Barack Obama Mimics George Bush on Russia’s Invasion?
By Larry Johnson on August 9, 2008 at 6:30 PM in Current Affairs
I am writing this from Ford Island, Hawaii–which sits in the middle of Pearl Harbor. Sixty eight years ago the Japanese launched a surprise attack against the United States and destroyed a significant portion of the U.S. fleet in the Pacific. My room is 300 yards from the resting hulk of the USS Arizona, which blew up and sank with over 1100 U.S. sailors entombed. A few yards south of the memorial for the USS Arizona is the battleship USS Missouri. The battleship named for my state of birth was the platform in the Tokyo harbor where Japan surrendered to General Douglas MacArthur.
These two naval monuments–one a sunken graveyard and the other a floating museum–are the bookends for the U.S. war against Japan. The war started with the sinking of one and ended in a somber ceremony on the teakwood deck of the other.
Which brings us to the newest war in the 21st century–Russia’s invasion of Georgia. Ben Smith at the Politico offers this summary:
Russia has long attempted to reclaim now-sovereign parts of the former Soviet Union, stoking conflicts in the enclaves of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which are universally recognized to be Georgian soil. Russia has also used the ensuing military tensions to set back Georgia’s bid to enter NATO.
But Georgia appears to have sparked the conflict by marching on the South Ossetian capital as Russia’s powerful Prime Minister Vladimir Putin headed to Beijing for the Olympic Games. Russia, in turn, welcomed the conflict, launching a large-scale attack on its smaller neighbor and sending tanks across its border.
Both American candidates back Georgia’s sovereignty and its turn toward the West. But their first statements on the crisis revealed differences of substance and style.
So how do they differ? Smith says that Barack has adopted the position of the the White House, the European Union, NATO and a series of European powers:
“I strongly condemn the outbreak of violence in Georgia, and urge an immediate end to armed conflict,” Obama said in a written statement. “Now is the time for Georgia and Russia to show restraint and to avoid an escalation to full-scale war. Georgia’s territorial integrity must be respected.”
Obama added briefly that the international community should get involved. More than an hour later, as more details of Russia’s incursion into Georgia emerged, he cited Russia more directly: “What is clear is that Russia has invaded Georgia’s sovereign — has encroached on Georgia’s sovereignty,” he told reporters in Sacramento.
And McCain?
“[T]he news reports indicate that Russian military forces crossed an internationally recognized border into the sovereign territory of Georgia. Russia should immediately and unconditionally cease its military operations and withdraw all forces from sovereign Georgian territory.
“The government of Georgia has called for a ceasefire and for a resumption of direct talks on South Ossetia with international mediators. The U.S. should immediately work with the EU and the OSCE to put diplomatic pressure on Russia to reverse this perilous course that it has chosen.”
The fact that Barack’s position mimics that of the Bush White House does not necessarily mean Americans should feel comforted. Let’s start with the fact that we live in a damn glass house. Our unprovoked invasion of Iraq does not give us much moral authority for lecturing other countries about violating sovereignty of others.
Nonetheless, this case is more egregious on the part of the Russians. Georgia is a democracy and is friendly with the West. Georgia is not governed by a brutal thug like Saddam Hussein. And Georgia has been cooperating with the United States in going after Islamic extremists. For many years Islamic radicals directly tied to Osama Bin Laden operated in the Pankisi Gorge of Georgia.
Let me suggest that the reaction of George Bush and Barack Obama is weak and dangerous. If someone invades your house and is killing your family members are your supposed to show “restraint?” Give me a break. Trying to treat the Russians and Georgians as equals in this dispute sends a message of weakness that is likely to embolden Russia and leave the Georgians with a sense of betrayal.
I am not advocating we enter this war on the ground and that we fight alongside the Georgians. But Barack’s comparatively weak, mealy mouthed response to the violation of another country’s sovereignty does not give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. And the fact that he is lining up with the likes of the failed Presidency of George Bush is even more troubling. At least John McCain seems to understand that unprovoked aggression, left unchallenged, leads to more violence and more death.
(Release: November 13)
on sale for only $16.95.
has a spatula.)
8% Off at $11.95, with a rare five-star ranking by 294 customers: 
And check out these: 
("This crazy redhead is on to something. Her pink Rambler story alone is worth the price of the book," writes 
- “Richard Sale’s reportage on Washington, the CIA, the American armed forces, and foreign intrigue has created a perfect background for this account of the steady growth of President Clinton as a master of the game of nations.”--W. Patrick Lang, former head of Middle East Operations, DIA
"Anne C. Heller's stunning biography of Ayn Rand" uses a "plethora of newly unearthed research and fresh insight."
Just another instance where Obama has no clue.
I thought Barky was in Hawaii on vacation
now he’s speaking with he told reporters in Sacramento. ?? So he’s back on the mainland??
With his new and improved COLB!
Where’s WALDOBAMA?
One question why are you were Obama is?
So the President of Georgia decided to invade the contested land while Putin is at the Olympics. Did this president seem to think that the entire Russian army went to the Olympics too? So now Putin can see this as a way to re-take Georgia back into the Russian fold?
Does this President of Georgia have a brain or am I misunderstanding the events here?
You cannot “invade” your own territory. South Ossetia is Georgian territory.
Larry,
I read Ben Smith’s article and I find it flawed.
