Via Prague

Dear Obama,
Like most people here on the Continent, Czechs are intrigued at the possiblity of an Obama presidency. Here in the former Eastern bloc, and especially here in the Czech Republic, where the president is chosen by members of Parliament and not by popular election, many Czechs look on with a mixture of wonder and envy.
Of course your visit to Europe this week has been well noted in the press. But one thing that I personally wonder about, since this tour is intended to bolster your foreign policy credentials, is why you didn't include Prague on your itinerary. After all, just 100 kilometers from the city the U.S. has plans to build a missile defense shield for Europe. The radar would be here and the missiles across the border in Poland, and the entire system is intended to protect the Continent from nuclear attacks from Iran and North Korea.
As you probably know, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice last week was here and signed a treaty with her Czech counterpart. Meanwhile, the proposed radar has generated controversy here, as polls have shown a majority of Czechs oppose the project, and Russia has also voiced objections.
It would be interesting to hear what you and your Republican rival John McCain would have to say about it. Of course, plans for the radar have been in discussion for years, and reports here have suggested that no matter who wins in November it won't affect the outcome. President Bush, in a visit here last summer. praised Czechs for overcoming 40 years of Communist rule, and told them the shield is a part of the ongoing struggle to protect democracy.
What do you think? Many Czechs tell me they don't think the shield is necessary. Part of their reservations stem from fear that it will make their country a target, but also it smacks of old Cold War chess moves and brinksmanship especially with Putin's Russia on the march (Last week, energy supplies to the Czech Republic were temporarily interrupted, although Russian officials say it was merely an accident).
Anyway, I realize there is a lot on your plate, with Iraq, Afghanistan, the economy. But instead of speaking in front of the 'Gate in Germany, perhaps you might have come to this small corner of Europe, a small corner that is invested in democracy (there are small contingents in Afghanistan and Iraq), and could have a bigger role to play in the near future.
Just a thought.
James Tressler
Prague