McCain too bellicose on Georgia?

Measured? A bunch of Russian thugs roll in with tanks and start shelling peasant women pulling their oxcarts and you think our response should be measured? We should be bombing the roads into Georgia right now and planing an assault on Moscow. Those pikers deserve everything they get from us...this could be our chance to make Russia "get religion" as far as who really dominates.

Is this NEWS or OPINION. This really should be posted under OPINION next to Jeff Jacoby's article and not NEWS. Shame on you.

NEWS would be reporting that McCain made a statement like this. Its Rhee's OPINION that this statement is making waves. Using a quote by Obama's advisor calling McCain's statement "belligerent" and implying he could have made the situation worse (without any form of reference or example as to how this would be possible) further supports that this is an OPINION article and should not be listed as a NEWS story.

Hillary would have been sounder. She still may get nominated now that the elite Democrats have had their way--and the country needs a strong Democrat candidate, win or lose in Novmber.

Get your facts right before you go in and bomb Russia, They, of course came in heavy, like they do. But it was actually Georgia that started this by bombing civilians in S. Ossetia. They are both killing innocent people. McCain would put us right into heavy conflict with Russia. Just what the world needs.

Bombing with what? with all the materiel stretched out in Iraq where we should never have been, and Afghanistan? Saakashvili has plain and simple called out the shoot-from-the-hip McCain.. so much for tilting at windmills.

Russia has the right to defend itself against unprovoked aggression from Georgia and its supporters. I applaud Russia for making a difficult decision and standing up for what is right, their sovereignty and the integrity of the great Russian Federation. Long live Putin the Tzar...

Hey MC Paul, niceta meetcha.

It's NEWS, because it's about the fact that the president of a sovereign country is directly responding and reacting to the words of a presumptive nominee for the presidency, which by his reaction shows that it is internationally noticed & recognized that McCain is taking a harder line on this than the Administration. Therefore, as the Georgian president took these words of a candidate to assert pressure on the American administration to do more and act more directly, it's "making waves."

OPINION would be, you know, an opinion.

Happy to help.

Georgians want to use Americans. Russia is a superpower like the USA. Georgia laughed at the Russians and assaulted the Russians. Russians are now showing Georgia who is boss. Georgia cannot be trusted. Georgians are Muslims. The Georgian Muslim terrorists want American aid then use the American aid against the USA. This situation is like what happened when USA helped the Taliban and Afghanistan against the Russians only to have the Taliban set the September 11 terrorist acts against the USA. Americans want to side with any country that is against another superpower but you must know the facts before you act. Keep it at diplomatic aid without military or economic aid. Georgia will be another American enemy.

What was Obama's initial response? Something along the lines of 'let's all try to get along'? My, my, what a stand! If and when this inexperienced, ineffectual old-style politician wrapped in a new-style package of Change is elected, expect for this kind of activity to ESCALATE. The bullies of the world are licking their chops. And we're about to serve the U.S. of A. up on a silver platter.

Russia and China are going to start flexing their muscle. Get used to it. US is bankrupt and tied down fighting the Muslim/terrorist issue.

It is not news that Obama caved in to the Russians before anyone else. . .
The Globe will find a way to spin anything to make Obama look good

What was Obama's initial response? Something along the lines of 'let's all try to get along'? My, my, what a stand! If and when this inexperienced, ineffectual old-style politician wrapped in a new-style package of Change is elected, expect for this kind of activity to ESCALATE. The bullies of the world are licking their chops. And we're about to serve the U.S. of A. up on a silver platter.

Obama is afraid to say anything specific on a subject unless it involves levying taxes against a corporation. The only way to handle a bully is to get in their face and show what you will do, not ask them to a discussion. Obama is the candidate for the terminally naive in the country who are ignorant of the world. We need to make Russia look bad over this.

Russian thugs? How about you stop reading the biased sources of info and hear both sides of the story! Do you even know who started the conflict on August 8th? Georgia started it. They moved into South Osetia (do you even know what that is? Ever been there? Ever talked to the people of South Osetia?) and killed 2000 people. You are one of those ignorant Americans who blindly trust what they hear.

Hey Dan,

It would be straight news if the editorial slant weren't insinuated in the exact instances MC Paul mentioned.

You, um...do know the difference right?

Or do you work for um...you know, The Globe editorial section.

