another letter published in my paper today re Russia/Georgia

[w8liftinglady]

The Democrats are out in force this week!
http://www.thedailylight.com/articles/2008/08/14/opinion/doc48a45eab2185e298393440.txt
To the Editor,

The recent conflict between Russia and the former Soviet republic of Georgia has conveniently brought out some of the difference in foreign policy attitude between John McCain and Barack Obama.

Obama immediately called for both sides to “show restraint.” He followed up with a detailed statement, the essence of which was:

“The United States, Europe and all other concerned countries must stand united in condemning this aggression, and seeking a peaceful resolution to this crisis. We should continue to push for a United Nations Security Council Resolution calling for an immediate end to the violence.”

He concluded, however: “Let me be clear: We seek a future of cooperative engagement with the Russian government and friendship with the Russian people.”

McCain, on the other hand (before even President Bush had a chance to speak on the subject), went quickly before the press to warn Russia of “the severe, long-term negative consequences that their government’s actions will have for Russia’s relationship with the U.S. and Europe.” The United States as a hammer, again?

It’s worth knowing that McCain has long pushed to have Russia expelled from the G8, even as he has provoked that country by pushing to have Georgia included in NATO. And it’s worth knowing that McCain’s top foreign policy adviser is, as he has been for several years, a paid lobbyist for that very same Georgia. And, of course, the fact that a big, fat oil pipeline runs through Georgia is interesting.

It may also be worth knowing that Georgia basically started the fight, by moving against the breakaway, Russia-friendly province of South Ossetia, where some 1,500 or so Russian troops were stationed, many of whom were reportedly killed in the beginning. Clearly Russia saw an opportunity to try to pummel Georgia into insignificance.

This morning, it appears that cooler heads have prevailed and Russia’s president has announced an end to the “punishment.”

But I’m wanting to point out what we may have learned from the candidates’ reactions as to what each might offer us. U.N. as a peacemaker or U.S. as a hammer?

[panader0]

1. Excellent! What is that? Your two hundreth letter? You are cool.

[w8liftinglady]

2. No,No!!It's another democrat!They are coming out in force..

and sounding SO good.2 On today's page alone.

[panader0]

3. I had to pull out the map to find Waxahachie

[w8liftinglady]

4. lol...it's one of the Bigger towns in Ellis County.

which is what makes this so remarkable.2 Dems on one day.My editor rules.

[Ilsa]

5. As a former resident of Dallas, I know where Waxahatchie is, and

this letter is incredible! w8lifting lady, I bet you've given others the courage to write in! This is awesome.

South Texas Ilsa.

[w8liftinglady]

6. I am so proud of my fellow Texans.They are awesome!