I think it was a good idea, actually. Brutal isn't "quite" the applicable word yet. What Obama's handshake does is take away one of Chavez's primarly planks of power: opposition to some theoretical US boogey-man. He can rant and rail on his Sunday addresses, but the handshake and Obama's approach makes it more difficult for Chavez to paper over local criticisms by shifting focus.

What's important, however, is that the US not give too much ground behind the scenes.

I'm also in favor of the expanded contacts with Cuba. Making Cuba a G.E.C. is the only reason the Castro regime(s) still stand.

And how have our righteous snubs worked? North Korea, Iran, Libya, Syria, Zimbabwe, Cuba - all regimes still in power.

Keep your enemies closer.