Simple question Dan. You know...the kind of question you ask to establish an objective fact or two.

Nice sneering from you

Wars do not benefit any country. It hurts the country politically and economically. The Russians and Chinese are superpowers who resort to the military only when it is absolutely necessary. Russia and China have been supporters of peace and the United Nations when the USA wanted warfare. There is a reason why Russia is fighting the Georgians. Georgia started the conflict.

I wonder what all these chest-thumping McCain lovers think the US should actually do to Russia, what with its massive nuclear arsenal and dominance in the natural gas market. Should we invade them? Nuke them? Over Georgia?
The Bush Administration handled the situation correctly by loudly suggesting Russia should accept an internationally brokered cease fire. Russia did so and is now pulling out of Georgia. Presumably, McCain doesn't think we should use military force against Russia, which could trigger WWIII. His main suggestion seems to be that we should use more "tough" language that is full of sound and fury but signifies nothing. Of course, there is little point in "tough" language if we won't actually use force.

Who is Senator McCain trying to fool by saying "We are all Georgians" ?
Maybe he thinks it's 3AM in the morning and time to send more American youth into harms way. Perhaps HE should enlist in the Georgian armed forces and suffer the consequences. Senator McCain should speak softly and carry a big stick rather than mouthing off and carrying no stick at all. Maybe he thinks we should move our troops from Iraq to Georgia. If so, I agree... as long as that's Atlanta, GA.

Too bellicose for the Georgians? According to the Georgian president, it sounds like McCain's statements were just peachy -- and now he wants some action to back them up.

Too bellicose for the Russians? Yeah, we wouldn't want to upset to folks who use the Olympics to distract the world from their armor columns rolling into a sovereign democratic nation. Sure wouldn't want to make any strong statements about that.

Or too bellicose for the Obama officials who have evidently purchased the Globe's journalistic integrity?

I know we're all real sore over mismanagement in Iraq, and rightly so. But we can't use that as an excuse to stop standing up for what is right. Sometimes right and wrong are clear enough that a stern "shot from the hip" means more than a limp, polite request for everyone to play nicely.

I thought this matter was settled today on the Beach V-Ball court? Georgia (Brazil) defeated Russia, 'nuff said .

Community Organizer and former State Senator Obama (oh, he's been in the US Senate for 146 days before he declared his run for President) showed he has no idea how to handle important situations. This is important work, and that kind of work is meant for steady, responsible hands - that's John McCain.

I'm a Democrat who backs McCain on what he said. It is foolish to think Russia is our friend, can be talked to and can be trusted. They understand only strength and history has proved that. This is no time in History to back down to them. We have been close with georgia and need to stand with them. The Russians trashed the country when they left in 1992 and they want it back. This is not the end of this by a long shot. They have a strnglehold on oil and natural gas to the west and they will us e it a s a weapon. This is no time for a return to carter.

JT--

I agree that people should know the facts before making acting. Contrary to your posting, the fact is that upwards of 80% of Georgians are Orthodox Christians, a fact you could have discovered had you spent even a moment looking for facts before posting your analysis of the situation.

John McCain longs for the resumption of the cold war. We go attack a country who is not our enemy 7000 miles away with 150,000 troops and get indignant when a country like Georgia on the border with Russia who is attacking Russian civillans
and we call them allies. When did Georgia become our ally. Ally for what?

All you insecure tough guys need to ask yourself would you be willing to sacrafice you life or your childrens life by potentially starting a war with Russia. I hardly doubt Georgia has done no wrong. And maybe we should really evaluate a situation before we start a war, it would be a nice change. McCain was in a mistake of a war and I think he's fine with starting another. The bullies of the world will allways regonize our power, you mess with us or try to and you got a serious problem on your hand. But to think that Obama is going to disarm the US defense and let the world do what ever they choose to us is COMPLETE RETARDATION. I swear half of all Americans are total idiots.

Let's see. Old SOviet Union had Eastern Europe and a bunch of republics with -Stan at the ned of them, plus Ukraine, Georgia, and the Baltics all part of their empire.

We've already made Poland part of NATO, and we talk about making Georgia part of NATO as well. Do you think we might get a bit annoyed if such a thing happened in our backyard? Oh, yea, the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis, and an embargo that still hasn't brough the Castros down.