The real reason for this war is Russia’s wish to control Gas Pipes from Azerbaijan and oil pipes from Turkmenistan. These countries together with Georgia and Turkey with the help of western oil companies are planning the construction of these pips through Georgia and Turkey. Russia is trying to force the pipes to go through it so the can continue their choke hold of Europe. There is quite a lot of details and history to this dispute. This is the background to Russia’s support of South Ossetia and pressure on Georgia.
Putin is clearly the thug here and McCain called it. This is no time to play Jimmy Carter.
On the comparison Between Bush and Obama. Bush is in a position to say something less provocative in public while negotiating with Putin in a different tone. Obama is not a factor in this and his statement stands on it’s own.
Georgia needs to show strength and resolve through military means, Russians respect military strength. Georgia has tanks and weapons courtesy of the US, but how many US forces are nearby and available to assist Georgia if needed? Talks can come later as we need to rethink how we deal with Russia. Russia feels isolated from the US and we could use Russia as an ally against Radical Islamic Terrorists.
Simonov…BP is doin the pipeline…so Brits are heavy into this. Europe has a big Headache on their hands….
Yet Europe continues to play weak, knowing the the US and only the US will once again come to the rescue. And Citizen of the Wold takes the same weak line as Europe. This is the same guy that wants to negotiate with Iran.
This is a major test for the European Union….Hmmmm…..
Well said. To call and end to armed conflict is not weakness, it is merely sanity! Thousands of lives are at stake… we invaded iraq to stop the harboring of terrorists, and the continuation of rule by a madman who tortured and killed his own people.
This author is a radical, and should not be taken seriously. Who the hell is he anyway?!
And, wasn’t that attack 67 years ago, not 68?
?
Sarkozy could be a wild card….Brown although smart as a whip lacks hutzpah…maybe….I’m still ponderin who will step up…Hmmmm
Agreed Larry…Russia has been arming separatists in the region….Putin is using the phony ( Hitler Lie ) of protecting Ethnic Russians in Georgia. Putin has given these separatists Russian Passports….Russian tanks have gone over the border and they have gone deep into Georgian Real estate according to maps on the BBC. Putin has wanted to reclaim real estate that was former Soviet Bloc….Folks in Eastern Europe have gotta be nervous bout now.
Obama response = weak and made Putin smile…
McCain response = Callin Putin on his BS…and Putin reaches for a shot o vodka in a slight sweat….hmmm
South Ossetia is only Georgian territory according to the Georgians, Larry.
The South Ossetians , on the other hand, do not WANT to be part of Georgia, and haven’t been, since 1992.
They’ve been fighting Georgian border excursions for years.
Yes and they are related to the Russian Cossacks. There are actual Cossack associations in Russia preparing for war in Southern Ossetia.
Yeah, I think you’re misunderstanding the events…
South Ossetia has acted autonomously since 1992, so why now is Georgia throwing its weight around?
Ehemmm….Because Putin gave separatists Russian Passports ? How long does it take for tanks to roll in over the border….This was planned…
NATO requires a stable Georgian State. Those rebellious entites (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) must be pacified by a new Georgian army.
Because Georgia knows we’ve been spending billions beefing up their military with weapons and training, and they know we want them in NATO.
They moved in on the territory that’s considered itself independent since 1992. What about THEIR sovereignty?
Besides, the United States wants those pipelines.
Give me a freakin Break…MARY…Putin is a KGB thug….He lets Europe FREEZE in winter….BP is building an alternative pipeline…..and Georgia is one of the countries helping them….Exactly why do you think GWB started the missile shit in the first place…Because Putin has made it very clear that he wants back former soviet territory…sheeesh!
I hate GWB…..But this freezin Europe in the winter shakedown is FASCIST THUGGERY of the worst kind…..
hmmm…letting people freeze in the winter…why does that sound familiar????
Excuse me, workingclassartist.
Georgia allowed the US to build a military base there, near that pipeline, and the people of Ossetia don’t WANT to be part of Georgia.
In fact, they’ve had numerous borderline battles to fight Georgia and keep it OUT of their territory.
The “bully” here, is the country of Georgia assuming that with US backing and beefed up weapons (your taxdollars, with a little CIA help to piss off Putin), the president of Georgia ASSumed he could “retake” Ossetia without their agreement.
Putin had warned him not to do it, long ago.
Per AP:
“Russia sent an armored column into the breakaway enclave of S Ossetia AFTER Georgia, a staunch US ally, lauched an offensive to crush separatists.”
Those “separatists” have been fighting Georgia’s aggression since 1992 .
THINK about who wants you to think Putin is the big bad guy, so we can promote western pipeline interests.
If your source of information is AP (American Propaganda)you’ll continue to make dumb statements for the rest of your life.
simanov,
There’s a very informative 9-page story on the front page of the NYTimes website explaining the history of the region.
By an expert in the field.
I suggest you start researching yourself and by that I don’t mean reading has been news papers turn lefty propaganda machine.
But here’s another quote for you, simanov, from the conservative British press:
“In an apparent bid to recapture South Ossetia, Georgia launched a surprise military offensive against the breakaway region, promptin an armed response from neighboring Russia while threatening to further fray US.-Russian relations.”
I think that quote clearly expresses who was the aggressor was , here.
Perhaps the Georgian president thought we WOULD jump in to back him up in his aggression.
