There's something admirable about the way French President Sarkozy is setting terms for attending the opening ceremony of the Olympics. (The demands are: "the end of violence against Tibetans and the release of political prisoners; clarifying the Tibetan events, and opening dialogue with the Dalai Lama.") The demands are reasonable, first of all; the Chinese could easily accept them with little lost pride. He is not demanding that China grant Tibet independence within a week. He "appeals to the sense of responsibility of the Chinese leaders," rather than condemning them. So he opens the door for a little step in a positive direction. Next time there can be another positive step. Maybe something beneficial will come out of the dialogue he is asking for. He's being a statesman; wielding the power of water on rock rather than of lightning. Our own government could learn a lesson or two from him.