No, it didn't justify armed invasion, and it didn't need to go as far as it did. But let's at least attempt to look at it from the Russian perspective. They have been encircled and invaded before. The Russian version of the Monroe Doctrine. Bush's endorsement of Putin looks really wise now.

Both Obama and McCain need to recognize that they AREN'T yet president and keep their mouths shut.

you are realize that Georgia started this right? Russia was probably overly heavy handed with their response, but it was the Georgians who first sent their military into the region

Who is Senator McCain trying to fool by saying "We are all Georgians" ?
Maybe he thinks it's 3AM in the morning and time to send more American youth into harms way. Perhaps HE should enlist in the Georgian armed forces and suffer the consequences. Senator McCain should speak softly and carry a big stick rather than mouthing off and carrying no stick at all. Maybe he thinks we should move our troops from Iraq to Georgia. If so, I agree... as long as that's Atlanta, GA.

isn't McCain being a bit ARROGANT or perhaps PRESUMPTUOUS? where is the critique that Obama absorbed when he merely met with foreign heads of state last month? such a double standard!

anyway, McCain's saber rattling is made all the worse because it CANNOT be backed up by action: we need the Russians to press Iran, we can't very well go around admonishing folks for invading another country (why? well, it starts with an I and ends with a Q), and any escalation of this conflict may just bring nuclear arms into play, something Obama has fought against, compared to McCain.

seems like the only one that caved here was McCain, to the neocons, military hardliners, and general nutcases drooling for a fight with Russia. someone remind the old man that this isnt the cold war.

Let's see. Old SOviet Union had Eastern Europe and a bunch of republics with -Stan at the ned of them, plus Ukraine, Georgia, and the Baltics all part of their empire.

We've already made Poland part of NATO, and we talk about making Georgia part of NATO as well. Do you think we might get a bit annoyed if such a thing happened in our backyard? Oh, yea, the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis, and an embargo that still hasn't brough the Castros down.

No, it didn't justify armed invasion, and it didn't need to go as far as it did. But let's at least attempt to look at it from the Russian perspective. They have been encircled and invaded before. The Russian version of the Monroe Doctrine. Bush's endorsement of Putin looks really wise now.

Both Obama and McCain need to recognize that they AREN'T yet president and keep their mouths shut.

Elect John A. Bailo for thermonuclear war....onwards to Moscow!!!! hahaha - Mr. Bailo I hope for your sake that is an alias....

JT needs to know the facts himself before spouting more nonsense. Georgia is less than 10% Muslim, the population is mostly (over 80%) Orthodox with small Catholic and Protestant minorities. Russia can try to explain away their invasion with whatever propaganda they want, the fact is the religious composition of Georgia is not much different than Russia.

I think Ike put it best when he said "The only way to win World War III is to prevent it."

That seems to be Barack Obama's stand too and has worked out well for America for the last 60 years

Remember Teddy Roosevelt's "speak softly and carry a big stick"? McCain has turned that on its head -- speak really tough words and have absolutely nothing to back them up with (why say "We are all Georgians" when you have no intent to actually do anything about it?). This guy is temperamentally unfit to be President.

This is why your readership is down. McCain was dead on with his analysis and only the Globe could distort into a negative sounding headline. The quote from Saakashvili actually supports McCain's position, that the administration needs to step up. As it was with Iraq, Bush will come around to the proper line, that which McCain is pushing.

I look forward to the media's reaction when McCain wins in a landslide. Obama isn't qualified for a cabinet position, let along a President. Only the Dem's could nominate an inexperienced 'community activist' for the most powerful position in the world.

Great. Let's take on Russia now. But should they come first, or should it be North Korea or Iran? Gee, we've still got Iraq and Afghanistan on our plates. Oops, forgot to mention Pakistan. Given their support of the Taliban, they should be high up on the list. Get real, all you hard-liners. Georgia is in Russia's sphere of influence. Having been invaded twice with tens of millions of dead and lost their position of power in the world, the Russians are paranoid about a small country on their border cozying up to the US. Georgia's president went too far in trying to keep a breakaway province from wanting to break away. He challenged the bear right outside its den and got his face bashed in. That's his problem. No way the US should get involved. Maybe some humanitarian help and lots of strong words. But nothing more.

