I, like most people, have been following the recent actions in Russia and Georgia. And it has been very interesting for me to hear George W. Bush's administration call Russia's actions brutal and unwarranted. I also seem to remember the same words from the rest of the world about our invasion of Iraq. We also used an overwhelming military force and tactical military bombers on a country that had no way to defeat us.

Other things the media will not mention is that Georgia has helped Chechnian terrorists hide in their mountain regions. That is correct. Georgia has allowed the same terrorists who have bombed their schools and taken their citizens hostage.

Also, the Georgians started the firing in this recent conflict and when they were answered they didn't like it and seemed to think the United States and their friend President Bush would come save them.

The United States seems to be able to attack anyone even if the United Nations votes against it, so why are we scolding the Russians? We used very much the same tactics when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. Saddam, as you'll recall, insisted that Kuwait was a renegade territory of Iraq much as Georgia insists South Ossetia is a renegade territory of Georgia, despite an overwhelming desire to leave Georgian control and (internationally unrecognized) self-governance for the past 16 years.

Trying to spin this and put the blame entirely on Russia is dishonest, counterproductive and dangerous. I'm just thankful that John McCain isn't president right now because that short-tempered hothead would have used this as an excuse to get involved with a conflict against Russia. As long as Russia doesn't invade Georgia with the intent of regime change in Tbilisi, this is absolutely none of our business.

Michael Schatz

Watertown