Muscatine

Fox, I'd go with Rice.   If I thought it would do any good, I'd point ol' TP to the Public Report of the Vice President's (Biden) Task Force on Combatting Terrorism, Part 2 concerning U.S. Policy and Response to Terrorists.

It's pretty clear.  "The US government will make no concessions to terrorists.  It will not pay ransoms, release prisoners, change its policies or agree to other acts that might encourage other terrorism." 

You're right.  I think it best that you simply ignore the Public Report of the Vice President's task force on combating terrorism,  Part two where it details US POLICY and response to terrorists.  It's ever so much easier for you that way. 

As I said, continuing to ignore the obvious seems to be well in your comfort zone, and I encourage you to keep doing it.  The fact that this report is available from many sources should mean nothing to you.  The fact that it clearly outlines a no-negotiate policy should pass by you like a breeze in the night.  If that makes you comfortable, by all means continue.