Foolish thought.
That’s an oxymoron. I noticed you didn’t cite.
Oxymoron???
You’ve never heard of David Cameron?
A politician, not a journalist or an annalist. We can continue for ever, this is useless. Go study the subject.
Hmmmm…Let’s see using your logic…..
Putin stomps bad separatists in Chechnya = Good Vlad. Cause Chechnya was Russian…..Right ?
Georgia polices it’s own state = Putin has the right to invade GEORGIA….Have you seen the latest MAPS MARY….PUTIN TANKS ARE WELL INTO GEORGIA…
I live in Texas….Texans on occasion like to play a fun cocktail party called let’s secede from the union….So if I get enough Texans together at a kegger with some guns…Why not ask Mexico to help out….And people like you can call me a freedom fighter and call the US an aggressor….
The US has a responsibility to our allies in Eastern Europe. Russia does not have a lengthy legacy of tolerance or passivity. You have been reading up on too much revisionist history….
Translation: I haven’t actually read any of the articles in AP, NY Times, Washington Post, or Wall Street Journal.
Said workingclassartist, who likes to type with LOTS of capital letters.
Once you get personal you loose your credibility.
Sorry, simanov. When Workingartist screamed in capital letters, to me, “go fuck yourself,” it became personal.
Did you read the quote from the conservative British press?
It’s quite informative.
So, Russian pipe - good, western - bad, got it. How about what Georgia wants?
How about what Ossetia wants?
Not a country and a part of Georgia. Since Georgia was occupied for ages, there are a lot of Russians living in Ossetia, they can leave ang move back to Russia.
Mary…the maps I looked at were BBC this morning….and PC BULLSHIT about capital letters is stupid….I use them for emphasis. I mean taking offense over capital letters is a tad silly…..Visual Screaming, how quaint and absurd.
I’ll bet you dismiss on the basis of grammar and spellng too.
Whether you like it or not you sound foolish about your crush on Putin…..3Z’s is probably another hero of yours as well….
“I’ll bet you dismiss on the basis of grammar and spellng too.”
Abviously, you have nothing else to say to Mary! How many languages do you speak I wonder? Do your research first before you begin your disscussion regarding this matter.
Yes you are right, he is a thug and what do thugs want? RESPECT! So now, tanks roll and all the world is paying attention.
OMG…
BO is a wimp and dangerous…
What a stark contrast is shown in the above statements from BO and JM…
God help the USA citizens in understanding the difference between these candidates.
Thank you Larry…
Larry, isn’t it amazing what the Japanese did to Pearl Harbor with the one bomb??!!!
Nice one Idiocracy08.
It’s wonderful that BOBO wants the international community involved. That’s a nice little meaningless catch phrase that will get the BOBOweenies over to their wheels for a vigorous little run to nowhere.
Barky’s first statement sounds like he hadn’t fully comprehended the situation. Like it was some kind of skirmish between a few overzealous soldiers. Later when someone explained the facts to him he came out with something more…ahem…informed. I’m guessing it took awhile to get through that list of 300 advisers to find the dude that knows about Russia.
what absentee ballot strawberry?
August 19th election…I think it will be the canary in the coal mine if Washington turns red this year.
gotcha
As I understand it the South Ossethia territory has been under dispute; so I would not jump to conclusions and blame this whole incident on the Russians. I looks like the Georgians are at fault also. Just trying to be objective here.
Gee Tricia…if Mexico started issuing passports to Texans and we started to secede from the union….Ya think Washington might do somethin about it ?
Look at the map on the BBC….Russian tanks have gone deep into Georgia…
Putin is makin a Land Grab….Kinga like Poland 1939….He’s goin in to save the ethnic Ruskies…just like Adolf was goin to save the ethinic Germans….
Russian tanks have not gone “deep into Georgia.” They’re in Ossetia, which is not the same thing.
Good grief, bud.
South Ossethia was never part of Georgia! Georgians invaded South Ossethia and killed 1,900 civilians! It is not a secret that Geogians were trained and were getting military support from the US for at least 10 years. So, the Georgian President assumed that even if a Georgian-Russian conflict would happen, he will be supported by the US, which is happening right now. And he -Georgian President- is talking about he’s country’s democracy and independence? And….. What do you expect Russia to do? Sit there and watch Georgians killing Ossethians just because Geogians in alliance with the US, and they-Geogians- want Ossethia to be part of their territory because of oil resources? Plus, why do you think Georgians were getting support from the US? It’s been abvious that the American government tried to put its missliles and its millitary forces around Russia. Russians realize that too. They are not stupid, you know. Do you remember what happened when Russians put its missiles in Cuba what happened? The Cold War!
By the standards of some, California is “under dispute” as well. I guess if the U.S. Army conducts an exercise at Ft. Hunter-Liggett, the U.S. would be “at fault” too for provoking an invasion by Mexico.
BINGO…Retired. This territory is not under dispute…It is GEORGIAN.
Putin has been pissed off ever since Georgia entered into agreement with British Petroleum….Putin wants to keep his Winer shakedown scam o’ Europe goin….and I’m not buyin the Ptuin is a great leader shit either….He’s KGB thug FASCIST….THERE IS NO FREE SPEECH IN RUSSIA…HE’S SHUT EM ALL DOWN……Oh Brother !
