still be the ruler of a country with 100 M people under his control. He's collecting a lot of money every year. Why would he want to die?
She needs to go. Her perspective on human rights is aligned with President Biden's perspective and therefore the United States' perspective. The CCP has not honored the pledge made when Hong Kong was returned from Britain, and Taiwan is another target. If she were to cancel her trip, the CCP will be emboldened to move against Taiwan, which will require/provoke a military response. The trip must be made to demonstrate our continued support for Taiwan.
We are now paying the price for years of domestic appeasement of policies and people that have hollowed out our rights and dissipated our values. Read Frederick Douglass’ comments about agitation. Get active.
Sorry, Steve, much as I appreciate your never-Trumper, very articulate commentaries on various formats, you brought us the accelerated abominations to our tattered Democracy: Sam Alito and Sarah Palin. You don’t need my limited dollars. You have a lot to atone for.
I need to know more about what she is trying to accomplish by going. tho Putin and Ukraine are devastatingly tragic with the violence and terror as he evokes by targeting civilians, terrorizing food supplies and raising whole cities, we need to keep an eye on China and Asia in general.
but sometimes much can be done without showing your cards so publicly.
so I dont know enough to judge, but I think that in the political judgement is what authoritarian rulers feel like they need to do in response, and what value is the theater of a public visit. our military is stretched thin, as is most industries now.
Not sure about Pelosi visiting Taiwan? Seems low on country's priorities at the moment, but alas...
For me the best example of appeasement would be letting Trump Inc. skate on the rampant criminality that played out before our eyes. We will all live to regret that mistake.
Why poke the bear? Especially now with tensions escalated. Pelosi is 82 years old and it shows. Way past retirement and still grandstanding because she refuses to give up the reins. I don’t look at it as appeasement, I look at it as not the right time, but wtf do I know? What I do know is I sure AF wouldn’t let my 82 year old grandma make life changing decisions for my family, take that for what it’s worth. I considered my grandma an “Iron Lady” in her prime, which wasn’t in her 80’s.
All I know is she is traveling to Taiwan. Before commenting I would need to understand her agenda and the level of coordination with the Secretary of State. What is the specific agenda and how will we measure her effectiveness is the question.
Timing is everything when you aim to get a particular result. I don't think this is a particularly good time for Pelosi to travel to Taiwan... and it has nothing to do with China's saber rattling. There are other, more critical situations to focus on right now which could use her leadership. JMO
The CNN article ends asking > how far is the US is willing to push China -- and how might Beijing respond? We are fighting to keep democracy from dying in the USA with a weaponized Supreme Court and GQP loving white nationalists. There’s Putin with his arsenal of nukes bogged down with the invasion of Ukraine. Too much going on to have fight a conflict in China/Taiwan.
Once upon a time, I would have been an appeaser myself, trying to do everything possible not to roil the international waters and upset the hypersensitive tyrants who rule throughout the world. I would have done this because I considered nuclear war and holocaust the worst possible outcome and believed we should do anything to avoid it. Now, in my 75th year and far more aware of mortality than I was when younger, I realize that there are some things, some values for which even the horror of nuclear war must be risked. Among these are peope’s right to choose how they will live, as the Ukrainians are doing who prefer the rule of law characterizing liberal democracies overr the rule of corrutiom characterizing Putin’s Russia and perhaps Ohrban’s Hungary. So too the Tawainese have a right to the form of government they want to live under, as do the Uighers and the Tibetans and other groups. America either stands for something or it stands for nothing. Those who threaten war are usually the bullies of the world and if the bullies have their way there will be no freedoms for anyone. So it isin the United States, and so it is around the world. The Maga crowd and others may not like that we are a global power stil, they might believe that if we just left other nations alone, they would leave us alone, but history and basic human psychology does not bear this out. Where people will not fight for right to be free, they will either be conquered or they will be destroyed by the inexorable appetites of the world’s bullies and sadists. So long as there is a drop of democratic spirit left in the United States, the U.S. will be perceived by China and Russia as threats because they know how attractive democratic principles are to their people. Prejudice is fear, whether it is the fear of African-Americans and Mexicans among America’s white supremacists or Russian fears of Western liberal democracy, or Hungarian fears of hordes of Muslims coming from the Middle East, or Chinese fear of any value system or belief that challenges the State’s value system. And fear is a cruel master, justifying cruelty in the name of achieving security against whatever evokes that fear. I believe that those who refuse to be bullied may be hated, but they are less likely to be attacked. And, if they are attacked, they/we will understand that their values and principles-- our values and principles--the things that make us who we are--are important. For surely, if they are worth attacking, they are also worth defending. Even at great risk. Because as important as life is, the meaning we give life is more important. Life means little unless there is something worth more than life that gives it meaning. I do not believe Pelosi is “playing” with fire. I believe she’s trying to contain the fire that is already raging throughout the world. But to contain fire requires risking exposure to fire. The fire could consume us all. We have to pray that it does not.