Did Georgia launch the first attack on a breakway portion of their own country? Yes. What people seem to be missing here is for Russia to counter in a way that they did, with massive combined arms attacks, took WEEKS to prepare and stockpile for. You can not simply launch a massive military operation as Russia did overnight. The logistic elements of this attack had to have been planned and prepared for long before Georgia troops rolled.
What does this tell me? It tells me that Russia knew this was comming and looked upon it as an oppertunity to do more than just "punish" Georgia for her offensive.

Hey JD and FlaLady-

Please explain to me what Obama's reaction should have been? Should he have backed the Russians, who attacked Georgia? Or should he have backed the Georgians, who attacked South Ossetia? Was Georgia's show of might necessary? What provoked them? What's Russia's stake in this? How does oil play into this? These are some of the many questions that all political leaders (and all citizens) should be asking. This is a complex situation, and it merits more thought than John McCain gave it.

JT - fewer than 10% of Georgians are Muslim. Vast majority are Christian. I'm afraid your religio-phobic rant doesn't work (if facts are important).

Mikhail Saakashvili is trying to get the US to carry his water for him, because he is failing to live up to the promises that brought him into office.

I am sick of the US being used this way -- Ahmed Chalabi comes to mind, and other exiled or diaspora groups (including Brzezinski's support for the Afghani Mujahadeen, while he was obsessed with Poland and Russia).

Let's let Georgia, Russia, and the Ukraine sort out their differences on their own. Meanwhile, perhaps we can solve our immigration problem the only long-term sustainable way: by encouraging real reforms and economic growth in Mexico, so that it becomes an economic magnet for workers.

George Kennan nailed it in 2005: exapanding NATO to include Georgia and Ukraine would work against US long-run interests. Let's use our brains, people, not some visceral, knee-jerk, jingoist reaction.

For those saying Georgia attacked Russia, correct me if I am wrong but Ossentia is part of Georgia not Russia, So I am confused as to how Russia was invaded?

Fat Lady, perhaps you'd like to provide a link to your racist comment putting Rodney King's words in Obama's mouth? Consuming more facts in your diet is supposed to alleviate diarrhea of the mouth, I hear.

The older McCain gets the more he supports any war, any time, anywhere for any reason. Even if the other side has 30,000 nuclear warheads and the rockets to destroy the entire planet.

If Georgia and the Ukraine are admitted into NATO, we will be obligated by treaty to defend them even if they are the aggressor, which is the case here, and even if no one in this country ever heard of these countries or have any idea where they are.

This isn't the Red Sox or the Patriots. This is for real.

What a one-sided opinion piece posing as third grade journalism! The Globe seems to be descending further and further into a political rag, but still calls itself a newspaper.

Obama's initial response was so weak: let's all talk now. Talk will not deter Russia - or Iran for that matter.

Georgia didn't have an army before we got them one so they could be part of our "coalition" in Iraq. It's natural they would want to strike at their overbearing neighbor given the Cold War history and the fact they have some firepower now. But Georgia miscalculated and picked a fight with a bigger, nastier country.

The point is, the US has no good hand in this. Nobody is the good guy here, at least not when it comes to "defending themselves' - both sides have been encouraging cross border activity & attacks.

If Georgia had gotten the fast track to NATO then we'd have legitimate military options...but they aren't in the group (and for some good reasons - corruption, rights abuses, etc), And I fail to see where US has the authority to start bombing the territory of a 'close ally' because they were being invaded in a counter-attack.

The real problem highlighted here (regardless of what you McCain and Obama bashers want to say) is that Russian leadership is on a back slide into its old ways. This is fuelled by Putin, who is on track to be dictator for life (if not in actual title). Maybe Russia’s citizens grew tired of the corruption and lawlessness of the Yeltsin, post-Glasnost era (where everything was privatized and stolen) and are content (but not happy) to ride the Putin train. “The Devil you Know,” kind of the same concept of McCain’s campaign.

Either way - you're not going to scare Russia anytime soon. So send some US soldiers in there as peace keepers (it's the only thing that would stop Russian offensives) but for god's sake you'd be a moron to attack.

If we could focus on wrapping up major deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan in the next 3-5 years & help more Eastern European countries on their way to NATO & The EU, then we'll be in a better position to deal with the Russian resurgence. By then Putin will have nationalized or ruined most of Russia's industry (as he’s done with their 2 biggest oil companies so far) and siphoned off all the oil profits. Since oil is the only thing keeping Russian economy afloat, with its inflation rate steadily eroding progress they've made, I bet they find themselves back where they were in the early 80's - at the height of their belligerence with the economic floor falling out from beneath them. Then - revolution (again).