And you think the presidents of the former countries of the Soviet Union are not former KGBs or the members of the existed Communist Party? I can name a couple of them who were. Can you? Do you know anything about them, or how they gained the power? Abviously, you are fed up with the propaganda and don’t see anything futher that your own two feet. By the way, is there free speech in the US, escpecially after September 11th? I don’t think so!
Hey Retired, the Mexican Army is already violating our boarder with a Boarder Agent being accosted at gun point with in the week.
There have been several hundred “incursions” this year alone by the Mexican army.
So by that standard we should invade Mexico?
All I know is watching BO’s intial statement on the tube, was just so NOT rocking my world with confidence he had the slightest clue of what was going on. Truthfully, I found his response frightning. BO is dangerous in his ignorance. Putin would treat BO like a side of gravy and sadly that is what BO is.
Mr. Johnson “teakwood deck” …nice job, that was “classified” intel.
Such is life with Bush and Barky…..
May I reiterate…it is Barackula that is running for the third term of bush!!
I see McCain’s statement as more direct, specific, and clear. He speaks about specific international bodies with whom we need to engage and interact. Obama’s statement appears to be a little on the vague side—speaks in generalities and he does not give a clear context about what has happened. Thus to me it appears that McCain demonstrates he knows something about what he is talking about whereas Obama is just issuing a general statement about an event that he does not clearly understand—he tries to sound “presidential”. I think everyone is lined up on the Bush line. I think the US push on missile defenses in Poland and possibly Georgia coming into NATO are going to get a Russian reaction that is aggressive. You are especially right in stating that our own Iraq invasion undermines our voice on this event. That is an effect that was always a concern of thoughtful people when we did our Iraqi number and it will haunt us for decades. We would not tolerate a Cuba and Russia is not going to tolerate NATO in Georgia. I was just in Russia for the solar eclipse and in traveling throughout European Russia and on into Siberia it was clear that Russians are much more politically open and public in their politics today. There is real disgust with the legacy of Gorbachev and Yeltsin and the demise of the Soviet Union (but not the demise of the Communist party). I got the sense that Russians today feel that the grand failure of Glosnost and its fallout was losing so much in territory and people and what they like and admire about Putin is that he is taking them back to the center of the world stage where they believe they belong. Russia is back and I don’t think we are going to like what comes forth.
“Now is the time for Russia and Georgia to show restraint…”
Someone please tell Obama that Georgia was invaded by an aggressive neighbor. I think this guy would tell a woman who is being raped that she should “show restraint.”
Obama would react to the bombing of Pearl Harbor by calling for “cooler heads to prevail on both sides.”
God help us if he manages to pull out a win in November.
Yep. Cheer the tanks as they roll over your citizens and blow-up your buildings. Obama is going to promise them some hope and change.
Is this manchild even CAPABLE of taking a definitive stand on ANYTHING?
No, John.
Ossetia has separated itself from Georgia since 1992, acting independently, with lots of Russians living there.
After Bush helped them beef up their military and encouraged them, THEY invaded Ossetia, killing Russians, and Russia invaded to stop Georgia’s encroachment on what Ossetians considered THEIR sovereignty.
Bottom dollar says Bush and CIA (sorry , Larry, but them’s the facts) did it on purpose. We do NOT want Russia to control those pipelines.
SHUT THE FUCK UP MARY!…..You area tedious TROLL….sheeesh!
Blame America Mary…..Keep it up….Putin is a saint….and then go fuck yourself…..YOU POLLUTE THIS BOARD!…..sheeesh!
Who you think you are tell anyone to shut the fuck up, is amazing.
Try reading the AP article, or the NY Times article about the region, about what has happened, and about how Ossetia feels about Georgia.
RETARD
Gee Mary…It’s America….and NQ….If I want to tell you to shut up because you litter the site with multiples….I WILL….
Take your leftist Putin Worship and shove it. I’m sure you have a nice umbrella collection…..
“leftist Putin Worship?”
Good Lord…..NY Times articles and AP background information is not the above bullshit.
You’re hysterical, artist.
READ THE NYTIMES ARTICLE, written by an expert in the field.
Gee Wiz Mary…I read lots of stuff besides the NYT as the NYT hasn’t been credible….I have been lookin at this ever since BP made the agreement…..You on the other hand rely on Mainstream American News Media….HELLO ?
Try the conservative British press, then.
They’re saying the same thing as the NYTimes.
Gee Wiz Mary…..Not the BBC….they had maps up this morning that looks like Putin’s tanks are deeper than you think. Putin is a FASCIST thug….And it’s OBVIOUS TO MOST
FOLKS…..sheeesh!
Mary,
Abviuosly, he has nothing else to say. He is an ignorant person who has to work on his vocabulary. Don’t waste your time trying to expand his knowledge about certain things or trying to educate him. It is too late for that.
I bet you must be under 25. You say Ossetia has been acting independently since 1992, that is only a few years ago, your sense of time is that of a teenager. Israel has been a country for 60 years now, for you that might seem a long time, but for the people of that area it’s only like a couple of minutes.
No, John. Ossetia was invaded by their aggeressive neighbor Georgia.
Ossetians consider GEORGIA to be the bully.
“Georgia was invaded by an aggressive neighbor?” Atually, Geogians attacked South Ossethians on August the 7th and killed 1,900 civilians. Do you ever do your research before you make statements like that?
