3 American prisoners on the way home

[Jon Estes]

Thank you DJT and your administration for working to see three Americans freed from the labor camps in North Korea.

I thank God for this news.

[Sandy]

Glad for the prisoners.

Looks like Un thinks Trump is a featherhead he can flatter, and get money. So far, that strategy is working very well for him. Anything less than unifying the Korean peninsula under a democratic government headed by the current South Korean government is a failure. We have a President who is sucking up to a murderous dictator, which goes entirely against all US foreign policy, most of which was put in place by Ronald Reagan. We'll know in a few months how much money the taxpayers will have to come up with to satisfy Un.

[Jon Estes]

[Sandy]

It's good to get as much out of this as we can, so getting other Americans out of there should be on the table. As far as diplomacy goes, Un is ready to talk because the sanctions that have impoverished his country are now affecting him. He's after money, and he figures he can get it from Trump.

[Dave Roberts]

I am thankful for the release of the prisoners being held. At the same time, I am highly cautious about how Kim may be trying to manipulate American public opinion or actions toward NK. My suspicions arise as one who lived through the manipulation of public opinion (and perhaps the 1980 election) by the Iranians who released hostages just in time for Ronald Reagan's inauguration, having accomplished the manipulation they desired of us. I am highly cautious to wonder what Kim might be attempting. He seems to be the one in control of the events at this point.

[Sandy]

Noting that Russia has a tremendous amount of influence over North Korea, and that their regime seems to be motivated by manipulating this presidency to their advantage, I think Putin has probably put some pressure on them as well. The North Korean regime and dictator have the blood of thousands of their own people on their hands, along with that of those who have been unfortunate enough to get trapped inside the country. Writing him checks and letting him stay in power as an exchange for some kind of agreement that he won't keep is exactly what Trump is criticizing about the Iran deal. I think the Nobel committee is probably far too intelligent to be duped by something like this.

[Jon Estes]

[Sandy]

[KeithE]

[Haruo]

In hindsight, I think Lê Đức Thọ did the right thing.

[Jon Estes]

[Joseph Patrick]

[Haruo]

So now North Korea will be, at Putin's request, our newest, biggest ally? Pompeo and Trump are both positively gushing over how great a leader Kim Jong Un is. I gather Kim fell in love with the Olympics and wants to be able to go in person next time, so anything it takes is what he will do.

[Jon Estes]