These things are fraught, dicey, and above my pay grade. The outcomes are neither predictable nor knowable. But, if Pelosi goes…..good on her. She’s almost always on the right side of the subject. I admire the woman.
I must admit that I find Speaker Pelosi’s strength against bullies foreign and domestic reassuring and a soothing counter-balance to the seemingly unrestrained tyrants and misfits who seem to evade accountability and repercussions.
I am with the Iron Lady.
The Iron Lady doesn't do anything without having all her ducks in a row. Go Madam Speaker and make us proud.
Her overture is bold, courageous, and strategic; 3 qualities sorely lacking in DC these days. Bravo!
Nancy Pelosi has extremely great intuition when it comes to foreign affairs. She has years of diplomatic tact on her side, with a savvy side not seen by those who blatantly blame her for everything.
I trust her. I don’t know her personally, but I would call on her experience over many. Also, she isn’t a old white guy… tired as hell of them.
Nancy Pelosi should definitely go as planned
With America’s support for Taiwan and the
Safety of the Australians, Japanese and all the Asian Pacific countries and people…..
STRENGTH and TOTAL SUPPORT is what we need for China to see..WHAT is AMERICA
STANDING For… FREEDOM,DEMOCRACY
And not being afraid to Express with words
and deeds our Support! Marsha
She is tough as nails. The picture of her standing up to Trump and pointing her finger at him while his cabinet lackeys cowered around him says it all.
Why play with fire? But... if anyone can pull this off, it's the Iron Lady. If it goes south though, the GOP will pull a Benghazi on her.
I’m with the Iron Lady! I totally trust her - she is the best we have!
Iron Lady for the win. We need leaders who show courage.
I'm with Nancy. She has excellent political intuition and she would navigate the political morass better than anyone sent to Taiwan to show support for its people. Since President Biden will be speaking to the Chinese leader this week she should be guided by his wisdom and the result of that call.
I do not like criticizing Biden, so much pressure, but I trust Pelosi utterly. A group I belong to will be discussing this and we agree she has her reasons and we believe they are valid even if she's being urged otherwise by the Admin. She's a leader, something we need more of.
Sooner or later, the forces of liberal democracy need to go to the mattresses.
I think it's riskier not to stand up to China. If we don't we're giving into their bullying. The US should support Taiwan and Speaker Pelosi will represent our interests very well.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the second in the succession line to the presidency. I have not read biographies nor accounts about her time in politics, only the random clips and news when she is a central figure in important and essential matters that demand her lucid voice and firm leadership. Admirable moments for me. And important visual messages when the moment of TRUTH demands it. Such is the case when she received communion in Rome while America was and continues to be assailed by brutal attacks, real and intended, on our human rights and the rights we all share when it comes to privacy and our capacity to choose with the freedom that is our own decision, not the government's. China is an economic superpower and its political regime is Communism. China has penetrated America in the most deviant of ways, by spying at all levels in our democracy. China and Russia are friends, with geographical repossession strategies beyond their borders. Taiwan is a democratic country and Speaker Pelosi is an American politician visiting a free state. When Putin INVADED Ukraine, "America, stay calm" (the words written by Tom Nichols) were among the wisest ones I read. Why would China threaten an American politician traveling to Taiwan in times of peace?
I understand there are risks and the visit may cause discomfort for the Biden administration but I believe she should go. We need to show support for freedom no matter where Democracy lives. If the USA can't stand up to bullies, it is best we find out now. We need to show resolve in the face of dictators and show the world, Democracy may be messy but it is the best form of government that guarantees live, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Nancy knows what she’s doing. It’s not for us to second guess her. None of us is either smart enough or knows enough about the situation, but we all have an opinion. I’m keeping mine to myself as it surely is of no interest to anyone.
Go with Nancy!
When you stand strong for democracy and human rights who can fault her? I say have a nice trip Nancy!
Nancy “over the bow” is exactly the reminder they need that the US has learned to sleep with one eye open.
I trust in Nancy. She doesn't make many missteps. However, I seem to remember President Biden advised against making the trip now.
Appeasement? Wasn't this the same strategy we had with Russia?