Larry, is there a real chance that the US will be forced into this conflict? I mean if Georgia requests aid, we would have to step in would we not?
That would be extremely dangerous. Russia is no longer the Soviet Union but it is still an “Evil Empire” and would not blink an eye over using one of its nuclear warheads to decimate an American city. This entire dispute would collapse into a global war pitting the US and EU against Russia and China at the very time that China is hosting the Olympic games. Obama is definitely not ready to face these challanges.
Yeah, well that’s exactly why this is making me nervous. I know we consider Georgia friends, or allies. I just wondered HOW friendly we are. I mean considering the lives that have already been lost, at what point do they feel enough is enough, but will not back down but instead request aid. And who might they request it from…us?
And if they do, then what? Can we really get into a conflict with Russia?
It is too scary to think about, but SOMEone has to!
Georgia is an ally and an applicant to NATO….so anything we do will be with ou European Allies….It’s tricky….But Putin is not the same as the QUACK FRUITCAKES IN KOREA OR IRAN……
If it is proven that Georgia was the aggressor against Ossetia, NATO will not back them. And the aggression will jeopardize their entry into NATO.
Larry, do you happen to be in Hawaii by mere coincidence. I hope not! ; )
d i t t o
J o e
I was going to ask the same thing. Since you are THERE in Hawaii, got any time for some sleuthing Larry, or spying…LOL!
Hope so. I was about to ask if it is a vacation trip or business. I also hope the AG there has taken some time to read his emails. Do you think he might be able to question BO while he’s there?
Best of luck in Hawaii! I hope you find everything you are looking for and more
Thanks Larry!
P.S.
I hope you find some time to ENJOY yourself too. You deserve it
Lor818
What pray tell would we step in with? What virtual combat units do we have available? The US can not and should not act on this unilaterally. There are oil and gas pipeline issues here as well as the questions about South Ossethia where the people associate more with Russia than with the Georgians (or so I have read).
Obama would sit around playing his fiddle while the world burns.
Correction: Playing the Ludacris music on his IPod
Thee BOBO would fiddle with his iPod while the world burns.
BINGO….This is about the pipeline….and Putin’s annual winter shakedown of Europe…..and restoration of the Soviet Block under a new name and management….imho….
Is the joke here intentional? How many Americans are comforted by the idea that a presidential candidate seems to be following the Bush White House in a foreign policy decision?
Obama doesn’t have any clue of what to do. He waited till Hillary answered and took her answers. Or he called another press conference for a do-over.
He’s not ready to lead.
Definitely, Larry has got his own mission in Hawaii!
aaaaw what a pity! Due to Russia Obama has to move his lazy ass. How did you vacation go Obama? oh wait he’s still in Hawaii. Aloha Obama this is a true “3 am moment” what are you doing? sleeping?
Nah, he’s working out his citizenship and birth certificate issues. No rest for the wicked.
what are you doing? sleeping?
Hangin ten… Can I get a windsurfing moment PLEASE?
Considering that Moscow didn’t launch nuclear warheads against the US for forty years during the Cold War, I think it’s a bit over the top to suggest that they wouldn’t “blink an eye” before committing an act that would assure it’s own destruction. I think you need to check the needle on your hyperbole meter.
Agree.
Think of it from Russia’s point of view: WE are encroaching by putting missiles in the area and arming and training the Georgia military.
We’ve been doing so for years.
We want those pipelines, don’t we Larry?
Not to mention, of course, that Georgia allowed the US to build a mililtary base right near the border of Russia.
You can thank George Bush for that provocation.
Part of Georgia’s deal when they committed thousands of troops to Iraq was that the US must provide training. So we set up training grounds and got them up to speed so that they could serve in Iraq.
Well, Georgians were getting their training long before Iraq. I’ve met Georgians pilots being trained on the US millitary base in 2001. So, all of what you are saying is BS.
I just got back from Russia myself, and I did not get the sense that Russians are wonting for their communist past (maybe the old folk) but the young are definitely yearning for more of an open society and capitalism. They like Putin because he raised their standard of living and made their lives much better in general. Putin of course is the mastermind behind Medvedev and Russians know it and like it. As a matter of fact they wanted Putin to be president again even if the constitution did not allow it. That was my take from talking to some young people there. Regarding this conflict, they of course will respect vehemently whatever Putin decides- he after all was behind the successful Cheychan (sp) retake.=, and his approval level is over the top. 70 +
I too have been to Russia. I actually respect Putin for what he has done for his country. This is between Russia and Georgia. I don’t think we should jump to conclusions. I believe in the future, the history books, will protray him as a great leader. I for one, am glad he is still around.
Likewise. PUtin has been a great leader for Russia at this time in their history.
His people admire and respect him.
That’s a lot more than we can say about George W. Bush.
OH BROTHER…..Don’t stand too close to anyone with an umbrella…sheesh!
Zooooom…Right over her head.
I don’t think Putin had anything to do with the rising price of energy, but because oil went from $12 a barrel to $120 in 10 years makes Putin a hero. He was in the shithouse with low energy prices but now he’s a Great Leader. You better wake up, he’s a KGB Thug. Didn’t you see the Press Conference with the new President, Putin had his arm up the back of his coat, pulling the strings that made his mouth move.
People who live in a society dominated by a state-run media, and under a government that cracks down on political opposition groups and parties tend to agree with their government’s company line.
