The New York Puke is finally concerned about communist aggression....what happened?

I was reminded of a great quote by reading NY Puke on Sunday:

"Diplomacy without force is like music without instruments."
— Frederick the Great

China’s Naval Ambitions January 1, 2011

Beijing’s drive to extend its military and territorial reach is making America’s close allies in the region nervous and raising legitimate questions about American diplomacy and future military procurement...The Pentagon has a long history of hyping the Chinese threat to justify expensive weapons purchases, and sinking well-defended ships with ballistic missiles is notoriously hard. But what should rightly concern American military planners is not so much the missile but the new Chinese naval strategy behind it.

China seems increasingly intent on challenging United States naval supremacy in the Western Pacific. At the same time it is aggressively pressing its claims to disputed offshore islands in the East and South China Seas. Washington must respond, carefully but firmly...

Maybe trust but verify. I recall in the 80s then President Reagan was rearming the US after a decade of decline and the NY Times, et all were worries he would lead us into a major, if not nuclear war. Funny, fewer soldiers died under his eight years than under Clinton's eight (not a fair comparison to put in the GHW Bush's four, W's eight or B Hussein Obama hopefully two years left)....could it be when you have force and your enemies know you will respond with overwhelming force they will not attack you...gee, deterrence actually works. I recall the 80 debate between then President Carter and former Governor Reagan when the Gipper told the Peanut Farmer "Mr President, I've always belived it was more important to be respected than liked."

The Obama administration must also redouble its diplomatic efforts to persuade Beijing that great power cooperation is far better than a costly and dangerous military rivalry. ...

Dealing with a rising China could be Washington’s biggest challenge in the decades ahead. The United States has no interest in heightening tensions. A rapidly developing China has better uses for its new wealth than weapons. But when China pushes, as it is doing now, America needs to push back with a creative mix of diplomatic suppleness and military steadfastness.

Maybe negotiate from a position of strength?...hey, I've heard that from somewhere before. I could point out the fact the NY Puke was very opposed to negotiating from a position of strength before...I wonder why the change of heart. Could it be seeing the light of reality...naa, reality and the Times rarely come together. Could it be they like the current president but know B Hussein Obama can be counted on to fold like a paper plate? I think that is more like it.

Hopefully this will be handled by more mature people in the foreseeable future (i.e. after January 2013). It's great the Times has finally determined that China is an aggressive power and an adversary to the US and our interest in the world. Now if they would get a clue that we have opponents in the world and we need to be assertive in handling them.