Russia Vows to Support Two Enclaves, in Retort to Bush

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates declared that Russia’s actions now required a full reassessment of administration efforts to create “an ongoing and long-term strategic dialogue with Russia.”

The Lede: Georgia Crisis Upends Vacations, Sort of

In the Russian capital, as it happens, there are signs that dachas will be emptying by the dozens for a vote to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent of Georgia. As RIA Novosti reported, “It is quite possible that both houses of the Russian parliament will interrupt their vacation.”

It’s too soon to judge the results of this situation, but, at this moment in time, things aren’t looking good for Russia now that we have responded. That may change. Who knows what is happening behind the scenes or what may be in motion elsewhere. I’m not familiar with Peters or his style.. perhaps his aim is something like satire, or his purpose is to spur people into action or remind them that life is cruel and evil truly exists. I can’t accurately tell if he is serious or not.. I’ve seen too many glittered Valentines for Putin and petty thugs like him. I’m reminded of that leftist lesbian blogger who, knowing full well what others suffer in Iran, still gushed over Ahmadinejad and his eyes, or every dope that dresses himself in Che’s face. What is the appeal?

Gates and all have to play a delicate dance. This is to speak softly and carry a big stick. Using the military rather than just the Red Cross is a big stick. It is like if Russia attempts to stop us, we say sorry I am going through anyway and you have to attack me to stop me. Russians forces, not the irregulars, have to be told not to cause a confrontation.

The media wants Bush and Co. to say yes we are using the humanitarian mission as a way to force the Russians out. The administration would be stupid to be that obvious. It gets the Russian pride insulted. We said that Russia must allow access and we expect that. Russia has complied to that implied threat.

Too many people want to strut rather than be effective. I am glad that Bush and Co likes to be effective rather than be a braggart and strut their macho. Bush can do the macho but he has to think carefully about the consequences .

What did Gates say?

NO military action. Of any kind for any reason.
Those were not his exact words, but the gist of his message.
Why does America have a military budget if we won’t use military force?
Meanwhile, about 2 hours after his words, the Russians resumed their advance.

“That was George Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion. And if he had not done all these evil and nefarious things, no USA today.”

I think you misunderstood me, which means I made a mistake. It is the person communicating that has the responsibility to make sure the point is made.
What I was saying is that when the Republic is trgheatend, the President will take what actions he deems necessary to save it, and dam the law. This was in response to another posters comment (about 77665654432234567886 posts ago) about the President not being able to change the law. If ignoring it isn’t ‘change’, What is?
I am not as optimistic as most. Even if the US manages to pull a diplomatic rabbit out of a hat, nothing will repair the damage done by allowing the Russians to overrun Georgia. Even if we repave the streets with gold.
Paying the Danegeld DOES not get rid of the Dane.

“You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor and you will have war.”
Churchill’s remark after Chamberlain returned from signing the Munich pact with Hitler