I am not saying I know enough about all the intricate political workings going on in that part of the world. I am aware though that Nancy Pelosi has been an advocate for this small vital democratic country for a long time. If she goes to Taiwan with a delegation to fortify our alliance and solidarity with them it will naturally anger China. But I trust whatever Pelosi does will be well thought out and accomplish important goals.
It seems the point needs to be well articulated that this visit is not by the policy making and executing branch of our government. But by the independent legislative branch.
The lady should stay home! I remember when China was serious about taking Taiwan years ago ((almost war) and it has been unstable all these years. Give the Taiwan people a break. We, the US, have a way of messing things up! Stay home, Nancy!
Agree with Heidi, no need to go now. Let the Ukraine/Russia war play out first. One hot spot at a time, please.
Who cares about China, back at home the USA is falling apart. So typical of Nancy to ignore the ugly truth and try desperately to distract us.
Late to the discussion - but I agree. Appeasement allows the bullies to bully. Especially when there are leaders who are trying to tell everyone else what to do - and flaunt their authority. I am older - and remember the old saying "Give them and inch and they will take a mile."
The key point about Pelosi's trip to Taiwan and Biden's nervousness about it displays the fundamental problem: Biden is an appeaser. He doesn't want to ruffle any feathers in Bejing. That is the same posture he took in Saudi Arabia with MBS. He is a "go along, get along" kind of person. "Can't we all just get along?" He is as naive as Neville Chamberlain. Even the way he is pursuing the war in Ukraine. We are giving Ukraine enough armaments to contain the Russians but not to win. He doesn't want to appear "too aggressive" in his response. He doesn't act from a position of strength. He always takes the more passive approach. Given the ineptitude of the Russian army, if we were to actually engage in the way to "defend democracy", we would beat them in relatively short order. What would Putin do in retaliation? Resort to nuclear weapons and ensure the complete obliteration of his country? Is he really so crazy that he would want to die? I don't think so. He would still be the ruler of a country with 100 M people under his control. He's collecting a lot of money every year. Why would he want to die?
She should go. It's that simple.
She needs to go. Her perspective on human rights is aligned with President Biden's perspective and therefore the United States' perspective. The CCP has not honored the pledge made when Hong Kong was returned from Britain, and Taiwan is another target. If she were to cancel her trip, the CCP will be emboldened to move against Taiwan, which will require/provoke a military response. The trip must be made to demonstrate our continued support for Taiwan.
Excellent Read Thanks Steve you clarify this so well
I couldn’t agree more.
We are now paying the price for years of domestic appeasement of policies and people that have hollowed out our rights and dissipated our values. Read Frederick Douglass’ comments about agitation. Get active.
Sorry, Steve, much as I appreciate your never-Trumper, very articulate commentaries on various formats, you brought us the accelerated abominations to our tattered Democracy: Sam Alito and Sarah Palin. You don’t need my limited dollars. You have a lot to atone for.
I need to know more about what she is trying to accomplish by going. tho Putin and Ukraine are devastatingly tragic with the violence and terror as he evokes by targeting civilians, terrorizing food supplies and raising whole cities, we need to keep an eye on China and Asia in general.
but sometimes much can be done without showing your cards so publicly.
so I dont know enough to judge, but I think that in the political judgement is what authoritarian rulers feel like they need to do in response, and what value is the theater of a public visit. our military is stretched thin, as is most industries now.
Not sure about Pelosi visiting Taiwan? Seems low on country's priorities at the moment, but alas...
For me the best example of appeasement would be letting Trump Inc. skate on the rampant criminality that played out before our eyes. We will all live to regret that mistake.
Why poke the bear? Especially now with tensions escalated. Pelosi is 82 years old and it shows. Way past retirement and still grandstanding because she refuses to give up the reins. I don’t look at it as appeasement, I look at it as not the right time, but wtf do I know? What I do know is I sure AF wouldn’t let my 82 year old grandma make life changing decisions for my family, take that for what it’s worth. I considered my grandma an “Iron Lady” in her prime, which wasn’t in her 80’s.
All I know is she is traveling to Taiwan. Before commenting I would need to understand her agenda and the level of coordination with the Secretary of State. What is the specific agenda and how will we measure her effectiveness is the question.
Timing is everything when you aim to get a particular result. I don't think this is a particularly good time for Pelosi to travel to Taiwan... and it has nothing to do with China's saber rattling. There are other, more critical situations to focus on right now which could use her leadership. JMO
The CNN article ends asking > how far is the US is willing to push China -- and how might Beijing respond? We are fighting to keep democracy from dying in the USA with a weaponized Supreme Court and GQP loving white nationalists. There’s Putin with his arsenal of nukes bogged down with the invasion of Ukraine. Too much going on to have fight a conflict in China/Taiwan.