How about - It's 3:00 a.m., John McCain answered the phone - 4:00 a.m. never arrived for many Americans.

Good thing some waited until they had ALL of the facts before having diarrhea at the mouth.

So many people here know so little about the crisis in Georgia, and then use this lack of information to call out Obama. Apparently NATO is weak, too, huh? You've been brain-washed into thinking that diplomacy is a bad thing and that Russia is always the bad guy. IT'S GEORGIA'S FAULT. It would be like a part of Mexico breaking away because they want to join America, allowing them to join, and then seeing Mexico begin bombing the crap out of the new state over a grudge.

President Eisenhower said that America's greatest weapon abroad is our good reputation. This is non-existent, now, and the greatest proof of this is the way that Russia laughed in the face of President Bush's "demands".

You guys are and will continue to be the reason for any future terrorist attacks and hatred towards America, not a democratic president. You are the ones that have destroyed our reputation abroad, and until you a good kick in the ass (see: Obama becoming President and things actually improving for once), we won't be able to get it back.

Mikhail Saakashvili is trying to get the US to carry his water for him, because he is failing to live up to the promises that brought him into office.

I am sick of the US being used this way -- Ahmed Chalabi comes to mind, and other exiled or diaspora groups (including Brzezinski's support for the Afghani Mujahadeen, while he was obsessed with Poland and Russia).

Let's let Georgia, Russia, and the Ukraine sort out their differences on their own. Meanwhile, perhaps we can solve our immigration problem the only long-term sustainable way: by encouraging real reforms and economic growth in Mexico, so that it becomes an economic magnet for workers.

George Kennan nailed it in 2005: exapanding NATO to include Georgia and Ukraine would work against US long-run interests. Let's use our brains, people, nad not some visceral, knee-jerk jingoism.

I remember after 911 and before Iraq war, we had an incompetent and idiotic Defense secretary called RumsField. He talked too much nonsense and failed to deliver any good. The Republicans led by this talk big and deliver nothing leaders put us in such a bad situation that it will take 20 to 30 years to get out of the hole. We are stuck in Iraq. Afghanistan and Pakistan are the nations where crazy terrorists are roaming freely. We can't do anything about it.

Now McCain shoots his big mouth. The guy wants to show his macho and manly attitude and see if he can trick foolish and low IQ idiots to vote for him. There are a lot of them as I above the posts. But I hope this bunch is soundly defeated in November.

Unlike Barack Hussain Obama’s statement where he said “I am deeply trouble by the violence in Georgia” that’s is???? I can already guess that he would want to convene a meeting at the UN to make sure he doesn’t upset any nations and have a round table discussion, get unilateral support before denouncing Russia for being a bully and attacking a United States allies. I don’t like McCain but he has my vote.sain

I have to agree with W Brusk. The fact that keeps getting buried is that Georgia picked this fight. They invaded first. This does not validate Russia's extremely heavy handed counter attack or their bombing villages and towns outside of the field of battle, but the fact still stands. McCain's statement was poorly thought out and is just adding flame to the fire. He is playing the role of cowboy when we need a negotiator. The important issue is we need to provide aid to Georgia and South Ossetia. Level heads and not thoughtless bravado is what this situation calls for. For once it appears even Bush figured that one out.

More third-grade opinion pieces from the Boston Globe trying to pass as journalism. The Globe has turned into a political rag trying to pass as a newspaper.

THAT'S WHY I CANCELED MY SUBSCRIPTION YEARS AGO.

To John A. Bailo : An assault on Moscow? What's your real name? Dr. Strangelove?
We don't have enough troops to deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan because of out stupid and ill-thought out war in Iraq and you want to start a shooting war with the only other nation on earth with enough nuclear weapons to obliterate us or anyone else. It is morons like you that make me fear for the future of humanity.

I think Obama is on his way to Russia right now to give Putin a big hug.

All you warmongers should consider that you don't have the might to back up your mouth. The only defense we have against Russia is nuclear weapons ... are you suggesting we start using them?

Other than nuclear weapons, our only other choice is the support of the allies which seem to be few and far between these days. Guess who Russia has on their side? China. Iran Perhaps? A few other countries who have grown to hate the US over the last years.