Tricia: My take exactly. The Russians today have no lost love for communism and openly joke and castigate it but they did not like being thrown into 3rd world status in the transition period. They did not like losing world status and see Putin putting them back on the world stage as a power to be respected and dealt with. Also credit him with getting the economy out of the tank. My observation was that housing and general consumer wants/needs continue to be a big problem. The housing stock is clearly a need. The average monthly income in Yaroslavel is only about 350 ru. but there are open markets and food and goods appear to be fairly plentiful. They will be behind Putin on Georgia.
Well said, Tricia and Jangles.
Calm, rational, informed. Thanks.
Obama as POTUS and Putin as the real leader of Russia = WWIII…
Obama does not know the lingo for diplomacy…
thankgod we have the Brits there in the international lcommunity with a cool head…
Obama should be seen and not heard
Hmmm….Brits have a heavy stake in this BP is building the alternate pipeline
Inquiry in Ohio Could Hurt Obama Vote
August 10, 2008
By CHRISTOPHER MAAG
CLEVELAND — A federal investigation of Democratic Party leaders in Cuyahoga County could pose problems for Barack Obama’s campaign in Ohio, party insiders and political analysts say.
If the party’s local campaign operation suffers, some Democrats said, it could cost Mr. Obama votes in a Democratic area where he must win overwhelmingly to offset Republican strength elsewhere in the state.
http://countusout.wordpress.com/
OHHHHhhhh man!!!
Dnc blogger named Jaline aka Jaq was a POLL worker from Cuyahoga as well as ANOTHER DNC blogger X friend bambi supporter also from Cuyahoga or the sister county.
Damn small world. She was so dense too, it’s no wonder. pfffft.
But we used to call her the DINO
and yet she voted for BAMBI and I turned MODERATE!
WEIRD!!!
Jaq what HAPPENED in your COUNTY?
When Bush looked in Putin’s eyes, he saw his “soul”. (Yeah right) McCain says he sees KGB. My money is on McCain. Someone needs to remind Putin the USSR is dead.
THIS is why we need energy independence. I am sick and tired of oil money turning minor bullies into major players on the world stage: Hugo, Putin, Adinajackass. Dry up their wealth and they will shut the hell up and behave.
or at least they have to think a little more broadly then I must control that pipe
BRAVO….Tuppence. Well stated.
yeah larry,,,,get to the bottom of the COLB. follow obama to see if he is looking for another person he can approach for their COLB and alter
Larry,
Over on Cannonfire tonight they are calling the man who did the birth certificate research and Texas Darlin
frauds and asking you to correct the stories you have had on your website. Not taking a side here just wanted you to know.
http://cannonfire.blogspot.com/
Here is the opening statement
We now know that Techdude — the man who claims that he can prove that Barack Obama’s birth certificate is a forgery — is himself a forgery. Although I do not yet know Techdude’s true name, I know that he swiped his resume from that of a genuine professional, Adam Fink.”
Polarick came to the same conclusion using a different method although he has a different ID on the donor COLB….
In other words several techies including Techdude and Polarick have concluded the COLB IS A FORGERY…..SHEEESH!
Cannonfire is sounding more and more like the kid who got left at home on Prom Night….sittin on the sofa wonderin why they were left behind tryin to call ANYBODY to find out where the after prom Kegger is….Oh Brother !
Anybody with a couple of weeks experience on Photoshop can figure out it’s a fraud. The execution is so bad, a work of a beginner, it gives forgers a bad name.
The mere fact that it posted on Comrade Kossacks site first means it is a fraud.
Geez.
I recall a comment Techdude made saying something about not knowing him from Adam and then he said wink or something.
Larry: I went through the site you describe in 1952. I was on the USS Badoeng Strait, CVE 116 on her way to her third deployment in the Korean conflict. We tied up just astern of the sunken Arizona. This was before the monument was constructed. Later, in in a Japanese port, I circled the Missouri several times in a small boat. We were later in her company during a shore bombardment. There is only one word: Awesome! I am not especially a hawk, but to me the concept of patriotism has one meaning, and that is national defense. I don’t think Obama views it this way. Thanks for all your good work.
During the 1976 bicentennial she was in NY harbor firing her big guns. I was 25 miles away,as the crow flies, and heard it just fine.
There is only one word: Awesome!
Obot trolls appear to be scared of their MESSIAH being arrested and put in JAIL before the Convention, loo!
tommy christopher is over on aol pm running down pumas again…..he wants to know what they are going to do if obama wins…..he is a big obama hack, and i just have 2 letters for him, f.u. tommy christopher and aol political machine. i am sick of that loud mouth obama schill piece of shit.
poetic justice for all
“Amen”
Fred, thanks for that Ohio story!
Lioncub, tell it like it is!
do you have a link for the aol pm?
Obama had to take someones position on it and I guess Hillary isn’t around to steal from, couldn’t use McCain’s it would have been to obvious…he does agree with Bush on a lot of things…want a 3rd Bush term vote Obama.
with a weak Prez(=Barky) russians make their business! This is a slap in NATO’s face. why now? why at this moment?
Please let me tell you what I thought as soon as I heard the news…
How can the left blame this on George Bush???
i read the Christopher article. Nobody thinks threats are “funny” (as he poses)!
