The Handling of Chen Is a Shame. Romney is Correct

The Sunday talk shows and the New York Times are attacking Romney for calling the handling of the Chen case a "shame for America." Romney, they say, spoke too soon. Hillary has worked out a good deal that will bring Chen and his family to the U.S. to "study."

Romney should hold his ground. The Chen case was badly fumbled and must be called a cave in to the Chinese.

When Chen left the U.S. Embassy, we lost all leverage. His family would have been as safe as possible with him in the embassy. We could have begun negotiations without undue haste to arrange a reasonable solution for Chen, his family, and for those who helped him. Once we delivered Chen to the Chinese authorities, we lost all leverage.

Hillary, who claims that negotiations are proceeding well with respect to visas for Chen and his family, is totally at the mercy of her Chinese interlocutors. She holds no cards. Chen's colleagues, who aided his escape, are left out in the cold.

Romney is right. We shamefully caved in to the Chinese either through ineptitude or self interest.

Dr. Gregory's latest book can be purchased at Amazon.com.