Way to go all you US PATRIOTS!! Stand up and send out the nukes while beating your chest and proclaiming how strong you are. Elect Obama please.

#1, emotional idiot; get hold of yourself; unwire those 5000 amp emotions. with people like you running the world, there would be no roads left, anywhere.

Georgia didn't have an army before we got them one so they could be part of our "coalition" in Iraq. It's natural they would want to strike at their overbearing neighbor given the Cold War history and the fact they have some firepower now. But Georgia miscalculated and picked a fight with a bigger, nastier country.

The point is, the US has no good hand in this. Nobody is the good guy here, at least not when it comes to "defending themselves' - both sides have been encouraging cross border activity & attacks.

If Georgia had gotten the fast track to NATO then we'd have legitimate military options...but they aren't in the group (and for some good reasons - corruption, rights abuses, etc), And I fail to see where US has the authority to start bombing the territory of a 'close ally' because they were being invaded in a counter-attack.

The real problem highlighted here (regardless of what you McCain and Obama bashers want to say) is that Russian leadership is on a back slide into its old ways. This is fuelled by Putin, who is on track to be dictator for life (if not in actual title). Maybe Russia’s citizens grew tired of the corruption and lawlessness of the Yeltsin, post-Glasnost era (where everything was privatized and stolen) and are content (but not happy) to ride the Putin train. “The Devil you Know,” kind of the same concept of McCain’s campaign.

Either way - you're not going to scare Russia anytime soon. So send some US soldiers in there as peace keepers (it's the only thing that would stop Russian offensives) but for god's sake you'd be a moron to attack.

If we could focus on wrapping up major deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan in the next 3-5 years & help more Eastern European countries on their way to NATO & The EU, then we'll be in a better position to deal with the Russian resurgence. By then Putin will have nationalized or ruined most of Russia's industry (as he’s done with their 2 biggest oil companies so far) and siphoned off all the oil profits. Since oil is the only thing keeping Russian economy afloat, with its inflation rate steadily eroding progress they've made, I bet they find themselves back where they were in the early 80's - at the height of their belligerence with the economic floor falling out from beneath them. Then - revolution (again).

>

Solving situations like the one between Georgia and Russia is exactly why the United Nations was formed. Having been in a war and seen what it actually is, I can guarantee you that a reasonable diplomatic solution is far better and a military one.

However, our inept foreign policies since going back to Regan have blinded us to reality. Clinton opened the door to Pandora's box with his "ethic peoples self-determination" garbage that resulted in wars in the Balkans and the current situation between Georgia and Russia. Here comes Bush and Rice who seem to think that they are still in the 80s fighting the evil soviet union and seeing terrorist behind every tree.

If, as the USA maintains, Georgia has the right to separate from Russia, then it follows that two areas within Georgia that wish to stay with Russia have the right to do so. Georgia sent in the troops killing civilians and destroying property. No one forced them to do this. Russia bluntly told Georgia what would happen if they did such a thing and the Georgian leader paid no attention. Now that this bully's hand is caught in the cookie jar, he is screaming loudly.

Wake up America, watch the Georgian President on TV. He doesn't appear to be in reality and definitely is not deserving of any blood from our military or even a single penny of our hard earned tax dollars for that matter. Oh why oh why do we support *8&6% around the world just because they are against someone? These people are fair weather friends like Turkey proved to be a few years ago when all we asked for was the right to send troops through them to Iraq (I wonder how many of our guys were needlessly killed because of that?)

Take a look at the foreign advisors for both McCain and Obama. No matter which gets elected, both will follow failed policies of the past. Our problem is that the Rebumpkins don't know the cold war is over and see terrorist behind every tree and the whinocrats want to give away the world to be "good guys" but will bomb Yugo and pill factories for show.

In my opinion, neither of the two parties is living in reality or doing America any good as both have sold out to special interest groups and give a tinker's damn about America.

Everybody wants us out of Iraq where we have a better stronghold. To go to

Georgia?? Why doesn't McCain and Obama round up the 12 to 24 million illegal

immigrants in this country and ask them to go to Georgia. Ask not what the

country you snuck into can do for you. Ask what you can do for the country you

snuck into. That's when the illegals will go back home.