NObama is just not qualified to be a World Leader…I always want to hear from Bill Clinton when there is serious International News like this…but I am reassured that John McCain is capable of answering that phone at 3 AM…I sure hope NObama’s comments strike a moment of truth for his blind followers…it isn’t too late…Hillary will be glad to take it from here…
Obama isn’t qualified to chair the senate committee he is assigned to…European Affairs…..sheeesh! SEE HARPS COMMENT BELOW.
In case no one else has said so, it makes me happy that Larry is onsite.
You guys really work hard. Thanks from folks who wish/insist
No Obama. Not now. Not ever.
every home could do with a Larry J lol [to keep us safe}
Just trying to make light…
Nobama Noway!
As you can see, McCain knows what the heck he is talking about and Obama knows jack. He gave a lame generic type of answer. Anyone could say that without really understanding what is going on over there.
The sad part is, his comment was a prepared, written statement, it’s not like he just pulled it out his ass (although it sure sounded like it). Jesus, couldn’t he at least have taken the time to do a little research, ya know, put in a little effort?
Since Obama is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on European Affairs, shouldn`t he be holding hearings or something useful.
Bbbbuttt…HARP….That would screw up the vacay….mkay ?…..LOL
Now we need some perspective here….Getting a better forgery of his COLB and makin sure his Cracker Granny is doped up and the bonds are tight is WAAAY MORE IMPORTANT…..then a little ruskie dustup…..No ?
Right…Sorry…No wonder I failed Obama`s approval test.
LOL….we are embarrassments to Dear Leader and my increasingly bitter dog Harry so far has the lowest score…a 10….I think he should be an officer in the resistance….chuckle….Harry says…Aaarf !
LOL…Aaarf is for Barky.
Putin is a thug who believes in cronyism:
This is not a model democracy:
Barack’s response sounds like George Soros in 2004 talking about Iraq:
BRAVO ! Icanpastetoo..love the moniker. PUTIN IS A FASCIST KGB THUG….
*** BEWARE OF RUSSIANS WITH UMBRELLAS….AND FREE LUNCHES…***
Bravo. Where is this from?
I hear this question a lot: Why does the US have to police the world.
My answer is, you either police or be policed, these are the options, now choose.
It’s called REALITY….Aaaand things look different depending on which side of the gun your on. Putin is a FASCIST THUG DOIN THE ADOLF LAND GRAB TO SAVE HIS FELLOW RUSKIES BS…..If I were in Poland….I’d be nervous
Are You Drinking Enough Kool-Aid? The Obama Test Can Tell.
When Obama becomes The Supreme Oneness, there will be no room for dissenters. All will join his Brown-Shirted Defense Force to spy on former Republicans. All PUMAs will be euthanized, as there will be no viable natural prey. Take The Obama Test to see where you might fit in the new Utopia.
http://patriotroom.com/?p=1037
yeah, nice goin’ Russia (snark)
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/WORLD/europe/08/09/georgia.reax/t1land.injured.woman.ap.jpg
Obama is surrounded by over 300 Advisors and they cannot get it right on Russia. JM has less than a 100 and his camp sent out the strongest message that Russia needs to respect soverign nations. Obama is an appeaser. Now Europe and the world are follwoing John Mac with strong words for Russia. Obama camp is using this crisis to launnch political attacks on Jm advisor. ARe these jokers serious? Let me be clear over a 1000 civilians have lost their lives. Putin must be praying for an Obama presidency. Russia will run cartwheels around him. Under an Obama presidency Russia will regain all the former break away Soviet countries.
History is just a record of Human Behavior…after all. Anon1 I thought it was interesting how the price of oil went down after McCain started the oil drilling debate….Shrewed…..McCain is shrewed….
Barry’s advisors are more fashion conscious than policy conscious.
Again, this is about OIL. The BTC pipeline goes through Gori and that’s where a lot of the action is. Russia and Iran want the oil and they don’t want it going from Baku, through Georgia, through Turkey, to the Med and then to Israel to Eilat on the Red Sea. Israel is helping Georgia so it’s acting as the US proxy. Note that the US media says nothing about this but the news is all over Europe.
OBAMA: “What is clear is that Russia has invaded Georgia’s sovereign — has encroached on Georgia’s sovereignty,” he told reporters in Sacramento.
What an intellectual giant.
LOL….Well Pink at least he got the global region right….or is he still thinkin it’s Atlanta…..chuckle….what is this his 3rd…4th statement…..Sheesh!
[...] Comments workingclass artist on Barack Obama Mimics George Bush on Russia’s Invasion?LookingForwardTo2012 on Platform Committee Meeting first postReal Nowhere Man on Are You Good [...]
We did joint training with US Marines there, the base we did this from was bombed by Russia as a slap to our face.
The Republic of Georgia is already trying to address a refugee problem caused by the crisis in Chechnya. Included was an effort to enforce the law on Russia’s behalf and apply standards for extradition of suspects involved with armed resistance from the neighboring state.
Most of this careful diplomatic balance was ignored by Bush or neglected in time. Diplomacy without follow up and review is not diplomacy at all. Worse yet, we tried to make a haste filled drive by to patch up what had long been ignored in the region.
Interesting that Condi was recently there and this still erupted. Must have been no good shoe sales going on at the time….
Steve Clemons is tying this Georgia policy to our own actions in Kosovo as a precedent for justification.
