The writer of the April 23 letter "Dialogue first" hit the nail on the head in his rejoinder to Charles Krauthammer's column on nuclear rogues. We should not persist in policies that have failed in Vietnam, Cambodia and Iraq.

I remember well when some patriotic Americans advocated attacking Russia and then China to limit their nuclear capabilities and to halt the spread of communism. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed.

As a result, without the loss of life on either side, Russia and China are joining the family of nations that allow freedom of individuals to improve their own lives and improve the wealth of their countries.

Such victories are not the result of invasions but of mutual dialogue and cooperation on common goals despite ideological differences.

Barack Obama has clearly stated his belief in this more effective approach. Hillary Clinton and John McCain seem afraid to alienate those who support the war.

Edmund T. Klemmer, Ph.D.

Raleigh