Unlike Barack Hussain Obama’s statement where he said “I am deeply trouble by the violence in Georgia” that’s is???? I can already guess that he would want to convene a meeting at the UN to make sure he doesn’t upset any nations and have a round table discussion, get unilateral support before denouncing Russia for being a bully and attacking a United States allies. I don’t like McCain but he has my vote.sain

Once again Foon shows the inability to seperate Opinion from News and can barely contain the bias slant in the story.

Obama's advisors are not in a position to comment on any military conflicts. Neither one of the candidates should be issuing any statements at Russia or Georgia - its not their job yet.

The posts are frightening. I don't believe that Sen Obama has suggested a campfire sing-along with the Russians anymore than Pres Bush has. What is a fact is that the situation is much more complicated that those on this board who would like to paint events in stark right/wrong contrasts would like to admit. Those who would have the US charging into Georgia to fight the Russians ... first, what do you think the consequences of such as action might be? You think a faceoff with the Russians, in a geographic area that is on their own border, is a good idea? And even if it was a good idea, what troops would you suggest using? Those overextended troops currently stationed in Iraq or those overextended troops currently stationed in Afghanistan? The world we live in requires some subtlety of word and action that Sen McCain seems to be lacking. Instead of castigating Sen Obama for suggesting that mediation is a good idea (and we see Rice heading overseas to do just that) perhaps we should question the qualifications and judgment of a man who (take your pick) mouths empty platitudes (We are all Georgians) or who makes empty, bellicose threats against another nuclear power. Honestly, grow up. Our foreign policy should not be run by hormonal teenagers.

>

Solving situations like the one between Georgia and Russia is exactly why the United Nations was formed. Having been in a war and seen what it actually is, I can guarantee you that a reasonable diplomatic solution is far better than a military one.

However, our inept foreign policies since going back to Regan have blinded us to reality. Clinton opened the door to Pandora's box with his "ethic peoples self-determination" garbage that resulted in wars in the Balkans and the current situation between Georgia and Russia. Here comes Bush and Rice who seem to think that they are still in the 80s fighting the evil soviet union and seeing terrorist behind every tree.

If, as the USA maintains, Georgia has the right to separate from Russia, then it follows that two areas within Georgia that wish to stay with Russia have the right to do so. Georgia sent in the troops killing civilians and destroying property. No one forced them to do this. Russia bluntly told Georgia what would happen if they did such a thing and the Georgian leader paid no attention. Now that this bully's hand is caught in the cookie jar, he is screaming loudly.

Wake up America, watch the Georgian President on TV. He doesn't appear to be in reality and definitely is not deserving of any blood from our military or even a single penny of our hard earned tax dollars for that matter. Oh why oh why do we support *8&6% around the world just because they are against someone? These people are fair weather friends like Turkey proved to be a few years ago when all we asked for was the right to send troops through them to Iraq (I wonder how many of our guys were needlessly killed because of that?)

Take a look at the foreign advisors for both McCain and Obama. No matter which gets elected, both will follow failed policies of the past. Our problem is that the Rebumpkins don't know the cold war is over and see terrorist behind every tree and the whinocrats want to give away the world to be "good guys" but will bomb Yugo and pill factories for show.

In my opinion, neither of the two parties is living in reality or doing America any good as both have sold out to special interest groups and give a tinker's damn about America.

As a registered independent, I have to admit that you Obama fans scare me. Some of your logic is just outlandish.

To the Russian apologists:

If we deployed the National Guard to quell violent riots or civil disorder in Seattle, that doesn't give Canada the right to send tank divisions across our national border, save the rioters, and continue assaulting south and east to occupy Tacoma, Portland, Olympia, and Spokane.

To the "I hate my country because we screwed up on Iraq and we can't ever criticize another country ever again" crowd:

The difference is that when we invaded Iraq, it was predicated on the (admittedly mistaken) notion that we were threatened by WMD in the control of a harsh, cruelly reprehensible dictatorship that had systematically defied dozens of U.N. resolutions in the 10 years it had been sitting in the international naughty chair.

No one is seriously suggesting the use of nukes or the invasion of the Russian motherland. But the United States can and should take a hard stance on actions such as this. That means harshly and immediately condemning them and finding a course of action that underscores it. (Like landing some U.S. forces in the region on a humanitarian aid mission. Geez, it took 8 years, but Bush finally has a clue -- what a shame).

I'm afraid that Obama appears unwilling, unable, or too inexperienced to offer a prompt statement without conferring with this campaign officials to ensure that his statement doesn't hurt anyone's feelings. (As if Putin has them.)