Part of our jumping to Kosovo’s side appears to have been tied to our interests of entering Turkey to the EU or using them to hedge the new Russia. Turkey hosted the first embassy from the newly formed Kosovo republic, giving them a Balkans foothold after having helped greatly with that refugee crisis.
In my opinion he needs to look before Kosovo. When our own counter operative arm supplied elements on different sides of the Red Brigade. All of the sudden, the Niger insertions and the Atta Prague rumors start finding possible links once again. Gunrunners acting across state lines, suddenly elements of Chechen, Balkan, Georgian resistance start developing a consistent method of acquisition, ironically many of these points contact with the points Al Qaeda did in SE Europe. Their M.O. ties in weapons with other illegal activities, not unlike other parts of the spice roads. Ethnic rivalries still strain the larger goodwill of all sides. Those being supported in hopes of fast tracking new state leaders with interest cliques as the curtain fell, can now play bad guy.
Now they can be rogue actors. Still they can attach their ambitions to existing historical rivalries. Suddenly it clouds the right/wrong or good/bad paradigm. Both sides start acting to the wrong of their rivals, and to their own right, from their perspective.
Denny Hastert, this is your baby soiling the diapers of democracy for newborn states. Someone else is riding the combine now, they happen to be in the other party, the other side of the same coin. Bribed and bought out.
Interestng Mr. Murder…..interesting…Hmmmmm……
There are several areas in the “borders of Georgia” who have never been Georgian. During Soviet times they operated separately from the georgian state.
I have personal experience of Abkhazia & an enclave in the Sth. The people are not Russian but Ossetians & Abkhazians & others.
They have never ben part of Georgia .
There is no immediate solution esp after kosovo but I sincerely hope USA does not embolden Georgia.
Just remember the last Georgian who made it to the top..
“There is real disgust with the legacy of Gorbachev and Yeltsin and the demise of the Soviet Union (but not the demise of the Communist party).”
I can understand that. But Gorbachev had no sane choice but to surrender the USSR’s superpower status peacefully. Obama wants to surrender America’s superpower status, but we are not boxed in a corner like Gorbachev — so why? That’s why Germans line up a mile deep to cheer the American Gorbachev. That’s why Putin’s talking sockpuppet Medvedev endorsed Obama, repeating Obama talking points that McCain is ’stuck in the past’ and is too old with ’semi-senile views’, like McCain’s ’semi-senile’ view that America is a superpower and that all nations act aggressively in their national self-interest. Yes, Putin is salivating over the chance to _______ Obama.
We should ask the Brits and the Russians how it feels to be a fallen power before we elect this wet noodle.
Well, I don’t agree that ending the regime of a brutal dictator in Iraq weakens our moral authority. If anything it strengthens it. I agree Obama would do nothing and probably neither would Bush since he would not be backed by any Democrats if he did. At the very least, we should get them into NATO and have NATO get involved…send them in. Will we do it? No, we’ll lose our moral authority by doing nothing, I fear. So much for the games of a peaceful world. Putin is the next Saddam. Too bad Georgia will be devastated for being a friend of the US and for hoping the US would even help. We’ve betrayed another ally.
[...] Barack Obama Mimics George Bush on Russia’s Invasion? [...]
[...] Barack Obama Mimics George Bush on Russia’s Invasion? (by international security expert Larry Johnson at No Quarter) Barack’s comparatively weak, mealy mouthed [initial] response to the violation of another country’s sovereignty does not give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. And the fact that he is lining up with the likes of the failed Presidency of George Bush is even more troubling. At least John McCain seems to understand that unprovoked aggression, left unchallenged, leads to more violence and more death. Later, he beefed up his criticism, once he saw what McCain had said. See below. He used to crib Hillary’s notes. In this situation, he cribbed off Bush and then McCain. Remember that if Obama manages to attain the presidency, he won’t have anyone’s notes to crib. What will he do then? [...]
[...] Barack Obama Mimics George Bush on Russia’s Invasion? (by international security expert Larry Johnson at No Quarter) Barack’s comparatively weak, mealy mouthed [initial] response to the violation of another country’s sovereignty does not give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. And the fact that he is lining up with the likes of the failed Presidency of George Bush is even more troubling. At least John McCain seems to understand that unprovoked aggression, left unchallenged, leads to more violence and more death. Later, he beefed up his criticism, once he saw what McCain had said. See below. He used to crib Hillary’s notes. In this situation, he cribbed off Bush and then McCain. Remember that if Obama manages to attain the presidency, he won’t have anyone’s notes to crib. What will he do then? [...]
Um am I the only one here who sees a resemblance between this and Iraq? Both stupid invasions which meant much on a global skill. Both destroy and upheave the other country’s government and in both no one can stop the superpowers. lol I think that even if they isolated Russia, it’ll prob do just fine. The rest of the world without Russia’s oil .. dont think so.
You are right! Russia can and will do just fine. It may take some time, but the country has resources and intellegent people to improve its economy and do well. I don’t think that Russia will be an isolated country since it’s developed good relashionship with some other countries. Plus, many countries feel that America dominates the world, so Russia could be supported by other countries if a conflict between America and Russia will happen. How many countries asked Ameican millitary forces to be withdrawn from their territory in the last two decades? It is something to think about!
4oThank’s.6d I compleatly disagree with last post . yma
ламинат 0n