ColoradoDave

I believe you are confusing the term ignoramus with patriot. I consider myself to be quite pro-US (anti-current administration) and would willingly give my life for this country. I consider my self a patriot. A person suggesting we launch attacks against Russia for protecting people who are victims of an unprovoked attack (albeit it brutally) would be considered ignoramus.

Just so that there is no confusion about this. Most of the South Osetia residents are Russian Citizens with Russian passports. South Osetia wants to be recognized as an independent state. Both Russians and Georgians have had peace-keepers on its territory for years. On August 8th, Georgia moved into South Osetia and started killing civilians and russian peace-keepers. As a result of this attack, 2000 innocent people died. South Osetia called Georgia's act "genocide" and pleaded Russia for help. Russia then declared that it would defend its citizens no matter where they were. Thousands of South Osetia refugees fled to Russia. Yes, the conflict between Georgia and Russia has been there for decades, and nobody says it's a simple matter, but Georgia has also for decades been trying to keep South Osetia under their control. Do you people really believe Russia needs South Osetia economically? What interest does it really have in keeping South Osetia? It's South Osetia that does not want to be under the regime of the current Georgian President. I beg Americans to read other than american media in order to get both sides of the story.
I am blaming both Russia and Georgia for this conflict (that by the way, did not just start on august 8). Dear Fellow Americans, let's stop being ignorant. And by the way, the Georgian President made a big mistake by starting the fire on August 8. Big mistake.

The Russians will stop if there is a strong enough US response, such as a Naval relief mission to a port or the aid airlifts that are beginning now.

Sure, the Russians have some cash these days, and are feeling cocky, but they are well aware that they are equipped with 1985 vintage equipment. They will not risk even a regional clash with the US. Especially US airpower.

Any setback in such an adventure would crush their dreams of being seen as resurgent superpower.

This just shows you how much of a warmonger John McCain is...Opening his mouth before he thinks....too old and brains like Bush....

Time for a change!!!!

wow.....7 years of unilateralism from the bush administration, one war that was a colossal mistake from the get-go (iraq) and another that actually had the world's support but may be doomed because of iraq (afghanistan) and you people are still mocking multilateralists and diplomats as basically wussies?

there is no end to american hubris, hyper-masculinity and ignorance. a perfect explanation for mccain's candidacy.

McCain would rather start a war than lose an election.

John McCain will do everything in his power to make any international crisis a selling point of FEAR if it will help his campaign. As we witnessed in the last election with the Swift Boat group, Republicans are willing to say and do anything to get their people elected. The American people would be wise to observe actions above words. We are all worse off than we were eight years ago and so is the world. Bush tells Putin not to invade a sovereign nation after the hypocrite invaded two. Maybe if the Republican leadership was a bit more intellectually curious, less privileged, and learned to play international chess they'd have realized years and lives ago that their international policies were leading America and the world towards future disasters just like the one emerging in Georgia.

The responses from both candidates could not be more diametrically opposed in terms of tone and content.

One was diplomatic, well reasoned, even handed and constructive. Not only was the other threatening, arrogant and warlike, it came straight from the Bush template; using war and malice as foreign policy tools.

When one talks about experience, it all depends whether or not it is good or bad. See what Bush- experience got America into? A state of total decline in almost every area of importance to Americans.

Americans can not vote for another warlike president as the nation is now totally war-weary.

The responses from both candidates could not be more diametrically opposed in terms of tone and content.

One was diplomatic, well reasoned, even handed and constructive. Not only was the other threatening, arrogant and warlike, it came straight from the Bush template; using war and malice as foreign policy tools.

When one talks about experience, it all depends whether or not it is good or bad. See what Bush- experience got America into? A state of total decline in almost every area of importance to Americans.

Americans can not vote for another warlike president as the nation is now totally war-weary.

So the Georgian president is talking to McCain SEVERAL TIMES A DAY!!! When McCain says Country first, which country is he talking about? What I find frightening, besides McCain's trigger happy warmongering, is that despite his tremendous 'experience' and his years of foreign travel, McCain still doesn't know Putin is not President of Russia and Iraq does not border Pakistan. He doesn't know Shia from Sunni and is not sure quite who the insurgents are. If after all these years of 'experience' he is this clueless, what hope is there for intelligence, reasonable judgment, or knowledge in the future. yikes!!!